Mount Washington State Forest | Day Trippers

Mount Washington State Forest

Fresh air, fresh perspective

Sarah Cody,

In the extreme southwest corner of Massachusetts is a cluster of parks particularly notable for their spectacular scenery and breathtaking views.

Mount Washington State Forest offers 30 miles of trails and a full range of outdoor recreation, including wilderness camping, amidst its rugged, mountainous terrain. Within the forest is Bash Bish Falls, the state's most dramatic waterfall. Cascading water tumbles through a series of gorges and finally drops 80 feet over the falls and into a sparkling pool.

Hiking is paramount at Mount Washington State Forest, part of 6,400 acres of nature's beauty, owned by the state of Massachusetts.

"We're in the far Southwest corner of Massachusetts adjoining Connecticut to the south and New York to the West," said Forest and Park Supervisor Frank Ackerman.

Bear Mountain is a close neighbor. Considered the highest peak in Connecticut, the primitive trails are rugged and the foliage is dense.

"That's a popular area - there are sites open for campers, for hikers along the Appalachian trail," Ackerman said.

The name is significant, calling attention to the nocturnal creatures that roam freely throughout the area.

"It's very possible to see a bear - on the other hand it's not extremely likely," Ackerman said.

The springtime is when bears come out of hibernation and give birth. So, if you were to encounter a bear, one place you don't want to be is between a mother and her cubs.

"Bears will try to get after food and garbage. So, try to secure the trash you've accumulated," Ackerman said.

Ackerman appreciates the striking, yet quaint landscape and the attainable hiking opportunities in the Berkshire Highlands.

"You feel like you've had exercise, you've had a nice day in the woods but it's not mounting a major expedition to get to the top of one of these mountains," he said.

Instead, it's a day in the fresh air, gaining a fresh perspective.