DAR State Forest
Overview
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) donated 1,020 acres to the Commonwealth for a state forest in 1929. Since then more than 750 additional acres have been acquired to include Upper and Lower Highland Lakes, which offer a popular swimming beach, shady picnic area and a group picnic pavilion. Located in the eastern foothills of the Berkshires, discover 15 miles of mixed-use trails through northern hardwood-conifer forest. Climb the Goshen fire tower for spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley and into five states.
The campground offers 51 wooded campsites featuring modern comfort stations with showers and a private beach. Accessible campsites are also available. In summer other activities include: non-motorized boating, hiking, fishing, horseback riding (bring your horse), and mountain biking. In winter ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular.
Activities
Boating
Non-motorized boating is available at both Upper and Lower Highland Lakes (ramp available, day-use fee applies). Stop aquatic hitchhikers; please ensure that your boat and equipment are clean before launching.
Bicycling
Biking is permitted on marked trails throughout the park that are shared. There is also a specially designated mountain biking trail for riders to take on. The New England Mountain Biking Association Trail (also called NEMBA) gives bikers a trail where they can explore the forest, just bikers!
Camping
The campground offers 51 wooded campsites featuring modern comfort stations with showers and a private beach. Camping is available from mid-May through mid-October in the designated campground only. Reservations are suggested. Several sites are wheelchair accessible, call for information. A wooded group site is available, which accommodates up to 75 persons (limited facilities available). Campground office hours: 8am-4:30pm. Off-season camping is available from October through April, available on a first come, first-served basis. Contact the park for more information.
Climbing
No climbing areas are available.
Fishing
In summer, fishing is permitted in the park. Both Upper and Lower Highland Lakes allow Fishers to take out their boats and relax out on the lakes while fishing. For those looking for a smaller location, hike to Twinning Brook Pond.
Hiking
There are 15 miles of mixed-use trails through northern hardwood-conifer forest in the park. Hikers can take a walk past Upper and Lower Highland Lakes or Climb the Goshen fire tower for spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley and into five states. Accessible Trail is a Healthy Heart Trail that is part of an initiative to promote better health and a short, easy hike.
Historic Sites
A seasonal interpretive program is available mid-June through early-September. Call for details.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is permitted on certain trails in the park and riders must bring your horse. Ride past Lower Highland Lake on the Sunset Trail or
Picnicking
A shaded picnic area is available at Upper Highland Lake beach (no additional fee). Group picnic pavilion for groups up to 50 is available (additional fee applies), call park to reserve. Please carry-in, carry-out all your trash and belongings.
Water Sports
Guarded swimming is available at the day-use area. Unguarded swimming is available at designated campers only beach.
Winter Sports
In winter ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are popular. Snowmobiling is available, conditions permitting (4-inch minimum hard-packed snow base). Parking is available at day-use area parking lot off Rte. 112.
Seasonality/Weather
The forest is open from sunrise until sunset, year-round. Camping is available from mid-May through mid-October in the designated campground only.
Directions
Driving
From North/Rte I-91: Take Exit 26 in Greenfield and follow MA Rte. 2 west for 9.8 miles. Take exit on right to MA Rte. 112 south. Follow Rte. 112 south for 13 miles to park entrance on left.
From South/Rte. I-91: Take Exit 19 in Northampton and follow MA Rte. 9 west for 15 miles to Goshen. Turn right onto MA Rte. 112 north and continue for 0.7 miles. Park entrance is on the right.
From East and West/MassPike (I-90): Take I-90 Exit 4, follow signs to I-91 north. Continue on I-91 north for 14 miles. Take Exit 19 in Northampton and follow MA Rte. 9 west for 15 miles to Goshen. Turn right onto MA Rte. 112 north and continue for 0.7 miles. Park entrance is on the right.
From West/Rte.9 In Dalton at intersection with MA Rte. 8, take MA Rte. 9 east for 27 miles to Goshen. Turn left onto MA Rte. 112 north and continue for 0.7 miles. Park entrance is on the right.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(413) 268-7098Links
- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
