WENDELL STATE FOREST
Located south of the Millers River, Wendell State Forest covers 7,566 acres of rolling forested hills, streams, ponds, and trails. Purchased in the 1920s the area had been heavily burned during the early 1900s. Some of the park development and most of the road systems are attributed to Civilian Conservation Corps activities in the 1930s.
Ruggles Pond is the main day-use area. This 10 acre pond offers crystal clear water for swimming and fishing. Picnic sites and a ball field with a pavilion are located nearby. There is a small boat launching ramp located at the Northern end of Wickett Pond. The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail traverses the forest boundaries and offers a small Adirondack shelter for trail users.
Wendell State Forest is a 7,566-acre state forest located in the town of Wendell, Massachusetts. It has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century.
The forest was originally part of a larger tract of land owned by the Wendell family, who were among the early settlers of the area. In the early 1800s, the land was utilized mostly for farming and timber harvesting. However, Wendell State Forest, as we know it today, came into existence in the early 1900s when the state of Massachusetts began acquiring tracts of land to create a public forest.
In 1910, the first parcels of land were purchased, and by 1916, the Wendell State Forest was formally established as a state forest. The initial purpose of the forest was to provide timber resources for local industries, as well as opportunities for recreational activities such as hunting and fishing.
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing the infrastructure of the forest. The CCC was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942, employing young and unemployed men to work on various conservation projects. In Wendell State Forest, the CCC constructed trails, campsites, picnic areas, and fire roads, contributing to the overall recreational development of the forest.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Wendell State Forest underwent further improvements and expansions. Additional land was acquired, increasing the forest's size, and recreational facilities such as the Ruggles Pond swimming area and the Wendell State Forest campground were established.
Wendell State Forest is a popular recreational destination for hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, and nature observation. The forest offers over 20 miles of trails, including the popular Wendell State Forest Loop Trail, which provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems and serene beauty of the forest.
Wendell State Forest's history reflects the transition of land from private ownership to public conservation, highlighting the state's commitment to preserving natural resources and providing recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors.