October Mountain State Forest
Massachusetts’ Largest State Forest — Berkshire Highlands, Appalachian Trail, 47 Campsites & Yurts, Mountain Biking, ATV Trails, Schermerhorn Gorge
October Mountain State Forest is Massachusetts’ largest state forest spanning over 16,500 acres across Washington, Lee, Lenox, and Becket in the Berkshire Hills. The forest features 47 campsites plus three yurts, sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Schermerhorn Gorge Trail, mountain biking, designated ATV/OHV trails, fishing, non-motorized boating, cross-country skiing, and diverse wildlife in a sprawling wilderness.
October Mountain State Forest is a Berkshire behemoth — at 16,500+ acres, it is the largest state forest in Massachusetts. The forest occupies a vast swath of the Berkshire Highlands, with terrain ranging from ridge-top boreal habitat to deep hemlock gorges. The Appalachian Trail traverses the forest, offering through-hikers and day-hikers access to iconic New England ridgeline walking. The Schermerhorn Gorge Trail is a scenic highlight — a rocky descent through a hemlock-lined gorge. The campground offers 47 sites and three yurts with hot showers and flush toilets. Mountain bikers enjoy technical singletrack, while ATV/OHV riders have access to designated challenging trails. Black bears are present — food storage lockers are provided at all sites.
Things to Do
Hiking
- Appalachian Trail traverses the forest
- Schermerhorn Gorge Trail — hemlock gorge
- Multiple trail difficulty levels
Mountain Biking & ATV
- Mountain biking trails — technical singletrack
- Designated ATV/OHV trails — intermediate to expert
- OHV permit required
Camping
- 47 campsites (tent + RV up to 34 ft)
- 3 yurts
- Hot showers, flush toilets
- Food storage lockers (bear country)
- Season: mid-May to mid-October
Water Activities
- Non-motorized boating — kayaking, canoeing
- Fishing at ponds and reservoir
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 16,500+ acres — LARGEST state forest in Massachusetts |
| Location | Berkshire Hills — Washington, Lee, Lenox, Becket, MA |
| Campsites | 47 sites + 3 yurts — reservations required |
| Facilities | Hot showers, flush toilets, food storage lockers |
| Trails | Appalachian Trail, Schermerhorn Gorge, MTB, ATV |
| Season | Mid-May to mid-October |
| Firewood | Must purchase on-site (~$7/bundle, credit card) |
| Bears | Black bears present — use lockers |
| Fees | Parking + camping fees apply |
| Coordinates | 42.3688° N, 73.2168° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ BEST: Berkshire fall foliage; AT hiking; cool air; mushrooms; photography | Reserve early — peak Berkshire tourism; hunting in season |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full operations; camping; MTB; kayaking; swimming nearby; long days | Bears active; humid; mosquitoes; popular weekends |
| Spring (Apr–May) | AT thru-hikers; wildflowers; birdsong; trilliums; quiet | Muddy trails; campground opens mid-May; cold nights |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; winter tracking; solitude | Campground closed; extreme cold; snow; limited access |
Visitor Tips
- Largest: At 16,500+ acres, this is Massachusetts’ largest state forest — plan your exploration, as the forest is vast.
- Appalachian Trail: The AT traverses the forest — excellent for day hikes or connecting to Berkshire AT sections.
- Bears: Black bears are active — always use the food storage lockers provided at every campsite. Never store food in tents or vehicles.
- Firewood: You cannot bring your own firewood — buy on-site (~$7/bundle, credit card only) to prevent invasive species.
- Reservations: Reservations required for camping — no walk-in sites. Book early for fall foliage weekends.
- Yurts: Three yurts provide a unique glamping option in the Berkshire wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is October Mountain the largest state forest in Massachusetts?
Yes — October Mountain State Forest at 16,500+ acres is the largest state forest in Massachusetts. Located in the Berkshire Hills across Washington, Lee, Lenox, and Becket, it features 47 campsites plus three yurts with hot showers and flush toilets (mid-May to mid-October, reservations required). The Appalachian Trail traverses the forest. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding on designated trails, fishing, and kayaking. Black bears are present — food storage lockers are provided at all sites. Firewood must be purchased on-site.
Last updated: May 2026
