A roughly 12,000-acre state forest spanning Monterey, Great Barrington, Lee, and Tyringham, built around Benedict Pond and threaded by miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
What to expect
Trails
12+ miles of trails across the forest, including a segment of the Appalachian… easy to moderate, varies by trail · natural
Dogs
Leashed, 10-foot maximum, under control, per DCR's statewide pet policy for on-leash areas.
Hours
No forest-wide gate; DCR state forests generally run sunrise to sunset per statewide park rules (302 CMR 12.00).
Managed by
DCR Division of State Parks and Recreation
413-528-0904 · WebsiteCommon questions
Are there walking trails at Beartown?
Yes, more than a dozen miles of trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail crossing near Blue Hill Road.
Are there trails at Beartown State Forest?
Yes. 12+ miles of trails across the forest, including a segment of the Appalachian…. easy to moderate, varies by trail difficulty. Surface: natural.
Is there an entry fee at Beartown State Forest?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Beartown State Forest?
Leashed, 10-foot maximum, under control, per DCR's statewide pet policy for on-leash areas.