Upton State Forest
Massachusetts’ 2,790-Acre Multi-Use Forest — Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, CCC Historic Camp, Cross-Country Skiing & Free Recreation in Worcester County
Upton State Forest is a 2,790-acre state forest spanning the towns of Upton, Hopkinton, and Westborough in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The forest features multi-use trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding, technical singletrack and doubletrack terrain, a historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp with original buildings, cross-country skiing in winter, and free admission.
Upton State Forest is a mountain biker’s paradise and a multi-use outdoor recreation hub in central Massachusetts. The forest’s 2,790 acres span undulating topography with a network of singletrack and doubletrack trails that wind through mixed hardwood and conifer forest. Mountain bikers prize the forest for its technical climbs and descents, while hikers and horseback riders share the trail network for a more relaxed experience. A highlight is the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp — the original 1930s camp building, schoolhouse, and parade grounds are preserved at the main entrance on Westboro Road. A portable toilet and picnic tables are available at the CCC trailhead. Cell service is unreliable in the forest interior. The forest is free to visit and open from dawn to dusk.
Things to Do
Mountain Biking
- Technical singletrack and doubletrack
- Undulating terrain — climbs and descents
- Multi-use shared trails
- Popular with Boston-area riders
Hiking
- Extensive trail network
- Easy to moderate loops
- Mixed hardwood and conifer forest
- Seasonal wildflowers and birding
Horseback Riding
- Multi-use trails open to equestrians
- Bring your own horse (no rentals)
Winter Activities
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Winter hiking
History
- CCC camp (1930s)
- Original camp building, schoolhouse, parade grounds
- Interpretive signage at trailhead
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 2,790 acres |
| Location | 205 Westboro Rd, Upton, MA 01568 (main entrance) |
| County | Worcester County |
| Towns | Upton, Hopkinton, Westborough |
| Trails | Singletrack + doubletrack — multi-use (biking, hiking, horses) |
| Historic | CCC camp — building, schoolhouse, parade grounds |
| Parking | Free — CCC headquarters entrance + CCC Way lot |
| Restrooms | Portable toilet at CCC trailhead |
| Picnic | Picnic tables at CCC headquarters |
| Camping | NOT permitted |
| Admission | FREE |
| Cell Service | Unreliable in forest interior |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Coordinates | 42.1944° N, 71.5959° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ BEST: New England foliage; cool biking/hiking weather; dry trails; mushrooms; photography | Hunting in season — blaze orange; leaves obscure trail markers |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Full canopy shade; long days; peak mountain biking; wildflowers; swimming nearby | Humid; ticks active; mosquitoes in low areas; popular weekends |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Green-up; wildflowers; migrating birds; thawing trails; ferns | Very muddy trails — mountain biking may cause damage; ticks |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; winter tracking; solitude; CCC camp in snow | Cold; trails may be icy; limited daylight; portable toilet may be removed |
Visitor Tips
- Mountain biking: The forest is known as one of central Massachusetts’ best mountain biking destinations — technical singletrack with rewarding climbs and descents.
- CCC camp: Explore the 1930s CCC camp at the main entrance — the original building, schoolhouse, and parade grounds are preserved.
- Trail map: Download a trail map before visiting — a QR code is available on the message board at the CCC trailhead, or check Trailforks for an interactive digital map.
- Cell service: Cell service is unreliable in the forest interior — download maps and trails offline before entering.
- Multi-use etiquette: Hikers yield to equestrians; mountain bikers announce themselves and yield to both hikers and horses.
- Leave No Trace: No trash receptacles — pack in/pack out everything.
- Free: Free parking and admission at both entrances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upton State Forest good for mountain biking?
Yes — Upton State Forest in Worcester County, Massachusetts, is one of the best mountain biking destinations in central Massachusetts. The 2,790-acre forest offers technical singletrack and doubletrack trails with undulating terrain featuring challenging climbs and descents through mixed hardwood and conifer forest. The forest also features a preserved 1930s CCC camp at the main entrance (205 Westboro Rd, Upton). Parking and admission are free. Cell service is unreliable in the forest interior, so download maps before visiting. The forest is open dawn to dusk and shared with hikers and equestrians.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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