October Mountain State Forest
| October Mountain State Forest | |
|---|---|
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation | |
| Website | October Mountain State Forest |
October Mountain State Forest is a 16,460-acre (6,660 ha) forest and recreational preserve located primarily in the
History
The forest came into state ownership via the estate of
Activities and amenities
Forest trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and off-road vehicle use. Trails include a 2.7-mile (4.3 km) interpretive trail around Washington Mountain Marsh,[5] a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and a trail through scenic Schermerhorn Gorge. The forest has 47 campsites including wheelchair-accessible sites. Recreational opportunities include non-motorized boating, fishing, and restricted hunting.[4]
Geography
The forest encompasses a portion of the Hoosac Range on the western edge of the central Berkshires. The eponymous October Mountain is a ridge that rises steeply above the Housatonic River valley to the west and contains the forest's highest point. The central portion of the forest is an uplands area that includes several reservoirs, and the Washington Mountain Marsh. The eastern edge of the forest has a second, lower ridge, known as Washington Mountain.[6]
References
- ^ a b "October Mountain State Forest". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
- ^ a b "October Mountain State Forest". Sports and Recreation in the Berkshires. The BerkshireWeb. Retrieved August 18, 2010.
- ^ a b c "October Mount State Forest". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
- ^ "Washington Mountain Marsh Interpretive Trail" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. August 2011. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
- ^ "Washington Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
External links
- October Mountain State Forest Department of Conservation and Recreation