A state forest of roughly 1,700 acres around Upper and Lower Highland Lake, with a fire tower reached by a half-mile trail and about 15 miles of mixed-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The campground and the day-use swim beach both sit inside the same forest, off Cape Street.
What to expect
Trails
About 15 miles of marked, mixed-use trail through the forest Mixed; wide woods roads for hiking and… · Natural surface (dirt/woods roads);…
Dogs
Dogs allowed on a leash no longer than 10 feet across DCR land, including the trails here, under the statewide DCR pet rule (302 CMR 12.13). The same rule bans pets from the designated swim beach and roped swimming area May 1 through Sep…
Banned now · back Sep 15Accessibility
Goshen's own open space plan describes most trails here and all forest restrooms as accessible, plus wheelchair-accessible campsites that can be reserved.
Kayak/Canoe
Allowed year-round, ice permitting
Fishing
Allowed year-round; ice fishing in winter
Ice-Skating
Allowed winter, ice permitting
Managed by
DCR - Division of State Parks and Recreation
413-268-7098 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Info kiosk
Trailhead map kiosk
Picnic area
Shady day-use picnic area; a group picnic pavilion can be reserved
Common questions
Is the beach part of this same fee/lot?
Yes. Upper Highland Lake's day-use beach sits inside the forest and is covered by the same parking fee and season as the rest of DAR, not a separate ticket.
Are there trails at DAR State Forest?
Yes. About 15 miles of marked, mixed-use trail through the forest. Mixed; wide woods roads for hiking and horseback riding… difficulty. Surface: Natural surface (dirt/woods roads); the plan notes most….
Is there an entry fee at DAR State Forest?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to DAR State Forest?
Dogs allowed on a leash no longer than 10 feet across DCR land, including the trails here, under the statewide DCR pet rule (302 CMR 12.13). The same rule bans pets from the designated swim beach and roped swimming area May 1 through Sep 15.
Is DAR State Forest wheelchair accessible?
Goshen's own open space plan describes most trails here and all forest restrooms as accessible, plus wheelchair-accessible campsites that can be reserved.