October Mountain State Forest

Understand

The park is a 16,460-acre (6,660 ha) forest and recreational preserve. It is the largest state forest in Massachusetts and is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Most of the park is in the town of Washington, and the street address, main entrance, and main camping area are in Lee. Additional portions of the preserve stretch into Becket, Lenox, and Pittsfield.

History

What became October Mountain State Forest originated as the personal estate of William C. Whitney, the Secretary of the Navy for President Grover Cleveland. That initial 11,000 acres (4,500 ha) was sold to the public in 1915 for a total of $60,000. Part of the money for the sale came from a pledge of a group of Berkshire residents. The park opened to the public that same year. The name "October Mountain" is credited to the author Herman Melville, who had a view of the mountain from his home in Pittsfield.

Landscape

The forest lies within part of the Hoosac Mountain Range in the west-central Berkshires region. The namesake mountain is the forest's highest point. It is a steeply rising ridge above the Housatonic River to the west. The center area of the forest is upland that includes several reservoirs and the Washington Mountain Marsh. The eastern section of the forest has a second, lower ridge, known as Washington Mountain.

Flora and fauna

Common animal species encountered at the park are beavers, deer, bears, songbirds, herons, hawks, and, more rarely, moose. Largemouth bass predominate in October Mountain Reservoir. Tree species include red and sugar maple, beech, oak, hickory, birch, black cherry, ash (although these are affected by the emerald ash borer), eastern hemlock, white pine, Norway spruce, and fir.

Climate

Weather is variable, and during the winter many of the parking lots and some trails are shut down. Check the winter trail map if you plan on visiting during the winter (page 2 of the DCR map).

Get in

By car

On foot

The Appalachian Trail runs through the Washington portion of the reserve and is the most convenient trail by which to access the forest. The reserve can also be accessed on foot from the main lot in Lee.

Appalachian Trail trailheads

The following trailheads are those connected to an access road. There are more trailheads connected to other hiking trails throughout the forest.

Fees and permits

Parking is $8 for Massachusetts residents and $30 for non-residents. Parking passes are available on the Mass.gov website.

Get around

The main campground is accessible by car and RV. Several car-accessible roads also go through the park; some of these are unpaved dirt roads. Off-road vehicles are allowed, with permits, but the terrain in the park is difficult and the ORV trails are recommended only for intermediate to expert riders. All of the park is traversable on foot trails, with varying degrees of difficulty. Walking off trail is possible, but more difficult. See the DCR map of the property for details on the many trails and roads through the property. Stay on trails and, if available, follow painted blazes and signs if available. Usually, double blazes mark an intersection or change in direction.

Stay safe

All of the park is available for hunting, so all visitors traversing the park should be vigilant. If on foot, wear a high-visibility jacket or vest during hunting season. See the hunting seasons for the state; October Mountain is in Zone 2. On the Appalachian Trail, hunting is not permitted and all firearms must be unloaded while on the trail. Dress appropriate to the weather. Layer for warmth in cooler and cold weather.