Douglas State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Douglas State Forest |
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 Douglas State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Douglas, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 5,525 acres (22.36 km2) |
| Elevation | 702 ft (214 m) |
| Established | 1934 |
| Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Douglas State Forest |
Douglas State Forest is a cool place in Douglas, Massachusetts. It's a big forest owned by the public, and it's right next to Connecticut and Rhode Island. This forest is a great spot for fun outdoor activities.
It covers about 5,525 acres, which is like 4,000 football fields! Inside, you'll find Wallum Lake where you can swim and fish. There's also a special Atlantic white cedar swamp. A small part of this swamp, about 5 acres, is a protected "Wildland." The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation takes care of the forest.
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History of Douglas State Forest
Douglas State Forest became a state forest in 1934. The state bought about 1,245 acres to create it.
In the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped improve the forest. The CCC was a program that gave jobs to young men during the Great Depression. They built many useful things in the forest. This included a picnic area, an office building, and systems to manage water.
Fun Things to Do at Douglas State Forest
Douglas State Forest offers many ways to enjoy nature. You can explore the forest on its many trails.
Trails for Adventure
The forest has trails perfect for different activities. You can go hiking, biking, or even horseback riding. In the winter, some trails are great for cross-country skiing.
A long trail called the Midstate Trail runs through the forest. About 7.8 miles of this 92-mile-long trail are in Douglas State Forest. Another trail, the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, also passes through here. It is about 22 miles long.
If you follow a short path off the Midstate Trail, you can reach a special spot. This spot is where Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island all meet! It's called the tri-state marker.
Wallum Lake Activities
Wallum Lake is a popular spot within the forest. It's a great place to go fishing. You can also go swimming in the lake on a hot day. Boating is another fun activity you can do on Wallum Lake.
Other Forest Fun
Besides the trails and the lake, there are more things to do. You can have a picnic with your family and friends. There are also areas for group day-use, perfect for a gathering. In certain areas, hunting is allowed, but there are rules to follow.
