D.A.R. State Forest wilderness guide

State Forest · MA

D.A.R. State Forest

D.A.R. State Forest in Massachusetts offers visitors a scenic escape featuring a blend of mountainous terrain and waterways, ideal for diverse outdoor activities.

State Forest1,7283+ Trails

1929STATE FOREST

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

1,728

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About D.A.R. State Forest

D.A.R. State Forest in Massachusetts offers visitors a scenic escape featuring a blend of mountainous terrain and waterways, ideal for diverse outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

D.A.R. State Forest is a sprawling 1,728-acre protected area located in the heart of western Massachusetts, known for its picturesque landscapes that include the stunning Upper and Lower Highland Lake. The forest is part of the Berkshire Mountains, providing a diverse ecological habitat that supports a variety of plant and animal life. Established in 1929, the forest was gifted to the Commonwealth by the Daughters of the American Revolution, aiming to preserve this beautiful natural retreat. Visitors can enjoy numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking through the forest's 15-mile network of trails, engaging in fishing and non-motorized boating on the lakes, and camping at well-maintained sites. Notable features like the Goshen Fire Tower offer panoramic views of the landscape, while winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With its well-preserved natural beauty and ample amenities, D.A.R. State Forest remains a cherished spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Field Guide · State Forest

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near D.A.R. State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Upper and Lower Highland Lake – pristine bodies perfect for canoeing and kayaking.✦ Goshen Fire Tower – provides stunning panoramic views.✦ Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including birding.✦ Rich autumn foliage for spectacular fall colors.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to D.A.R. State Forest

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in D.A.R. State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in D.A.R. State Forest

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in D.A.R. State Forest

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in D.A.R. State Forest

Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in D.A.R. State Forest

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in D.A.R. State Forest

Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in D.A.R. State Forest

Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in D.A.R. State Forest

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in D.A.R. State Forest

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in D.A.R. State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee is required but camping fees apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in D.A.R. State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

D.A.R. State Forest Campground

Located near Upper Highland Lake, offering sites for tents and RVs with basic amenities.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near D.A.R. State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Chesterfield, Massachusetts

⌖ 3.20 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Chesterfield, Massachusetts

Chesterfield, Massachusetts offers quiet outdoor adventures from hiking scenic gorges to paddling peaceful rivers. Ideal for nature lovers seeking a low-key, rural escape with seasonal activities from spring through winter.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing

Cummington, Massachusetts

⌖ 6.12 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Cummington, Massachusetts

Cummington is a peaceful Massachusetts town offering outdoor lovers hiking, paddling, and quiet nature escapes. Explore the Westfield River, local trails, and nearby forests in a serene rural New England setting.

Late spring to early fall

Ashfield, Massachusetts

⌖ 7.78 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Ashfield, Massachusetts

Ashfield, Massachusetts, is your gateway to the Berkshires, offering scenic hikes, tranquil lake paddles, and winter sports. Discover the quiet charm of this New England retreat.

Summer and Fall

Worthington, Massachusetts

⌖ 7.84 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Worthington, Massachusetts

Worthington offers quiet hiking, paddling, and winter snow sports amid its rural forests and river landscapes. Ideal for travelers seeking low-key outdoor adventures away from crowds.

Spring to Fall for warm weather activities; Winter for snow sports

Florence, Massachusetts

⌖ 7.94 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Florence, Massachusetts

Florence, MA offers outdoor lovers a mix of river paddling, hiking, biking, and bird watching along the Connecticut River. With nearby state forests and seasonal trails, it’s a versatile base for year-round adventure in Western Massachusetts.

Spring through Fall for water and trail activities; Winter for cross-country skiing

South Deerfield, Massachusetts

⌖ 10.08 miles

Gateway Basecamp

South Deerfield, Massachusetts

South Deerfield offers peaceful outdoor activities along the Connecticut River, with good hiking trails, paddling opportunities, and seasonal cross-country skiing. Explore local farms and enjoy rural charm all year round.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in D.A.R. State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

North Beerfield Tour: A measured loop through Northampton’s craft-brewing hinterland

ADVEXPEDITION

Northampton, Massachusetts

City TourADV Bookable

North Beerfield Tour: A measured loop through Northampton’s craft-brewing hinterland

A Sunday-only, four-hour tasting tour of three Northampton-area breweries led by Pioneer Valley Brews Cruise — useful for planning logistics, mobility needs, and what to bring.

City TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Hops in Hoop City: A three-brewery crawl through Springfield’s craft core

ADVEXPEDITION

Springfield, Massachusetts

BreweryADV Bookable

Hops in Hoop City: A three-brewery crawl through Springfield’s craft core

A 3.5-hour, 21+ guided tour of three Springfield breweries run by Pioneer Valley Brews Cruise — this guide explains what to expect, where you meet, and practicalities.

BreweryPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Hoppy Valley: A three-stop craft crawl through Northampton and the Valley

ADVEXPEDITION

Northampton, Massachusetts

City TourADV Bookable

Hoppy Valley: A three-stop craft crawl through Northampton and the Valley

A guided, 3.5-hour, 21+ brewery tour that links Fort Hill, New City and White Lion—this guide describes the stops, logistics, and what to bring.

City TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Escape From Alcatraz: A 60‑Minute Guard’s Gauntlet in Hadley

ADVEXPEDITION

Hadley, Massachusetts

History TourADV Bookable

Escape From Alcatraz: A 60‑Minute Guard’s Gauntlet in Hadley

Step into the role of an Alcatraz guard to recover the Warden’s ten missing keys within 60 minutes—a focused, immersive history‑puzzle that tests observation and teamwork.

History TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Race the Clock to Unmask The Velvet Glove — a 60‑minute investigative mission in Hadley

ADVEXPEDITION

Hadley, Massachusetts

City TourADV Bookable

Race the Clock to Unmask The Velvet Glove — a 60‑minute investigative mission in Hadley

Teams search Hadley properties to prove a detained suspect is the international thief and, if possible, recover the stolen Crown of Hildegard of the Vinzgau.

City TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Face the Houdini Legacy: A 60‑Minute Trial of Sleight, Locks and Nerve in Hadley

ADVEXPEDITION

Hadley, Massachusetts

AttractionADV Bookable

Face the Houdini Legacy: A 60‑Minute Trial of Sleight, Locks and Nerve in Hadley

A hands‑on escape challenge in Hadley that starts with card tricks and culminates in timed escapes from locks and handcuffs — this guide helps you know what to expect and how the hour unfolds.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Treetop Playgrounds: Inside Berkshire East’s Children’s Tree House Trail

ADVEXPEDITION

Charlemont, Massachusetts

AttractionADV Bookable

Treetop Playgrounds: Inside Berkshire East’s Children’s Tree House Trail

A netted, harness-free course for kids ages 3 and up with bridges, tunnels and a small zip line—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Suspended Challenges Above Berkshire East: The Aerial Adventure Park in Charlemont

ADVEXPEDITION

Charlemont, Massachusetts

AttractionADV Bookable

Suspended Challenges Above Berkshire East: The Aerial Adventure Park in Charlemont

A family-focused suspended challenge course at Berkshire East Mountain Resort where visitors navigate Indiana Jones bridges, Tarzan swings and rolling zip-lines; this guide distills what to expect, who can go, and how to prepare.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Treetop Speed on Charlemont’s Ridge: Seven Zips, Two Chairlifts, One Three‑Hour Rush

ADVEXPEDITION

Charlemont, Massachusetts

ZiplineADV Bookable

Treetop Speed on Charlemont’s Ridge: Seven Zips, Two Chairlifts, One Three‑Hour Rush

A three-hour guided tour on Berkshire East’s Mountain Top Zip Line Tour that threads seven ziplines (including dual racing lines) across mountain‑top platforms and chairlift vistas — this guide explains what to expect and who can go.

ZiplinePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Sharpen Eddy Turns on the Deerfield: An Intermediate Kayak 2‑Day Clinic in Charlemont

ADVEXPEDITION

Charlemont, Massachusetts

Boat TourADV Bookable

Sharpen Eddy Turns on the Deerfield: An Intermediate Kayak 2‑Day Clinic in Charlemont

A two-day advanced‑beginner to intermediate whitewater clinic that refines flatwater technique, moves participants into moving water maneuvers and concludes with a Class I–II river run — useful for paddlers who’ve completed an introductory course and want to progress.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster — a 1,580‑foot climb and a 3,870‑foot plunge through Berkshire forest

ADVEXPEDITION

Charlemont, Massachusetts

AttractionADV Bookable

Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster — a 1,580‑foot climb and a 3,870‑foot plunge through Berkshire forest

At Berkshire East in Charlemont, the Thunderbolt blends alpine slide and roller‑coaster elements; this guide explains the ride’s profile and the reservations, requirements, and check‑in details you need before you go.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Zoar Gap Rafting: Five miles of Class II–III whitewater on the Deerfield River

ADVEXPEDITION

Charlemont, Massachusetts

RaftingADV Bookable

Zoar Gap Rafting: Five miles of Class II–III whitewater on the Deerfield River

A beginner-friendly, family-oriented rafting run out of Charlemont that covers what to expect on the water, what to bring, age and safety requirements, and logistics for your day.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip