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Wendell State Forest

Open to the publicPreserve · Wendell, MAUpdated Sep 13, 2026
Wendell State Forest, Wendell, Massachusetts
Morrowlong / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Right now

A 7,566-acre state forest built out by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, its old CCC roads now carrying hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers past Ruggles and Wickett ponds. A lean-to shelter on the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail lets backpackers overnight partway through.

What to expect

Trails
Miles of multi-use trail including part of the Metacomet-Monadnock / New England Trail, used for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country…
Entry fee
Free
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…
Mountain Biking
Allowed year-round
Cross-Country Skiing
Allowed winter
Managed by
DCR 413-659-3797 · Website

What's here

On site

Info kiosk
Forest headquarters near Ruggles Pond

Common questions

Is Wendell State Forest open today?
Wendell State Forest is a public preserve in Wendell, MA. Posted 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….
Is there an entry fee at Wendell State Forest?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Wendell 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).

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Nearby preserves & forests

More in Wendell

Beaches (1) · Parks (1) · Playgrounds (1) · Ponds (1)

BetaDetails are sourced from public agency data and can change through the season. Confirm locally before you go. Updated 2026-09-13.