CLARKSBURG STATE FOREST
Clarksburg State Forest is located in the northern Berkshires in western Massachusetts.From the East/I-91: From I-91 take Exit 26 in Greenfield and follow MA Rte. 2 west for 34 miles to North Adams, to intersection with MA Rte. 8 north. Turn right and follow Rte. 8 north for 3 miles to Middle Road. Turn left onto Middle Rd. and continue for 0.1 mile to park entrance on right.
From South, East or West/MassPike (I-90): Take Exit 2 in Lee and follow US Rte. 20 west to US Rte. 7 north to Williamstown for 31.7 miles. Take MA Rte. 2 east for 6.2 miles, through downtown North Adams, to MA Rte. 8. Turn left and follow Rte. 8 north for 3 miles to Middle Road. Turn left onto Middle Rd. and continue for 0.1 mile to park entrance on right.
From North/Vermont: Take VT/MA Rte. 8 south from the Massachusetts-Vermont line for 0.5 mile. Turn right onto Middle Rd. and continue for 0.1 mile to park entrance on right.
Clarksburg State Forest is located in the town of Clarksburg, Massachusetts. The forest spans over 3,000 acres and offers various recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
The history of the Clarksburg State Forest dates back to the early 19th century. It was originally a part of the Monroe State Forest until it was separated and designated as its own forest in 1922. The area was primarily used for lumbering during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with logging operations clearing large portions of the land.
In the early 1930s, as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) took on projects in the area. The CCC was a work relief program that employed young, unemployed men during the Great Depression. The corps members built roads, trails, fire towers, and other infrastructure within the Clarksburg State Forest.
One of the notable features of the forest is the Todd-Bogardus Wildlife Management Area, which was established in 1945. Named after Oliver Todd and Roger Bogardus, the area was set aside to provide habitat for wildlife and support recreational activities such as hunting and fishing.
The Clarksburg State Forest has been managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to preserve and protect its natural resources. The forest serves as an important watershed for nearby communities and contributes to the conservation of biodiversity in the region.
Clarksburg State Forest continues to be enjoyed by visitors for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and ecological value. It provides opportunities for hikers, campers, anglers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts to experience the natural splendor of Massachusetts.