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Massachusetts
7

Massachusetts State Parks

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USA Parks
Massachusetts
Berkshires Region
Beartown State Forest
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It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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BEARTOWN STATE FOREST
BEARTOWN STATE FOREST
69 Blue Hill Rd. P.O. Box 97
Monterey, Massachusetts   01245

Phone: 413-528-0904
Reservations: 877-422-6762
Beartown State Forest has two distinctly different worlds between the summer and winter. During the warm months the pristine 35-acre Benedict Pond attracts swimmers, boaters and fishermen. An extensive network of trails on over 12,000 acres offers visitors a chance to glimpse deer, bear, bobcat, fisher and other wildlife, including the park's namesake, the Black Bear. Brooks, beaver ponds, rich deciduous forest, flowering shrubs and wildflowers and fall foliage are plentiful. The Appalachian Trail passes near Benedict Pond and offers spectacular wooded views.

The other half of the year the forest becomes a winter wonderland, where visitors on cross-country skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles can explore a snow-covered wilderness. The 1.5 mile Benedict Pond Loop Trail is a must in any season. Year-round camping is also available.

Nearby, on US Rte. 7 in Great Barrington, Fountain Pond State Park and Monument Mountain (The Trustees of Reservations) offer a variety of hiking trails and breathtaking views any time of year.
History of the Area
Beartown State Forest is a 10,000-acre forest located in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. The history of Beartown State Forest dates back to the early 19th century when the area was primarily utilized for farming, logging, and charcoal production.

In the early 1800s, the land that now constitutes Beartown State Forest was purchased by local farmers and settlers who cleared the forests for agriculture. However, due to difficult soil conditions and the hilly terrain, farming was challenging, and many of the farms were eventually abandoned.

By the mid-1800s, the region became popular for its timber resources, and logging became a significant economic activity. The forests of Beartown State Forest were heavily exploited for their timber, supplying lumber for nearby towns and cities.

In the late 19th century, the extraction of charcoal from wood became a profitable industry. Charcoal was in high demand for iron manufacturing in the Berkshires, and large-scale charcoal production operations were established within the forest. It is believed that the name "Beartown" originated during this time, as the area was once known for its abundance of bears.

During the early 20th century, conservation efforts began to protect the unique ecosystems and natural beauty of the Berkshires. The Massachusetts Conservation Commission began acquiring land for the creation of state forests, and Beartown State Forest was acquired and designated in 1921.

Since then, Beartown State Forest has been managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The forest offers various recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. The Appalachian Trail, one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the United States, also passes through the southern part of Beartown State Forest.

Beartown State Forest continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering visitors a chance to explore the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and natural beauty of the Berkshire region in Massachusetts.
Camping
1. Beartown State Forest Campground: This campground is located within the state forest and offers 12 campsites with picnic tables, fireplaces, and restrooms nearby.

2. Prospect Lake Park: Just a short drive from Beartown State Forest, this park has over 125 camping sites available for tents or RVs.

3. Woodland Hills Campground: Located in neighboring Alford, it provides campers with amenities like swimming pools and mini-golf along with their tent/RV spots.

4. Mount Greylock Campsite Park: A bit further away but still close enough to visit the state forest during your stay; they offer both cabin rentals as well as traditional camping options.

5. Bonnie Brae Cabins & Campsites: It's just about half an hour's drive north of Beartown State Forest offering rustic cabins alongside its regular pitches.

6. Partridge Hollow Camping Area: About twenty minutes' east towards Blandford where you can set up on one of around fifty shaded woodland plots.

7. Oak n' Spruce Resort: If you prefer more luxurious accommodation while enjoying nature then Oak n'Spruce resort which is only ten miles northeast could be perfect option for you providing suites equipped kitchenettes plus indoor/outdoor pool facilities too!
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Trails
1. Benedict Pond Loop Trail: A 1.5-mile loop trail that circles the scenic Benedict Pond, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding forest.

2. Appalachian National Scenic Trail: This famous long-distance hiking path runs through Beartown State Forest for a stretch, providing challenging terrain with stunning vistas along its route.

3. Wildcat Ridge Hiking Trails: These trails offer moderate to difficult hikes over rocky ridges and steep inclines but reward hikers with panoramic views from atop Wildcat Mountain's peak.

4. Lakeview Nature Walkway: An easy half-mile stroll around part of Upper Goose Pond offers benches for resting while observing local wildlife such as beavers or herons in their natural habitat.

5. Beaver Lodge Interpretive Trail: It is an educational hike where you can learn about beaver habitats; it's only .75 miles round trip making it perfect for families or beginners.

6. Loop via AT & Paradise Lane: This moderately trafficked out:and-back trail spans approximately 8 miles featuring wildflowers during springtime.

7. Benedict Brook Falls Out-And-Back Route: This short yet rewarding trek leads hikers to a cascading waterfall nestled within dense woodland vegetation.

8. Wild Cat Loop: At roughly five-miles-long, this intermediate-level track winds past several small ponds before ascending up into higher elevations.

9. South Taconic Mountains Pathways: these routes are more strenuous due to rugged terrains leading towards breathtaking overlooks across Massachusetts' southern border region.

10. Round Robin Red Blaze Track: A six mile circuitous journey which takes adventurers deep into untouched sections of Beartown forests.

11. Hop Brook Connector Passage: This pathway links various other tracks together forming longer distance options suitable mainly for seasoned trekkers.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 13
park review stars; one to five
January 11 Perfect in winter by Ellen
park review stars; one to five We snowshoed here twice in January, and it was pristine and lovely. A perfect afternoon. Close to civilization, but in the woods and easy to reach.
December 15 Outstanding Park
park review stars; one to five My colleagues and I have biked the many trails in the park as well as the main road that goes through the park. Trails can be difficult but rewarding.
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Area Campgrounds
Prospect Lake Park
Prospect Lake Road
North Egremont, MA
Camp Overflow
PO Box 645
Otis, MA
413-269-4036
Mountain View Campground Inc
1856 South Main Street
Otis, MA
413-269-8928
Laurel Ridge Camping Area
40 Old Blandford Road
East Otis, MA
Summit Hill Campground
34 Old Middlefield Road
Washington, MA
413-623-5761

Directions
Beartown State Forest is located in the southern Berkshires in western Massachusetts.From East or West/MassPike (I-90): Take Exit 2 in Lee. Follow MA Rte. 102 west for 4.7 miles to Stockbridge. Turn left and follow U.S. Rte. 7 south for 6.1 miles to Great Barrington. Turn left and follow MA Rte. 23 east for 5.3 miles to Monterey. Turn left onto Blue Hill Road then follow the brown lead-in signs; 0.5 miles to park headquarters on left, or 2.2 miles to park entrance on right (Benedict Pond Rd.).

From North or South/ Rte. 7: From US Rte. 7 in Great Barrington, take MA Rte. 23 east for 5.3 miles to Monterey. Turn left onto Blue Hill Road then follow the brown lead-in signs; 0.5 miles to park headquarters on left, or 2.2 miles to park entrance on right (Benedict Pond Rd.).

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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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