Mohawk Trail State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mohawk Trail State Forest |
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 Mohawk Trail State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Charlemont, Hawley, Savoy, Franklin, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 7,758 acres (31.40 km2) |
| Established | 1921 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Mohawk Trail State Forest |
Mohawk Trail State Forest is a special forest in Massachusetts that is open to everyone. It's located across the towns of Charlemont, Hawley, and Savoy. This amazing state forest covers more than 7,700 acres. It features tall mountains, deep gorges, and very old forests. The land here ranges from about 600 to 2,080 feet high. The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages this beautiful area.
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History of Mohawk Trail State Forest
The forest gets its name from the historic Mohawk Trail. This trail was once a path used by Native American people. It connected the Hudson River and Connecticut River valleys. Today, part of it is Massachusetts Route 2.
The state created the forest in 1921. They bought the land to protect its natural beauty and important history. In the 1930s, two Civilian Conservation Corps camps were set up here. These groups helped build an office building and four cabins for rent. They also made the campground, which was started in the 1920s, much bigger.
Natural Wonders of the Forest
Mohawk Trail State Forest is home to many natural features. Two main rivers, the Deerfield River and the Cold River, flow through it. You can find different kinds of trout in the smaller streams. The forest is also home to wildlife like deer, bobcats, and black bears.
Ancient and Tall Trees
Mohawk Trail State Forest is especially famous for its incredible trees. A large part of the forest, about 612 acres, is considered old-growth. This means the trees have been growing there since before European settlers arrived. Some trees here are almost 500 years old!
Most of these very old trees are Eastern hemlocks. Other ancient trees include yellow and black birch, sugar maple, red spruce, and northern red oak. Many of these trees are over 300 years old. You can also find many trees over 200 years old, and even more that are over 150 years old.
Giants of the Forest
Besides the ancient trees, Mohawk Trail State Forest also has many of the tallest trees in Massachusetts. Most of these tall trees are between 100 and 200 years old. They are called "second growth" because they grew after the original forests were cut down.
The white pine is the tallest tree species here. By the end of 2011, 122 white pines had been measured to be 150 feet or taller. Fourteen of these were even over 160 feet! The tallest accurately measured single tree in New England grows in Mohawk. It was 169.6 feet tall in 2011. This amazing tree is named after Mohawk leader, Chief Jake Swamp.
The white ash also grows very tall in Mohawk Trail State Forest. Two white ash trees have been measured at over 150 feet. About 20 more are taller than 140 feet. In total, seven native tree species here grow taller than 130 feet. Twelve species are over 120 feet tall, and 20 species are over 100 feet tall.
Mohawk Trail State Forest has 18 "tall tree champions" for Massachusetts. These trees are known for their height, even if they aren't the widest. They grow so tall in the rich, moist valleys of the Berkshires. It's important to know that these are different from "official state champion trees." Official champions are judged by a mix of their width, height, and how wide their branches spread. The national champion sugar maple, listed in the National Register of Big Trees, also lives in this State Forest.
The Mahican-Mohawk Trail and the old colonial Mohawk Trail road both pass through areas with some of these giant pines. The Mahican-Mohawk Recreational Trail also goes through some of the old-growth forest as it climbs Todd-Clark Ridge.
Fun Things to Do
This park offers many activities for visitors. You can find wooded campsites and cabins to rent. There are also trails perfect for hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing. The forest has a day-use area with a swimming pool and a picnic spot. You can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and special educational programs. Some areas allow restricted hunting.
