Mount Washington State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Washington State Forest |
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The tri-state boundary marker
on the Mount Frissell Trail |
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 Mount Washington State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Mount Washington, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 4,619 acres (18.69 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,470 ft (450 m) |
| Established | 1958 |
| Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Mount Washington State Forest |
Mount Washington State Forest is a beautiful public forest in Mount Washington, Massachusetts. It covers about 4,619 acres, which is like 3,500 football fields! This forest is a great place for outdoor fun and seeing amazing views. It touches the borders of New York and Connecticut states. You can find it in the southern Taconic Mountains, part of the Berkshires region. Right next to it is Bash Bish Falls State Park, famous for its waterfalls. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation takes care of this special forest.
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How the Forest Began
Mount Washington State Forest became a state forest thanks to generous gifts. A man named Alfred F. Intemann and his wife, Cornelia Van der Smissen Intemann, donated the land. They gave parts of the forest to the state in 1958, 1959, 1961, and 1968.
What Makes the Forest Special
This forest protects some very old trees. About 300 acres of the forest are considered "old growth" northern hardwood forest. This means the trees have been growing for a very long time without much human interference.
The Tri-State Marker
One cool spot in the forest is the tri-state boundary stone. This stone marks where Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut all meet! You can see the names of Massachusetts and New York carved into the stone. Connecticut's name is also there, added like "graffiti" on the granite.
Fun Things to Do in the Forest
Mount Washington State Forest has lots of ways to enjoy nature. It has 30 miles of trails for you to explore.
Trails for Adventure
- You can hike, ride horses, or go mountain biking on the trails.
- In winter, these trails are perfect for cross-country skiing.
- Parts of famous trails like the Appalachian Trail and the South Taconic Trail run through the forest.
- The South Taconic Trail even goes up Alander Mountain.
Other Activities
- The forest has restrooms and places for picnicking.
- You can go fishing in certain areas.
- Hunting is allowed in some parts, but there are rules.
- If you love camping, you can try primitive wilderness camping here.
