The D.A.R. State Forest is a publicly owned forest with recreational features located mostly in the
town of
Goshen with some spillage into neighboring
Ashfield Ashfield may refer to:
People
* Ashfield (surname)
Places
Australia
* Ashfield, New South Wales, a suburb of Sydney
** Municipality of Ashfield, a former local government area in Sydney
** Electoral district of Ashfield, a former electoral dist ...
,
Massachusetts. Activities center around Upper and Lower Highland Lakes. The
state forest encompasses and is managed by the
Department of Conservation and Recreation.
[
]
History
The forest was established in 1929 when were donated to the state by the Daughters of the American Revolution
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States' efforts towards independence.
A non-profit group, they promote ...
. Improvements made in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps included the reconstruction of dams, the creation of camping and picnicking areas, and the building of roads and bridges.[
]
Activities and amenities
The forest abuts Upper Highland and Lower Highland lakes, which provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The of mixed-use trails that cross through the northern hardwood-conifer forest are used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Camping is offered at 51 campsites. The Goshen fire tower provides views of the Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the longest river in the New England region of the United States, flowing roughly southward for through four states. It rises 300 yards (270 m) south of the U.S. border with Quebec, Canada, and discharges at Long Island ...
Valley and surrounding states. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.[
]
References
External links
DAR State Forest
Department of Conservation and Recreation
DAR State Forest Map
Department of Conservation and Recreation
{{Protected Areas of Massachusetts
Massachusetts state forests
Parks in Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Campgrounds in Massachusetts
Daughters of the American Revolution
Civilian Conservation Corps in Massachusetts
1929 establishments in Massachusetts