🌤 Weather at Georgetown-Rowley State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–69 °F | 56–83 °F | 32–73 °F | 17–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Groveland, 3 mi away, elevation 30 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 North Shore Forest — 1,112-acre mixed forest on the North Shore with trails through pine and wetland
Georgetown-Rowley State Forest covers 1,112 acres of pine, oak, and wetland habitat on Massachusetts’ North Shore. The forest provides quiet trails through mixed woodlands and past cranberry bogs — a reminder that Massachusetts is the second-largest cranberry producing state after Wisconsin. The forest is a popular mountain biking destination.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Georgetown/Rowley, Essex County, MA |
| Size | 1,112 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Biking | Popular mountain biking trails |
About Georgetown-Rowley
Georgetown-Rowley State Forest covers mixed woodland on the border of these two North Shore towns. The forest sits near the Parker River — a waterway flowing to the famous Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island. The mixed pine-hardwood forest provides habitat for deer and wild turkey close to the coast.
Georgetown-Rowley State Forest in Essex County protects 1,112 acres of mixed forest in the Merrimack Valley — the region where the American Industrial Revolution began. The forest provides passive recreation amid the dense urban corridor between Boston and the New Hampshire border. Essex County’s salt marshes, beaches, and forests make it one of the most ecologically diverse counties in New England.
Things to Do
Hiking, mountain biking, hunting (seasonal), and horseback riding on forest trails. The nearby Parker River NWR offers world-class coastal birding at Plum Island.
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting (seasonal), cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and accessing nature in the urban-suburban corridor north of Boston.
Insider Tips
North Shore forest: Georgetown-Rowley protects 1,112 acres of mixed forest and wetland on the North Shore — excellent for trail running and mountain biking. Pro tip: The forest is part of the Parker River watershed — the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on nearby Plum Island is one of the premier birding destinations on the Atlantic coast. Essex County: The surrounding area is classic New England — white clapboard houses, stone walls, and colonial-era town greens.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Foliage and quiet forest walks. Spring: Warbler migration — nearby Plum Island is extraordinary. Summer: Mountain biking and trail running. Winter: Cross-country skiing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Plum Island special for birding?
Plum Island’s Parker River NWR is a critical stop on the Atlantic Flyway — over 300 bird species have been recorded. The barrier island’s beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and freshwater pools create diverse habitat. Spring and fall migration bring extraordinary concentrations of shorebirds, warblers, and raptors. It’s consistently ranked among America’s top 10 birding sites.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Bradley Palmer State Park (a short drive away) and Willowdale State Forest (a short drive away).
🚵 Visit Georgetown-Rowley SF
1,112 acres — North Shore mountain biking through cranberry bog country.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Georgetown-Rowley State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash of no more than 10 feet in on-leash areas; dogs must be on-leash in all parking areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed on DCR coastal beaches or in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15; shorebird-nesting beaches are closed to dogs April 1 - September 15.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed in cabins, yurts and the encompassing areas (no pet-friendly cabin program).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash areas at ~20 properties (e.g. Bark Place at Breakheart Reservation); max 4 dogs per person; dogs banned entirely at Walden Pond, Moore State Park, Sandy Point and Boston Harbor Islands.
Are dogs allowed at Georgetown-Rowley State Forest?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Georgetown-Rowley State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
