Willard Brook State Forest is a publicly owned forest with recreational features located in the towns of Ashby and Townsend, Massachusetts. The forest's fast-running brook and tree stands of a classic New England nature give it a character more in line with that of the forests found farther west in the state. It is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.[3]
| Willard Brook State Forest | |
|---|---|
 Route 119 passing through Willard Brook State Forest | |
  Location in Massachusetts  Willard Brook State Forest (the United States) | |
| Location | Ashby, Townsend, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°40′00″N 71°46′28″W / 42.66667°N 71.77444°W[1] |
| Area | 2,929 acres (11.85 km2)[2] |
| Elevation | 558 ft (170 m)[1] |
| Established | 1930 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Willard Brook State Forest |
History
editThe forest was established through state purchase of lands in 1930. While no Civilian Conservation Corps camp was established in this state forest, CCC workers from other areas were active here at various times from 1933 to 1940, developing recreational features at Damon Pond and Trap Brook Falls.[4]
Activities and amenities
editForest trails are available for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The Friends Trail connects with the campground at Pearl Hill State Park. The forest also offers a campground, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and restricted hunting.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b "Willard Brook 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 February 7, 2014.
- ^ a b "Willard Brook State Forest". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
- ^ Beth McKinney, ed. (January 1999). "The Civilian Conservation Corps: A Statewide Survey of Civilian Conservation Corps Resources". Massachusetts Office of Historic Resources. pp. 53–54. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
External links
edit- Willard Brook State Forest Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Willard Brook State Forest Trail Map Department of Conservation and Recreation