Granville State Forest
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Western MA Wilderness — 2,426-acre forest in the Berkshire foothills with a stunning gorge and waterfall
Granville State Forest covers 2,426 acres in the Berkshire foothills of western Massachusetts, featuring the spectacular Hubbard River Gorge with its cascading waterfalls and old-growth hemlock forest. The gorge trail winds through one of the most dramatic landscapes in southern New England — towering hemlock trees shade moss-covered boulders alongside the tumbling river. The forest offers camping at a quiet, secluded campground.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Granville, Hampden County, MA |
| Size | 2,426 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free (camping fee applies) |
| Highlight | Hubbard River Gorge & waterfall! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the gorge trail difficult?
The Hubbard River Gorge trail is moderate — rocky and rooty with some steep sections near the waterfalls. Wear sturdy shoes and use caution near the wet rocks. The hemlock-shaded gorge is stunning in all seasons.
About Granville State Forest
Granville State Forest in southwestern Massachusetts covers over 2,000 acres of rugged forest in the southern Berkshire foothills. The forest features the Hubbard River gorge — a dramatic rocky gorge with waterfalls and swimming holes. The remote location in Granville (one of Massachusetts’ least-populated towns) ensures genuine wilderness character.
Things to Do
Hiking to the Hubbard River gorge and waterfalls, swimming in the natural rock pools, camping (22 sites), hunting (deer, turkey, bear), fishing for brook trout, and cross-country skiing. The gorge swimming holes are a hidden gem.
Insider Tips
Hubbard River gorge: Granville State Forest contains a dramatic gorge carved by the Hubbard River — 100+ foot cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and old-growth hemlock. Pro tip: The gorge trail is one of the finest short hikes in western Massachusetts — rivaling more famous New England waterfalls. Hemlock forests: Eastern hemlock forests are threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid — an invasive insect that’s devastating hemlocks across New England.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Waterfall peak flow. Summer: Swimming holes in the gorge. Fall: Gorge foliage. Winter: Ice formations on the falls — spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hemlock woolly adelgid?
The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is a tiny invasive insect from East Asia that feeds on hemlock needles — killing trees within 4-10 years. Since arriving in Virginia in the 1950s, HWA has spread north, devastating hemlock forests across the eastern US. In Massachusetts, many hemlock groves are dying. Scientists are releasing predatory beetles from Asia as biological control.
🏔️ Visit Granville State Forest
2,426 acres — Hubbard River Gorge, waterfalls, old-growth hemlock.
