Old Stone Church
Old Stone Church
West Boylston, MA
Image by David Long @ www.davelongphoto.com
The Old Stone Church was built in the early 1890s to replace the Baptist church that had been lost in a fire. Hardly 10 years later, it had to be abandoned for the Wachusett Reservoir. Because it was built of stone and was clearly going to be a scenic attraction, the townsfolk persuaded the commonwealth to let it remain. It stands alone on the point of land by the side of the water as a reminder of what was lost to the reservoir. The site is a landscape photographer's dream as it can be shot in any season, at sunset or sunrise and in between, with fog or snow providing a great atmosphere.
It is framed by spectacular foliage during the fall, and the reservoir in front often smooths out to create mirror reflections. Most of the year, an American flag hangs on the side, but it is decorated with a giant wreath in December.
Photos and location summary by David Long. David is a landscape and travel photographer based in New England and provides both workshops and a series of self-guided e-books to help find the best locations to shoot in the Northeast US. David’s portfolio along with information on his workshops and self-guided e-books can be found at davelongphoto.com.
Trail Difficulty - EASY
For the most popular shot, it is a short walk from the parking area along the causeway across the reservoir. You can bushwack along the water to gain some different angles or walk about 10 minutes to the entrance of the church (which is simply a shell with nothing inside)
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
Sea Level
Photography Tips
Fall is the best time to photograph this wonderful location due to the amazing collection of fall colors that appear in late September through mid-October (depending on how fast the colors change). You can check the local fall color websites, but I have had the best luck October 5 - 15. Summer is excellent as the sun sets right down the reservoir. Winter is also exceptional, especially with snow on the ground and roof of the church. A Christmas wreath replaces the flag in December.
First thing in the morning is always good. Before sunrise provides an even light; after sunrise, the brick and flag can get easily overexposed as they face the sun, but the shot can be dramatic depending on the sky.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Old Stone Church parking area
From Worcester - drive north on I-290 and vere left onto I-190. Travel on I-190 for 3.5 miles and take exit 4 toward MA-12 N/State Rd. Head northeast
0n MA-12 which turns into MA 140 for for 3.3 miles and turn left on MA-140 where there is parking for approximately 7-8 cars.
From the parking area along the causeway across the reservoir to the location of the shot.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 100mm
Exposure – 1/3rd sec @ f 11.0
ISO – 100
Date – Oct 13th
Time – 7:25am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Sunrise, Sunset, or cloudy day.
First thing in the morning is always good. Before sunrise provides an even light; after sunrise, the brick and flag can get easily overexposed as they face the sun, but the shot can be dramatic depending on the sky. Partly cloud to cloudy and windless is the best to eliminate shadows and provide the mirror surface to the reservoir. With dramatic skies, the shot can be pulled back to show more of the clouds and sky.
The evening can also be very good for sunset. Still, it is important to gauge the sun's position to get continued lighting before it sets over the tree line behind the reservoir. It is also a very good night shot as the flag (wreath during the holiday season) is lighted at dusk and stays on all night
Best Time of Year
Winter and Fall. My favorite time is October 5 - 15th
The main image above was taken on October 13th
Lens(es) Needed
Equipment Needed:
• Longer lens, preferably over 70mm up to 250mm for close up.
• Wide angle if more of the sky and reservoir are brought in.
• Bring your whole bag for this location as it is an easy hike and
parking is very close.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
At the time of this writing (July 2023) permits were not required.
Direction of the Shot
The top image was taken northwest around 330°.
Equipment Needed
Equipment Needed:
• Tripod is needed for early shots.
• Graduated filter is recommended if more sky is to be included.
• ND filter can be used for long water exposures as well.
• Waders can be handy for moving along the shoreline. Hiking pole
is valuable for going down the embankment.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Always a photographer there. In the fall there are quite a few.
Weather
Cell Service
Cell service is fine at this location.
Area Guides and Workshops
David Long is a landscape and travel photographer based in New England and provides both workshops and a series of self-guided e-books to help find the best locations to shoot in the Northeast US. David’s portfolio along with information on his workshops and self-guided e-books can be found at davelongphoto.com.