Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Massachusetts
5

Massachusetts State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Massachusetts
Central Region
Fitchburg State Forest
Chickadee © stateparks.com
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
FITCHBURG STATE FOREST
FITCHBURG STATE FOREST
Fitchburg State Forest is a captivating natural oasis nestled in the heart of Massachusetts, offering visitors a diverse landscape and abundant recreational opportunities. Enveloped by dense woodlands and spanning across over 1,000 acres, the forest captivates adventurers with its picturesque beauty and tranquil surroundings. Trails meander through the forest, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring scenery while experiencing the forest's sights and sounds. The forest also showcases a pristine lake, providing the perfect spot for fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. With its vibrant foliage in the fall, blooming wildflowers in the spring, and breathtaking views year-round, Fitchburg State Forest is a nature lover's haven offering a respite from the bustling city life.
History of the Area
Fitchburg State Forest is located in the city of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The forest has a history dating back to the mid-19th century and has gone through various stages of development and land use over the years.

In the 1850s, the state of Massachusetts began acquiring land in the Fitchburg area for the purpose of developing forestry practices and protecting water sources. The Fitchburg State Forest was officially established in 1919, covering an area of approximately 2,060 acres.

During the Great Depression era of the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal program, played a crucial role in the development and improvement of the forest. Many trails, picnic areas, and fire lanes were built, and the forest became a popular recreational destination for the local community.

In the 20th century, the forest faced various challenges, including forest fires and logging activities that took place during World War II. However, efforts were made to restore and conserve the forest in subsequent years.

Fitchburg State Forest remains a popular recreational spot in the Fitchburg area. The forest offers numerous recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, birdwatching, and in the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The forest serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including deer, turkey, owls, hawks, and foxes. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which continues to preserve and maintain the forest for future generations to enjoy.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental



Trails
1. The Midstate Trail: This is a 92-mile long-distance hiking trail that passes through Fitchburg State Forest, offering hikers the chance to explore diverse landscapes including woodlands and wetland areas.

2. Wachusett Mountain Loop: A moderately trafficked loop trail located near Westminster, Massachusetts features beautiful wildflowers and offers several activity options such as bird watching or snowshoeing in winter months.

3. Crow Hill Ledges Trail: An approximately two miles round trip hike with an elevation gain of about 400 feet; it leads you up rocky terrain to some impressive ledges overlooking Leominster State Forest.

4. Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary Trails: These trails offer easy hikes for beginners across flat terrains filled with wildlife sightings like birds, deer etc., making them perfect for family outings or casual strolls amidst nature's beauty.

5. Overlook Road & Rocky Pond Rd Hiking Route: It's a moderate level route stretching around three miles which takes one along scenic views of ponds surrounded by dense forests providing ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

6. The High Ridge Wildlife Management Area Trails: Covering over six hundred acres this area has multiple trails suitable both for beginner:level walkers looking out on gentle slopes while also catering advanced trekkers seeking challenging climbs leading towards panoramic vistas from atop high ridges.

7. Squannacook River Rail-Trail: This five mile rail-trail provides smooth gravel paths ideal not only walking but also biking activities passing alongside picturesque river scenes.

8. Willard Brook Park Walking Path: Nestled within Willard Brook state forest,this path winds its way past brooks,waterfalls ending at Trap Falls,a popular picnic spot.

9. Ashburnham West Side Conservation Land: With more than ten marked routes crisscrossing each other throughout these lands,hikers can choose their own adventure depending upon difficulty levels they wish undertake ranging between light walks till strenuous climbs.

10. Pearl Hill State Park Trails: This park offers over 1,000 acres of forested land with multiple trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty level and are perfect for hiking or mountain biking.

11. Midstate Trail Section Hike - Ashburnham to Wachusett Mountain: A challenging section hike covering around twenty miles taking hikers through diverse terrains including forests,wetlands till reaching the summit at Mount Wachusett offering panoramic views across Massachusetts landscape.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
The Pines Campground
49 Davis Road
Ashby, MA
978-386-7702
Shady Point Beach & Campground
701 Reservoir Road
Lunenburg, MA
978-582-4976
Spacious Skies Minute Man
264 Ayer Road
Littleton, MA
978-772-0042
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Ric's Bait & Tackle
101 Marguerite Ave
Leominster, MA
(978) 534-5455
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Hotels/Motels
Located on over 100 wooded lakefront acres, overlooking Ashland State Park. Right out our front door you get to truly enjoy the great outdoors. Easy access to trails for hiking, and an area for swimming. Come and enjoy all that Ashland State Park has to offer, and stay at the Warren Center right next door.
31.1 miles from park*

Directions
1. Start by heading onto Route 2 (also known as the Johnny Appleseed Trail) if you are coming from eastern or western parts of Massachusetts.
2. Take Exit 32B for Route 13 North towards Lunenburg/Fitchburg.
3. Continue on Route 13 North for approximately three miles until you reach a rotary intersection with a large clock tower in its center.
4. At the rotary, take the second exit onto Electric Avenue/Route12 South and continue straight ahead.
5. Continue driving south on Electric Avenue/Route12 for about two miles until you see signs indicating "Fitchburg State Forest" at your right:hand side.
6. Turn right into Oak Hill Road which will lead directly into Fitchburg State Forest's main entrance parking area.

state route ranger badge
Massachusetts
5

Massachusetts State Parks

X