A 49-acre DCR parcel at the summit of Massaemett Mountain, home to a stone fire tower built in 1909, one of only two active stone fire towers remaining in New England, with a three-state view.
What to expect
Trails
Fire Tower Trail (1.25 mi, steep climb of roughly 1,000 ft from Route 2) and Ridge Trail (1 mi, connects north to High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary).
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
Steep hiking-trail access only; not wheelchair accessible.
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Info kiosk
Trailhead kiosk near the Route 2/Halligan Avenue junction.
Common questions
How do I get to the fire tower?
The Fire Tower Trail climbs about 1.25 miles from a trailhead at the junction of Route 2 and Halligan Avenue in Shelburne; park on the uphill side of Halligan Avenue.
Can I bring my dog to Shelburne 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 Shelburne State Forest wheelchair accessible?
Steep hiking-trail access only; not wheelchair accessible.