D.A.R. State Forest (Massachusetts)

D.A.R. State Forest
Massachusetts State Forest
Country United States
State Massachusetts
Counties Hampshire, Franklin
Towns Goshen, Ashfield
Elevation 1,575 ft (480 m) [1]
Coordinates 42°27′25″N 72°47′55″W / 42.45694°N 72.79861°W / 42.45694; -72.79861Coordinates: 42°27′25″N 72°47′55″W / 42.45694°N 72.79861°W / 42.45694; -72.79861 [1]
Area 1,728 acres (699 ha) [2]
Established 1929
Management Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Location in Massachusetts
Website: DAR State Forest

The D.A.R. State Forest is a publicly owned forest with recreational features located mostly in the town of Goshen with some spillage into neighboring Ashfield, Massachusetts. Activities center around Upper and Lower Highland Lakes. The state forest encompasses 1,728 acres (699 ha) and is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.[3]

History

The forest was established in 1929 when 1,020 acres (410 ha) were donated to the state by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Improvements made in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps included the reconstruction of dams, the creation of camping and picnicking areas, and the building of roads and bridges.[4]

Activities and amenities

The forest abuts Upper Highland and Lower Highland lakes, which provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The 15 miles (24 km) of mixed-use trails that cross through the northern hardwood-conifer forest are used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Camping is offered at 51 campsites. The Goshen fire tower provides views of the Connecticut River Valley and surrounding states. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ↑ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  3. 1 2 "DAR State Forest". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  4. ↑ "The Civilian Conservation Corps: A Statewide Survey of Civilian Conservation Corps Resources". Prepared by Shary Page Berg (Beth McKinney, ed.) for the Massachusetts Office of Historic Resources. January 1999. pp. 81–82. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
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