A 4,169-acre forest with about 30 miles of rugged, natural-surface trails, including the South Taconic Trail's climb to Alander Mountain's 2,250-foot summit and a stretch of the Appalachian Trail through Sage's Ravine. Eight hike-in, car-free campsites sit 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Mid-June brings blooming mountain laurel along the ridgelines.
What to expect
Dogs
Leashed or tethered (10-foot max) except while hunting, hunt-dog training, or search-dog training, under DCR's statewide pet rule; pets are banned from designated swimming areas May 1 through Sept 15
Banned now · back SepAccessibility
Not accessible; trails are natural surface and rugged, and the campsites require a 1.5-mile hike from the parking lot with no vehicle access
Hunting
Allowed per state hunting seasons
Camping
Allowed year-round, 8 hike-in sites
What's here
On site
Restroom
composting toilets at the hike-in campsites, 1.5 miles from the trailhead
Picnic area
picnic tables at the hike-in campsites only
Not here
No drinking water
no potable water at the trailhead or campsites; bring your own
Common questions
Is Mount Washington State Forest open today?
Mount Washington State Forest is a public preserve in Mount Washington, MA. There is no live closure feed for preserves & forests; the town's site is the authority for temporary closures.
How do I get to the campsites?
Park at the East Street trailhead and hike 1.5 miles in on the Alander Mountain Trail. None of the 8 sites has car access.
Are there trails at Mount Washington State Forest?
Yes.
Can I bring my dog to Mount Washington State Forest?
Leashed or tethered (10-foot max) except while hunting, hunt-dog training, or search-dog training, under DCR's statewide pet rule; pets are banned from designated swimming areas May 1 through Sept 15
Is Mount Washington State Forest wheelchair accessible?
Not accessible; trails are natural surface and rugged, and the campsites require a 1.5-mile hike from the parking lot with no vehicle access