Beartown State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beartown State Forest |
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Biker in Beartown State Forest, June 2008
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 Beartown State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Monterey, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 10,411 acres (42.13 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,722 ft (525 m) |
| Established | 1921 |
| Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Beartown State Forest |
Beartown State Forest is a huge public forest in Massachusetts. It's a great place for outdoor fun! You can find it spread across the towns of Great Barrington, Monterey, Lee, and Tyringham.
This amazing forest covers more than 10,000 acres. About 198 acres are specially set aside for you to enjoy. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation takes care of Beartown State Forest.
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How Beartown State Forest Began
Beartown State Forest started in 1921. That's when the state bought 5,000 acres of land.
Later, in 1933, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped out. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression. Young men worked on projects to improve public lands. They built many of the forest roads you see today.
One big project was building an earthen dam. This dam created the beautiful 35-acre Benedict Pond. The CCC workers were active here until 1940.
Animals and Plants You Might See
Beartown State Forest is home to many cool animals. You might spot deer, bobcats, fishers, black bears, and beavers.
The forest is full of different plants too. You'll see trees that lose their leaves in the fall. There are also many kinds of shrubs and wildflowers.
Did you know there are two areas of old-growth forest here? These are forests that have grown for a very long time without much human disturbance. At a spot called Burgoyne Pass, there are 10 acres of very old trees. These include eastern hemlock, northern red oak, eastern white pine, sweet birch, and yellow birch. Another 12 acres of old-growth eastern hemlock and yellow birch can be found at East Brook.
Fun Things to Do at Beartown
Beartown State Forest offers tons of activities for everyone!
- Trails: You can go horseback riding, mountain biking, or even use snowmobiles in winter. There are also trails for snowshoeing and all-terrain vehicles.
- Hiking: A 1.7-mile trail loops around Benedict Pond. Part of the famous Appalachian Trail also passes through the forest.
- Benedict Pond: This pond is perfect for swimming and fishing. You can also launch non-motorized boats here.
- Camping: If you love the outdoors, there are places to camp.
- Picnics: Enjoy a meal with your family or friends in the picnic areas.
- Hunting: In certain areas, hunting is allowed with restrictions.
- Accessibility: The forest has beaches and restrooms that are easy for everyone to use.
Images for kids
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Hiker on the Appalachian Trail
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View from The Ledges
