October Mountain State Forest

October Mountain State Forest is a state park in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. == Understand == The park is a 16,460-acre (6,660 ha) forest and recreational preserve. It is the largest state forest in Massachusetts and is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Most of the park is in the town of Washington, and the street address, main entrance, and main camping area are in Lee. Additional portions of the preserve stretch into Becket, Lenox, and Pittsfield. === History === What became October Mountain State Forest originated as the personal estate of William C. Whitney, the Secretary of the Navy for President Grover Cleveland. That initial 11,000 acres (4,500 ha) was sold to the public in 1915 for a total of $60,000. Part of the money for the sale came from a pledge of a group of Berkshire residents. The park opened to the public that same year. The name "October Mountain" is credited to the author Herman Melville, who had a view of the mountain from his home in Pittsfield. === Landscape === The forest lies within part of the Hoosac Mountain Range in the west-central Berkshires region. The namesake mountain is the forest's highest point. It is a steeply rising ridge above the Housatonic River to the west. The center area of the forest is upland that includes several reservoirs and the Washington Mountain Marsh. The eastern section of the forest has a second, lower ridge, known as Washington Mountain. === Flora and fauna === Common animal species encountered at the park are beavers, deer, bears, songbirds, herons, hawks, and, more rarely, moose. Largemouth bass predominate in October Mountain Reservoir. Tree species include red and sugar maple, beech, oak, hickory, birch, black cherry, ash (although these are affected by the emerald ash borer), eastern hemlock, white pine, Norway spruce, and fir. === Climate === Weather is variable, and during the winter many of the parking lots and some trails are shut down. Check the winter trail map if you plan on visiting during the winter (page 2 of the DCR map). == Get in == === By car === 1 Main Entrance, 317 Woodland Rd, Lee (from US 20 in Lee, take Golden Hill Rd until the junction with Bradley St. Turn left to go north on Bradley St. Continue to the junction with Mill St and East St, bear left to go north on Mill St. Turn right onto Washington Mt Rd. At the junction with Woodland Rd, turn left to go north on Woodland Rd to the destination. If in Lenox Dale, Lenox, go south on either Walker St or Crystal St to the junction with Mill St. Go south on Mill St and turn left onto Willow Hill Rd. Continue west on Willow Hill Rd to the merger with Woodland; continue to the destination.), ☏ +1 413-243-1778, mass.parks@mass.gov. Main entrance and parking lot. (updated Dec 2025) 2 Woods Pond Parking Lot, Woodland Rd, Lee (at the junction of Valley St and Woodland Rd). (updated Dec 2025) 3 Parking at County Rd, County Rd, Washington (take County Rd immediately left off of McNerny Rd from MA Rt 8 in Becket). (updated Dec 2025) 4 US 20 Parking, US 20/Jacob's Ladder Rd, Becket. Parking lot (updated Dec 2025) 5 Becket Rd ORV parking, 23 Becket Rd, Becket. Parking for off-road vehicles (updated Dec 2025) === On foot === The Appalachian Trail runs through the Washington portion of the reserve and is the most convenient trail by which to access the forest. The reserve can also be accessed on foot from the main lot in Lee. === Appalachian Trail trailheads === The following trailheads are those connected to an access road. There are more trailheads connected to other hiking trails throughout the forest. 6 Appalachian Trail at W Branch Rd, W Branch Rd, Washington. Trailhead at W Branch Rd (updated Dec 2025) 7 Appalachian Trail at County Road, County Rd, Washington. Trailhead at County Road (updated Dec 2025) 8 Appalachian Trail at Becket Rd, 64 Becket Rd, Becket. Trailhead at Becket Rd (updated Dec 2025) == Fees and permits == Parking is $8 for Massachusetts residents and $30 for non-residents. Parking passes are available on the Mass.gov website. == Get around == The main campground is accessible by car and RV. Several car-accessible roads also go through the park; some of these are unpaved dirt roads. Off-road vehicles are allowed, with permits, but the terrain in the park is difficult and the ORV trails are recommended only for intermediate to expert riders. All of the park is traversable on foot trails, with varying degrees of difficulty. Walking off trail is possible, but more difficult. See the DCR map of the property for details on the many trails and roads through the property. Stay on trails and, if available, follow painted blazes and signs if available. Usually, double blazes mark an intersection or change in direction. 