🌤 Weather at Manuel F. Correllus State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–65 °F | 55–79 °F | 36–73 °F | 23–45 °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 Vineyard Haven Airport, 1 mi away, elevation 68 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Martha’s Vineyard Forest — 5,343-acre state forest in the center of Martha’s Vineyard — protecting the island’s unique sandplain grassland and scrub oak barrens
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest covers 5,343 acres in the center of Martha’s Vineyard — making it the largest public landholding on this iconic island. The forest protects one of the world’s rarest ecosystems: sandplain grassland and scrub oak barrens found almost nowhere else on Earth. This unique habitat is home to rare moths and butterflies found only here. The forest offers 15 miles of paved bike paths and fire road trails through the island’s interior — a completely different world from the beaches and harbors that most visitors see.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Martha’s Vineyard, Dukes County, MA |
| Size | 5,343 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Biking | 15 miles paved paths! |
| Ecosystem | GLOBALLY RARE sandplain grassland! |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sandplain grassland?
Sandplain grassland is a globally rare ecosystem found almost exclusively on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and a few Cape Cod locations. Sandy soil, salt air, and periodic fire create this unique habitat — supporting rare moths and plants found nowhere else on Earth.
About Correllus State Forest
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest covers 5,300 acres in the center of Martha’s Vineyard — the largest protected area on the island. The forest preserves a globally rare frost-bottom pitch pine-scrub oak barrens ecosystem, home to rare insects and plants. The forest is the last habitat of the extinct heath hen, whose memorial resides on the island.
Things to Do
Cycling the extensive fire roads (a favorite Vineyard activity), hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching in the rare barrens habitat, and cross-country skiing. The forest provides a quiet escape from the island’s busy summer beach scene.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, South Cape Beach State Park is a short drive away, and Demarest Lloyd State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🏝️ Visit Correllus State Forest
Martha’s Vineyard interior — 5,343 acres of globally rare habitat.
Wildlife & Nature
Manuel F. Correllus SF — 5,343 acres in the center of Martha’s Vineyard — the largest state forest on a Massachusetts island. The forest’s pine barrens and scrub oak are the only habitat of the Martha’s Vineyard short-eared owl. The forest was established to restore the watershed after deforestation.
Nearby Attractions
Martha’s Vineyard — surrounding. Edgartown — 5 miles east. Oak Bluffs — 5 miles north — has the famous gingerbread cottages.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Manuel F. Correllus 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 Manuel F. Correllus 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
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