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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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Massachusetts
Central Region
Douglass State Forest
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DOUGLASS STATE FOREST
DOUGLASS STATE FOREST
107 Wallum Lake Rd.
Douglas, Massachusetts   01516

Phone: 508-476-7872
Bordering both Connecticut and Rhode Island, this popular 4,640-acre state forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at Wallum Lake and hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling onmiles of woodland trails. Facilities include two boat ramps, a pavilion, bathhouses, swimming beach, interpretive center, picnic area and restrooms. The Midstate Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that extends through central Massachusetts to Mt. Watatic in the north, runs through the forest.

Douglas State Forest also includes a rare example of Atlantic White Ceder swampland. A 5-acre portion of this swamp is designated as a Massachusetts Wildland. It is accessible to the public via a boardwalk trail.
History of the Area
Douglas State Forest, located in Douglas, Massachusetts, has a rich history that traces back to the early 19th century. Originally known as the "Douglas State Reservation," it was established in 1905 as one of the Commonwealth's first acquired forest reserves.

The forest's history begins with its acquisition by the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture in 1905. The land was purchased from private landowners using state funds, and it encompassed an area of about 1,800 acres. At that time, the purpose of acquiring the forest was primarily for reforestation and providing recreational opportunities for the public.

In the early 20th century, the park underwent significant development under the guidance of a landscape architect, Charles Eliot. Eliot designed several features within the forest, including a road system, picnic areas, trails, vistas, and fire control infrastructure. Many of these features can still be seen and enjoyed by visitors today.

One of the notable aspects of Douglas State Forest's history is its connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program established during the Great Depression. In the 1930s, the CCC played a vital role in the development and maintenance of the forest. CCC workers constructed various structures, such as picnic shelters, fire towers, and recreational facilities, which are still utilized today.

Douglas State Forest has also been a site of historical significance beyond its development and recreational use. During World War II, the forest served as a training ground for the Massachusetts State Guard, a local defense force that aided in homeland security efforts. Evidence of these activities can still be found within the forest.

Since its establishment, the forest has attracted visitors for various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, bird-watching, and camping. Over the years, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has been responsible for managing and preserving Douglas State Forest for the enjoyment of future generations.

The forest's history is a testament to its role in providing public recreational opportunities, preserving natural resources, and serving as a historical site in the state of Massachusetts.
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Trails
1. Midstate Trail: This is a 92-mile long-distance trail that cuts through the Douglass State Forest, offering hikers an opportunity to experience diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats.

2. Wallis Pond Loop Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike of approximately 3 miles around Wallis pond in Douglas State forest with beautiful views of water bodies and lush greenery throughout the year.

3. Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT): It's one of Massachusetts' longest trails at over 22 miles which passes right through Douglass state forest providing scenic beauty along its path including wetlands, forests, fields etc., suitable for hiking or biking activities.

4. Cedar Swamp Pond Pathway: An easy walk on this pathway offers stunning sights across cedar swamp ponds filled with lily pads during summer months while also showcasing rich biodiversity within these swamps.

5. Whispering Pines Nature Trial: As name suggests it takes you into dense pine woods where whispering sound created by wind passing between trees creates unique ambiance,it's relatively short but quite peaceful trial.

6. Eagle Drive Trails: These are series of interconnected trails located off Eagle drive road inside park area, they offer variety from flat terrain walks to steep climbs depending upon selected route.

7. Wallum Lake Park Road: This paved roadway provides access till shoreline edge & can be used as walking /hiking track especially if looking for less strenuous activity near lake side.

8. Coffin Street Connector: Short connector trail linking SNETT main line towards Coffin street entrance point making it convenient entry/exit option.

9. Southern loop via Whitins Reservoir: Longest single circuit covering entire southern part reservoir region taking almost full day due high distance coverage required.

10. Northwest Passage Waypoint Track: Located in northwestern corner leading up:to Rhode Island border crossing points giving glimpse about neighboring states natural habitat too.

11. East Douglas Waterfront Pathway: This trail runs along the eastern edge of Wallum Lake, providing beautiful waterfront views and opportunities for bird watching.

12. Pine Hill Trail: A short but steep hike that offers panoramic view over forest canopy from top point, best suited for experienced hikers due to its challenging terrain.

13. Forest Fire Road: Mostly used by park rangers & maintenance crew however it's open public too as walking path with easy flat surface suitable even kids or elderly people.

14. Wallum lake shoreline track: It covers entire circumference around wallum lake giving close up experience about aquatic life in addition regular woodland features.

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Area Campgrounds
King's Campground
24 Holt Road
Manchaug, MA
Lake Manchaug Camping
76 Oak Street
East Douglas, MA
508-476-2471
Indian Ranch Recreation
200 Gore Road
Webster, MA
Sutton Falls Camping Area
90 Manchaug Road
West Sutton, MA
508-865-3898
The Old Holbrook Place
114 Manchaug Road
West Sutton, MA
508-865-5050
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
Located on over 100 wooded lakefront acres, overlooking Ashland State Park. Right out our front door you get to truly enjoy the great outdoors. Easy access to trails for hiking, and an area for swimming. Come and enjoy all that Ashland State Park has to offer, and stay at the Warren Center right next door.
20.9 miles from park*

Directions
Douglas State Forest is located on the southern border of central Massachusetts.

From east or west: MA Turnpike (Rte. I-90) to exit 10, Rte. 395 south to exit 2, Rte. 16 east 5 miles, turn right on Cedar Street for .5 mile, go straight on Wallum Lake Rd. 1 mile

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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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