9 Felton Pond ORV parking, Lower Tower Rd, Lee (take Schemerhorn Rd off of Woodland Rd). Parking for off-road vehicles only (updated Dec 2025) 10 Halfway Pond ORV Parking, Lower Tower Rd, Lee (take Schemerhorn Rd off of Woodland Rd, continue on Lower Tower Rd). Parking for off-road vehicles only (updated Dec 2025) 11 Parking at Schoolhouse No 2 Rd, Schoolhouse No 2 Rd (from Woodland Rd in Lee, take Washington Mt Rd (this road is not maintained); from Washington Mt Rd in Washington, take West Branch Rd and continue to Schoolhouse No 2 Rd, then turn south onto Schoolhouse No 2 Rd; from Becket, take County Rd immediately left from McNerny Rd off of MA Rt 8, continue to Schoolhouse No 2 Rd and turn right to go north on Schoolhouse No 2 Rd). Parking lot in the center of the park, allows cars and ORVs. (updated Dec 2025) 12 ORV Parking at County Rd, County Rd, Washington. Parking for off-road vehicles only (updated Dec 2025) == See == 1 Anderson Vista, Lower Tower Rd, Washington (go from Lenox at the intersections of New Lenox Rd, E New Lenox Rd, and Roaring Brook Rd, take either: Roaring Brook Rd → Schemerhorn Rd, Schermerhorn will then become Lower Tower Rd; or continue on New Lenox Rd and then right onto Whitney Place Rd; turn right onto Lower Tower Rd at the intersection). A scenic vista, marked on the DCR maps (updated Dec 2025) 2 Washington Mountain Lake Dam, Washington (from Woodland Rd in Lee, take Washington Mt Rd (this road is not maintained); from Washington Mt Rd in Washington, take West Branch Rd and continue along past Schoolhouse No 2 Rd and then take the next right; from Becket, take County Rd immediately left from McNerny Rd off of MA Rt 8, continue to Schoolhouse No 2 Rd and turn right to go north on Schoolhouse No 2 Rd. Turn left at the intersection with W Branch Rd and then take the next right). Provides scenic views of Washington Mountain Marsh (updated Dec 2025) 3 West Branch Cemetery (October Mountain Cemetery), W Branch Rd (from Woodland Rd in Lee, take Washington Mt Rd (this road is not maintained); from Washington Mt Rd in Washington, take West Branch Rd and continue to the junction with Schoolhouse No 2 Rd, the cemetery is on the north side across from the parking lot; from Becket, take County Rd immediately left from McNerny Rd off of MA Rt 8, continue to Schoolhouse No 2 Rd and turn right to go north on Schoolhouse No 2 Rd. Turn right at the intersection with W Branch Rd). No longer in use and with most of the headstones now gone, this cemetery was established in 1811. Was originally Chapel Cemetery. (updated Dec 2025) 4 Schoolhouse Reservoir, County Rd, Washington. The area was flooded in 1985 with the construction of the dam. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Finerty Pond, Washington. (updated Dec 2025) == Do == The park is open to the public for hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and non-motorized boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiling. === Water bodies === 1 Buckley Dunton Lake (Yokum Brook Dam), Buckley Dutton, Becket (from US 20 in Lee, take Becket Rd, then bear left onto Yokum Pond Rd. From MA Rt 8 in Becket, take Fred Snow Rd, then turn right onto Leonhardt Rd. At the junction with Yokum Pond Rd and Buckley Dutton, turn right onto Buckley Dutton to the parking lot/). +1 973-727-3737. Buckley Dunton Reservoir is available for swimming, non-motorized boating, kayaking, and canoeing, as well as fishing and birdwatching. The parking lot and boat ramp is at Buckley Dutton. Boats are car top only. (updated Dec 2025) 2 October Mountain Reservoir Day Use Area, Schoolhouse No 2 Rd (from Woodland Rd in Lee, take Washington Mt Rd (this road is not maintained); from Washington Mt Rd in Washington, take West Branch Rd and continue to Schoolhouse No 2 Rd, then turn south onto Schoolhouse No 2 Rd; from Becket, take County Rd immediately left from McNerny Rd off of MA Rt 8, continue to Schoolhouse No 2 Rd and turn right to go north on Schoolhouse No 2 Rd). The lake is open to fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating, kayaking, and canoeing, and for hiking and birdwatching along the shoreline. Picnicking, including outdoor grilling, is also popular, and picnic tables and grills are provided. (updated Dec 2025) 3 Felton Pond, 0 Washington Mountain Road, Lee (take Schemerhorn Rd off of Woodland Rd, continue on Lower Tower Rd. The pond is off of Lower Tower Rd). The pond, in Washington near the border with Lee, is available for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized water activities, and has picnic spaces along the shoreline. (updated Dec 2025) === Hiking and off-roading trails === There are numerous trails throughout the park, below are highlighted some of the most prominent: 4 Appalachian Trail. Foot traffic only. Hunting is not allowed on the trail, and all firearms must be unloaded when carried on the trail. (updated Dec 2025) 5 Washington Mountain Marsh Trail, W Branch Rd, Washington (from Woodland Rd in Lee, take Washington Mt Rd (this road is not maintained); from Washington Mt Rd in Washington, take West Branch Rd and continue to the intersection with Schoolhouse No 2 Rd; from Becket, take County Rd immediately left from McNerny Rd off of MA Rt 8, continue to Schoolhouse No 2 Rd and turn right to go north on Schoolhouse No 2 Rd, continue to the intersection with W Branch Rd). Makes a 2.7-mile loop around Washington Mountain Marsh; moderate difficulty (updated Dec 2025) 6 Gorge Trail to Felton Pond, Roaring Brook Rd, Washington (from Lenox, take Roaring Brook Rd from New Lenox Rd / E New Lenox Rd; from Lee, go north on Woodland Rd from the Main Entrance, it will become Roaring Brook Rd). 