You’re driving up Route 112, the trees are getting thicker, and suddenly the air just smells different. It’s that damp, piney scent that tells you you’ve finally hit the Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest—or just DAR State Forest MA if you’re trying to find it on a map. Honestly, most people just zoom past Goshen on their way to the more "famous" parts of the Berkshires, and that’s a massive mistake. While everyone else is fighting for a parking spot at Tanglewood or hiking the crowded trails of Mount Greylock, this 2,272-acre chunk of the northern Pioneer Valley stays relatively chill. It’s quiet. It’s rugged. It’s exactly what Massachusetts looked like before everything became a gift shop.
The forest was a gift back in 1929. The Daughters of the American Revolution handed over the initial 1,020 acres to the Commonwealth, and it has since doubled in size. You’ve got Highland Lake, you’ve got the fire tower, and you’ve got miles of trails that feel like they haven't changed since the 30s.
What’s Actually Happening at Highland Lake?
If you’re coming to DAR State Forest MA in the summer, you’re probably here for the water. Highland Lake is split into two sections, the upper and lower. The swimming area is on the upper lake, and it’s one of the cleanest spots in the state. No joke. Because the watershed is so protected, the water stays clear long after other ponds in the region start looking like pea soup from algae blooms.
There’s a sandy beach, but don’t expect a resort. It’s a state park. You’ll find families with coolers, kids trying to catch minnows, and maybe a few people who’ve spent too much money on kayaks. Speaking of kayaks, the boat ramp is a bit of a hidden gem for local anglers. You can pull some decent largemouth bass out of here if you know what you’re doing, though most people just paddle around and stare at the shoreline. It’s worth noting that the lake is electric-motor only. If you try to drop a massive gas-powered speed boat in here, the rangers will be on you before you can even prime the engine.
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The Trail System: More Than Just a Walk in the Woods
There are about 15 miles of trails crisscrossing the forest. Some are wide and easy, others are basically just glorified deer paths that will test your ankles.
- The Highland Lake Trail is the classic. It loops the water. It’s about 3 miles long, mostly flat, and perfect if you’re just trying to kill an hour before dinner.
- Then you have the Fire Tower Trail. It’s a bit of a climb, but the payoff is the Goshen Fire Tower. If the gate is open and you can head up, you get a 360-degree view that reaches all the way into Vermont and New Hampshire on a clear day. You can see the Connecticut River Valley shimmering to the east.
- The Long Mountain Trail is for the people who actually want to sweat. It’s steeper, rockier, and way less crowded.
Winter changes the vibe completely. When the snow hits, DAR State Forest MA turns into a hub for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The trails aren't always perfectly groomed like a fancy Nordic center, but that’s part of the charm. It’s raw. You have to earn your tracks out here.
The Camping Situation: What No One Tells You
Camping at DAR is... an experience. There are 50 sites, and they aren't those cramped, paved pads you see at private RV parks. These are carved right into the woods. If you’re looking for a "glamping" setup with 50-amp hookups and Wi-Fi, you are going to be miserable. But if you want a fire pit, a picnic table, and enough space between you and your neighbor that you don't have to hear them snoring, this is the spot.
One thing to keep in mind: the bears. This is Western Massachusetts, not a suburban park. The black bears here are basically large raccoons with better PR. They want your hot dog buns. If you leave a cooler out on your picnic table, you’re basically inviting them to a buffet. The rangers are pretty strict about "bear-aware" camping, so use the lockers and don't be that person who ruins it for everyone else.
The campsites are also remarkably accessible. They have a few yurts available for rent, which are basically circular tents with actual beds and wooden floors. They sell out months in advance. Seriously, if you see a yurt opening for a weekend in July, grab it immediately. They’re like gold dust.
The Mystery of the Stone Walls
One thing you’ll notice while hiking through DAR State Forest MA is the sheer volume of stone walls. They’re everywhere. Deep in the woods, where there hasn't been a house for a hundred years, you’ll find perfectly stacked New England fieldstone.
It’s a reminder that this forest wasn't always a forest. In the 1800s, this was mostly cleared sheep pasture. After the local wool industry collapsed and farmers moved west to find soil that wasn't 40% granite, the forest reclaimed the land. The trees grew back, but the walls stayed. It’s kinda eerie when the fog rolls in and you’re walking past these ruins of old homesteads. You’ll occasionally stumble across a cellar hole—a literal square pit in the ground lined with stones—which used to be someone's kitchen or basement. It’s a history lesson without the boring museum guides.
Accessibility and Logistics
Getting here isn't hard, but cell service is spotty. Once you turn off Route 9 in Goshen and head up 112, your GPS might start to lie to you.
- Parking: There’s a daily parking fee ($8 for MA residents, $30 for out-of-staters as of the last update). It’s worth getting the annual DCR pass if you visit more than three times a year.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed, but keep them on a leash. Don't be the person who lets their lab run wild through someone else's picnic.
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset for day users. If you aren't camping, get out before dark or you might get a knock on your window from a ranger.
Why DAR State Forest MA Matters Now
Honestly, places like this are disappearing. Everything is getting developed or "refined." DAR stays a little bit wild. It’s a place where you can actually hear the wind in the hemlocks instead of the hum of a highway. Whether you’re a birder looking for pileated woodpeckers or just a tired parent who needs their kids to run around in the dirt for four hours so they’ll finally sleep, this forest delivers.
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It’s not flashy. It doesn't have a gift shop or a snack bar selling $12 lattes. It just has trees, water, and silence. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your trip to the forest, follow this quick checklist instead of just winging it:
- Check the Water Quality: Before you pack the swimsuits, check the Massachusetts DCR "Freshwater Beach Postings" website. Rainstorms can occasionally cause temporary closures for water quality, and it’s better to know before you drive an hour.
- Download Offline Maps: Since signal is trash in the valley, download the AllTrails map or a Google Map of the Goshen area before you leave home.
- Pack a Real Spare Tire: Route 112 is beautiful but has some rough patches, and the forest roads are gravel. Make sure you're prepared for a flat.
- Bring Your Own Firewood: Massachusetts has strict rules about moving firewood to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. Buy your wood locally in Goshen or at the ranger station; don't bring it from home if you live more than a few miles away.
- Hit the Fire Tower Early: If you want that view without the crowd, be at the trailhead by 8:00 AM. By noon, the "peak baggers" and families start to clog the stairs.