Mount Grace State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Grace State Forest |
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View from the firetower on Mount Grace
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 Mount Grace State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Warwick, Franklin, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 1,578 acres (6.39 km2) |
| Established | 1920 |
| Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Mount Grace State Forest |
Mount Grace State Forest is a public forest located in the town of Warwick. It's a great place for outdoor fun and exploring nature. The forest is centered around Mount Grace, which is a very tall mountain.
Mount Grace stands at 1,621 feet high. This makes it the third highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River. Only Mount Wachusett and Mount Watatic are taller in this area. The forest is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Contents
A Look Back in Time: The History of Mount Grace
How Did Mount Grace Get Its Name?
Mount Grace has an interesting story behind its name. It is believed to be named after the baby daughter of Mary Rowlandson. Mary was a woman who was captured during King Philip's War. Legend says she buried her baby at the base of the mountain. This happened during a long journey towards Canada.
Creating the State Forest
Around the early 1900s, much of the mountain's trees had been cut down. People who cared about nature, like Dr. Paul W. Goldsbury, wanted to protect it. They suggested that the state should buy the land. This way, it could become a state forest.
The state passed a law to buy the land in 1920. After that, work began to build picnic areas and skiing facilities in 1930.
Building Fun Features with the CCC
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped a lot with the forest. The CCC was a group of young men who worked on public lands during the 1930s. They added many features for both summer and winter fun. One of their projects was a 4.7-mile trail for snowshoeing.
The Fire Lookout Tower
A tall, 68-foot fire lookout tower was built on the summit in 1939. This tower helps spot forest fires from above. Visitors can go up the tower and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding areas. This tower is actually the third one to be built on Mount Grace.
Fun Things to Do at Mount Grace
Trails for Adventure
Mount Grace State Forest has many trails for different activities. You can go hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking. In the winter, these trails are perfect for cross-country skiing. Part of the long Metacomet-Monadnock Trail also goes through the forest.
Other Activities
Besides the trails, the forest is a great spot for picnics. You can also go hunting in certain areas, but there are rules about it. It's a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors!
Images for kids
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Ski Lift remains in Mount Grace State Forest
