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There is a prevailing myth that most colonial paths & later (even some of the current highways) roads followed older Indian trails. This is one of the assumptions of the Levi Chase book published in 1921. (see below)
However, in The Story of Western Massachusetts. (1949). Chapter XV - The Bay Path Myth Harry Andrew Wright, questions that assumption (See Below.)
It might be more accurate to assume that there were Indian trails, and that first colonists did use them while traveling on foot. However, with the advent of horseback, and later, cart drawn (by horse or oxen) traffic, the Indian trails were less accommodating, thus requiring re-routing. If the assumption is broadened to acknowledge this idea, to state that the Bay Path (and other colonial paths) were based on the Indian trail corridors, it becomes more reasonable, but not without subsequent issues, such as establishing where the original path/trail went verses later re-routed paths & roads.
More on Indian trails - apparently, they were used for defense, seasonal migration, & trade. Maintenance was minimal & not labor intensive. There was no earth moved nor bridges constructed, just a seasonal burning to clear away underbrush, similar to the practice apparently attributed to their agriculture endeavors.
This burning may be how Bald Peak got its name. Another reason it might have been important for an Indian trail, is that it still provides an excellent view to West, and probably also to the East when it was bald. Also, near the peak (on private property) there are number rock piles which could be considered cairns (A mound of stones erected as a memorial or marker - see link below.)
(For download images of old maps & selected parts of books mentioned, go to
Old Maps
of Monson
For more on cairns, go to
Native American Stone Cairns - Heaps - Mounds.
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