Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest |
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 Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Hawley, Plainfield, Savoy, Franklin, Hampshire, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 7,405 acres (29.97 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,604 ft (489 m) |
| Established | Unspecified |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest |
The Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest is a large Massachusetts state forest. It is located in the northern part of the Berkshire Hills. This forest covers parts of the towns of Hawley, Plainfield, and Savoy.
A state forest is a protected area of land. It is managed to keep nature safe and offer fun activities for people. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) takes care of this forest. The DCR is a state agency that manages parks and natural areas. In 1985, the forest was named after Kenneth M. Dubuque. He was a former employee of the Department of Environmental Management.
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Fun Things to Do at the Forest
Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. It is a great place for adventures and learning about history.
Explore the Trails
The forest has many miles of trails for different activities.
- About 35 miles (56 km) of trails are open for various uses. You can go horseback riding, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing here. Snowmobiling is also allowed when there is enough snow.
- There are also 6 miles (10 km) of trails just for hiking.
- A special one-mile trail goes around Hallockville Pond. This "interpretive trail" helps you learn about the forest as you walk.
- You might find two small shelters along the trails. These are good spots to rest or take cover.
Discover History and Nature
The forest holds interesting clues about the past.
- You can find old cellar holes from the abandoned village of South Hawley. These are the stone foundations of old houses.
- Look for an unusual beehive-shaped fieldstone kiln. This was used to make charcoal a long time ago.
- You can also see the remains of an old mill complex near Hallockville Pond. This shows where people once used water power to run machines.
- The forest is a great place for wilderness camping. You can also go canoeing and fishing in the waters. Hunting is allowed in certain areas with restrictions.
Learn with AmeriCorps
The Massachusetts Student Conservation Association–AmeriCorps program has its main office at Hallockville Pond. This program helps young people get involved in conservation work. They learn skills and help protect natural places.
Forest Closure and Reopening
In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused a lot of damage. Because of the storm, the forest had to close for a while. By 2014, most of the roads were fixed and safe for people to use again.