1.7-mile loop. Goes up Schermerhorn Brook gorge to Felton Pond, then back down the other side. Blazed blue. (updated Dec 2025) 7 Schoolhouse Trail, County Rd, Washington (from Woodland Rd in Lee, take Washington Mt Rd (this road is not maintained), this will become County Rd; from Becket, take County Rd immediately left from McNerny Rd off of MA Rt 8). 5.4-mile loop with 700 feet of multiple elevation rises and drops (updated Dec 2025) 8 Finnerty Pond Trail, County Rd, Washington (from Woodland Rd in Lee, take Washington Mt Rd (this road is not maintained), this will become County Rd; from Becket, take County Rd immediately left from McNerny Rd off of MA Rt 8). 2-mile trail, open for ORVs and mountain biking as well as hiking. A broad and hilly road of rock and gravel, so a challenging ride for experienced riders. (updated Dec 2025) 9 Felton Trail, Lower Tower Rd (take Schemerhorn Rd off of Woodland Rd, continue on Lower Tower Rd.). 4.1-mile dirt trail designed for ORVs and mountain bikes. It has rocks, roots, steep hills, and sharp turns, making it a challenging ride. (updated Dec 2025) 10 Spruce Trail, Lower Tower Rd (take Schemerhorn Rd off of Woodland Rd, continue on Lower Tower Rd.). .7-mile trail for ORVs and mountain biking, as well as hiking. Connects to the Navin Trail and from there to the larger trail network. (updated Dec 2025) == Buy == 1 October Mountain Farm, 733 Yokum Pond Rd, Becket (from US 20 in Lee, take Becket Rd, then bear left onto Yokum Pond Rd. From MA Rt 8 in Becket, take Fred Snow Rd, then turn right onto Leonhardt Rd. At the junction with Yokum Pond Rd and Buckley Dutton, turn left onto Yokum Pond Rd and continue southwest to the destination.). +1 973-727-3737. Seasonal farm stand on the border of the reserve (updated Dec 2025) == Eat == == Drink == 1 The Dreamaway Lodge, 1342 County Rd, Becket (from MA Rt 8 in Becket, take County Rd immediately off of McNerny Rd. From US 20 in Lee, take Beket Rd, then left onto Yokum Pond Rd, then left onto County Rd and continue to the destination.), ☏ +1 413-623-8725, hello@thedreamawaylodge.com. Dining room: Th—Sa 5PM-9PM, Su 4PM-8PM; Bar & music room: Th-Su 5PM-late. Restaurant and bar at the edge of the park. Includes regular music and spoken word performances in the bar room. Closed for the season as of December 1, 2025, will reopen in the Spring of 2026. $30-$50. (updated Dec 2025) == Sleep == === Lodging === === Camping === 1 October Mountain State Forest Campground, 256 Woodland Rd, Lee (from US 20 in Lee, take Golden Hill Rd until the junction with Bradley St. Turn left to go north on Bradley St. Continue to the junction with Mill St and East St, bear left to go north on Mill St. Turn right onto Washington Mt Rd. At the junction with Woodland Rd, turn left to go north on Woodland Rd to the destination. If in Lenox Dale, Lenox, go south on either Walker St or Crystal St to the junction with Mill St. Go south on Mill St and turn left onto Willow Hill Rd. Continue west on Willow Hill Rd to the merger with Woodland; continue to the destination.), ☏ +1 413-243-1778. The camping season is mid-May through mid-October. Camping is only allowed during the season, and only at the designated sites. Has yurts, pop-up sites, and RV sites. RV sites do not have electricity. Tent and RV camping: $17/night for Massachusetts residents, $54/night for non-residents; small yurts: $45/night for Massachusetts residents, $120/night for non-residents; large yurts: $55/night for Massachusetts residents, $140/night for non-residents. (updated Dec 2025) === Backcountry === 2 October Mountain Shelter, Washington. Campsite for Appalachian Trail hikers. Group site with 5 tent pads and a camping capacity of 12. Has a moldering privy, bear box, and a water source that crosses the trail just south of campsite. (updated Dec 2025) == Stay safe == All of the park is available for hunting, so all visitors traversing the park should be vigilant. If on foot, wear a high-visibility jacket or vest during hunting season. See the hunting seasons for the state; October Mountain is in Zone 2. On the Appalachian Trail, hunting is not permitted and all firearms must be unloaded while on the trail. Dress appropriate to the weather. Layer for warmth in cooler and cold weather. == Go next ==