A Trip To This Little Known Ancient Ruin In Massachusetts Is Truly One In A Million

This state is home to a surprising number of ancient ruins and deserted spots, but this forest ghost town in the woods of Massachusetts is truly something special. Here’s what you need to know about this ancient spot that’s begging to be explored.

Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan

It has a fascinating history that dates back to the very earliest days of colonization in Massachusetts. This long-abandoned settlement is named after the mythical Questing Beast of Arthurian legend. In the legends, the knights of the Round Table sought to kill the Questing Beast, which was described as having the neck of a snake, the body of a leopard, the rear of a lion, and the feet of a rabbit.

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Wikimedia Commons/Arthur Rackham

The first fort of the original New Marlborough settlement was built in Questing and it saw the arrival of the first first non-Native American children to be born in the region, the Brooksin twins. The little village was also home to the Leffingwell family, and the remains of their homestead can still be seen in the form of cellar holes and ruined stone walls.

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AllTrails/Alvah Stone

The settlement was eventually abandoned in the late 1800s as farmers migrated west, and Questing is now a gorgeous 438-acre space filled with hardwood forest, wetland, small streams, and vernal pools. You’ll also find a 17-acre wildflower field filled with butterflies in the spring, as well as paths that will take you through the woods and to the site of the old settlement. The hike to the abandoned village is about one mile and is suitable for hikers of most skill levels.

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this historic spot this season. You can find Questing at 351-407 New Marlborough Hill Rd., New Marlborough, Mass. Click here to see Questing on a map and get driving directions. If you love learning about old ghost towns in Massachusetts, check out this other abandoned forest town you can hike to.