Freetown-Fall River State Forest facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Freetown-Fall River State Forest
Statue of the C.C.C. Worker
Freetown-Fall River State Forest Location in Massachusetts
Location	Freetown, Fall River, Lakeville, Bristol, Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States
Area	5,217 acres (21.11 km2)
Elevation	207 ft (63 m)
Established	1913
Operator	Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Website	Freetown-Fall River State Forest

The Freetown-Fall River State Forest (commonly shortened to Freetown State Forest) is a publicly owned forest covering more than 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) in the city of Fall River and the towns of Freetown and Lakeville in the state of Massachusetts. The forest lies mostly in the center of the town of Freetown (about a third of the town) dividing Assonet, East Freetown, and Fall River's northernmost boundary. The forest land includes Profile Rock, a granite outcropping which local Native Americans believe to be the image of Chief Massasoit, and a 227-acre (92 ha) Wampanoag reservation. The forest is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation with headquarters in Assonet.

History

The state first acquired land in Assonet for forest purposes in 1913, purchasing approximately nine acres on Forge Pond from Levi Churchill of Berkley. The majority of the land was acquired over twenty years beginning in the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps worked on the property from 1935 to 1937. A statue was dedicated in honor of the program and its efforts in the forest in September, 2002.

Recent additions to the forest have included 87 acres (2012), 29 acres (2015), and 77 acres (2015) in Assonet and 613 acres (2015) in Lakeville.

Activities and amenities

The forest has more than 50 miles (80 km) of unpaved roads and trails for walking, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, off-road vehicle, and equestrian use. A picnic area with wading pool, playing fields and restrooms is located near the main entrance. Rattlesnake Brook is stocked with brook trout in spring. Hunting is available on a restricted basis.

The forest is home to the annual "Fun Day in the Forest" event sponsored by the Friends of the Freetown-Fall River State Forest. For a number of years, it also served as the course for the Big Bang Mountain Bike Race, a benefit event for the Independence Day events in Freetown.

Gallery

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  Profile Rock, 1902

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  Wading pool

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  Sign near the entrance directs visitors to the Pavilion and Wading Pool

Images for kids

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  The unveiling of the CCC statue at the forest on September 28, 2002.