Savoy Mountain State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Savoy, Mountain State Forest |
|
|---|---|
Savoy, Mountain State Forest, April 2014
|
|
 Savoy, Mountain State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
Savoy, Mountain State Forest
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Savoy, Florida, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 10,457 acres (42.32 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,398 ft (731 m) |
| Established | 1918 |
| Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Savoy Mountain State Forest |
Savoy Mountain State Forest is a beautiful Massachusetts state forest located mostly in the towns of Savoy and Florida. It also reaches into nearby Adams and North Adams. This forest is part of the Hoosac Mountain Range.
It has four lovely ponds: North, South, Bog, and Burnett. You can also find seven hill and mountain tops here. Some of these include Lewis Hill (2,177 feet), Flat Rock Hill (2,195 feet), Spruce Hill (2,566 feet), and Borden Mountain (2,505 feet). The forest is also home to amazing waterfalls. Two famous ones are Parker Brook Falls and Tannery Falls. Tannery Falls is especially cool, dropping about 100-foot (30 m)! The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages this forest.
Contents
Forest History: How It Began
Savoy Mountain State Forest started in 1918. The state bought about 100 acres (40 ha) of land that used to be farms. Over time, much of this land was replanted with trees.
The Civilian Conservation Corps' Role
In the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped a lot. They were young men who worked on conservation projects. The CCC planted many Norway and blue spruce trees here. They also built strong concrete dams at Bog, Burnett, and Tannery ponds. These new dams replaced older, weaker ones.
Ancient Trees in the Forest
Did you know some parts of the forest have very old trees? About 120 acres (49 ha) of old-growth forest has been found. These special areas are near the Cold River and Tannery Falls. The trees there include eastern hemlock, red spruce, yellow birch, and sugar maple. Some of these trees are incredibly old, ranging from 150 to 400 years!
Fun Things to Do at Savoy Mountain State Forest
Savoy Mountain State Forest offers many exciting activities for visitors. It's a great place to explore nature and have fun outdoors.
Ponds and Water Activities
- North Pond and South Pond are perfect for swimming. They have showers, restrooms, and picnic areas.
- You can launch non-motorized boats, like canoes or kayaks, at these ponds.
- Bog Pond also has a special launch area for canoes.
Camping and Cabins
- If you love camping, this forest has 45 campsites where you can set up your tent.
- For a more comfortable stay, there are four cozy log cabins you can rent.
Trails for Exploring
- The forest has many trails for different activities.
- You can go hiking to see amazing views and waterfalls.
- Mountain biking is also popular on certain trails.
- If you enjoy watching birds, the trails are great for birding.
- In winter, you can even go cross-country skiing here.
Other Activities
- The forest offers interpretive programs where you can learn more about nature.
- You can also go fishing in the ponds.
- Some areas allow hunting, but there are rules about where and when.
