A 559-acre DCR forest split into two disconnected sections in northern Conway: one bordering the Deerfield River near the historic Bardwell's Ferry Bridge, the other following the old Conway Electric Street Railway grade to the point where the South River meets the Deerfield, a hundred feet below the vanished High Bridge.
What to expect
Trails
The Mahican-Mohawk Trail follows the abandoned New York, New Haven and Hartford rail grade through the forest; much of it is hikeable and bikeable, with a few…
Dogs
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and…
Hours
Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset as published by the National Weather Service, unless posted or permitted otherwise. Fishing, camping, snowmobiling and other authorized nighttime activities are not held…
Accessibility
Unpaved rail-bed trails and informal roadside parking; not wheelchair accessible.
Fishing
Allowed year-round; South, Bear, and Deerfield Rivers
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
WebsiteCommon questions
How do I get to South River State Forest?
Take Bardwell's Ferry Road to South Station Road, or approach from Allen Hill Road or Conway Station Road; there are parking pullouts near the bridge and at the old rail station site.
Is there an entry fee at South River State Forest?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to South River State Forest?
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and search-dog training are excepted (302 CMR 12.13).
Is South River State Forest wheelchair accessible?
Unpaved rail-bed trails and informal roadside parking; not wheelchair accessible.