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Massachusetts
5

Massachusetts State Parks

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USA Parks
Massachusetts
Central Region
Leominster State Forest
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LEOMINSTER STATE FOREST
LEOMINSTER STATE FOREST
90 Fitchburg Road, Rte 31
Westminster, Massachusetts   01473

Phone: 978-874-2303
Leominster State Forest is a 4,300-acre parcel of forested land, located in the five towns of Westminster, Princeton, Leominster, Fitchburg and Sterling in North Central Massachusetts. The forest is conveniently located off of Rte 2 (exit 28), is an easy drive for local residents, and convenient from the Boston and Worcester communities. Parking is available along Rte. 31 in several areas. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, parking fees are charged in the paved parking lots. The forest offers recreational opportunities year round, ranging from mountain biking and swimming in the summer to cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Nature lovers will enjoy the numerous hiking trails, the prolific mountain laurel bloom in late June, early July and the opportunity to observe all kinds of wildlife.
History of the Area
The forest has a rich history of land use, dating back to Native Americans who used the Crow Hill ledges for shelter and for sending smoke signals to neighboring tribes. In the early 1700's, a series of land grants were given to the heirs of soldiers killed in the French and Indian Wars, by the General Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony. Many of these parcels became part of the unincorporated settlement known as Notown, almost all of which is part of Leominster State Forest today. In 1838 the lands of Notown were finally incorporated into the towns of Leominster, Fitchburg, Westminster and Princeton. Today, there are numerous cellar holes, stonewalls and fruit trees still visible along the forest roads and trails.
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Trails
1. Crow Hill Trail: This is a moderate 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the forest and wildlife sightings. The path includes rocky terrain, steep inclines, and descents.

2. North Monoosnoc Overlook Loop: A challenging 4-mile hike with an elevation gain of over 800 feet offering panoramic views from its summit point at North Monoosnoc hilltop.

3. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation Trails: These trails span across Leominster State Forest to neighboring Princeton's Wachusett mountain range providing various difficulty levels for hikers ranging between easy to difficult paths covering around five miles in total length.

4. Rocky Pond Road Pathway: An easier route suitable for beginners or families which stretches about two miles along picturesque ponds ideal for bird watching or picnicking spots en-route.

5. Crow Hills Cliff Circuit Hike: It's approximately three mile long moderately trafficked circuit type hiking trail featuring beautiful wild flowers making it perfect during springtime hikes.

6. Midstate Trail Section - Ashburnham To Westminster: Spanning almost nine miles this section provides more rugged terrains including hillsides, streams crossings etc.

7. Baldwinville Rail:Trail: Located on southern edge of state park extending upto four kilometers connecting Baldwinville town center.

8. Notown Reservoir East Side Perimeter Walk: Approximately six kilometer lightly trafficked out:and-back style pathway located near Fitchburg city mainly used by nature lovers & walkers.

9. Willard Brook Falls Out And Back Route: Short but sweet one-kilometre walk leading towards stunning waterfall view spot within dense woods area.

10. Leominster Segment Of Mid-State Footpath: Longest among all stretching nearly twenty-four kilometres starting off from Massachusetts-Rhode Island border till New Hampshire-Massachusetts boundary line passing through several towns alongside showcasing diverse landscapes throughout journey.
Nature Programs
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, all types of interpretive programs are conducted by the park interpreter. These programs include hiking, visiting unique geologic and historical features in the park, vernal pool programs, wildlife and birdwatching walks. Check the bulletin boards in the parking lots, local newspapers or call the park for upcoming events.
Area Attractions
The trails at Leominster State Forest are extensive and offer a wide variety of terrains. For hikers, The Midstate Trail, a 95-mile long-distance trail that runs from Rhode Island to the New Hampshire border, passes through the western edge of the park. A popular day hike along the Midstate Trail begins at Redemption Rock on Rte 140 in Princeton, and heads north over a scenic ridgeline which includes Crow Hill Ledges. Heading south from Redemption Rock it is a pretty hike over to the summit of Mount Wachusett State Reservation, another DCR managed property. Wachusett Greenways, a local land preservation group, offers a variety of guided hikes and trail maintenance days in Princeton, Sterling and surrounding towns throughout the year.

The terrain available to mountain bikers ranges from rolling unpaved fire roads to more technical, single track, multi-use trails. Hiking trails are off limits to bikers. New England Mountain Bike Association has been an ardent supporter of the trail system here. The Wachusett Chapter of NEMBA generally runs four trail maintenance days, two in the spring and two in the fall. All are welcome to join in the fun and help to improve the trails at the park. Another popular and unique recreational use of LSF is rock-climbing at Crow Hill Ledges. Permits are required (no fee) and are available at the park HQ's or at the contact station between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The swimming beach at Crow Hill Pond is located next to two beautiful picnic areas that also provide picnic tables, grills and a modern bathhouse. DCR lifeguards are on duty from mid-June until Labor Day. All other ponds in the park are off limits to swimming. Kayakers, canoeists and fishing enthusiasts enjoy using Paradise Pond for their recreational pursuits. The numerous islands, inlets and coves provide great warm water fishing and countless exploring opportunities. Paradise Pond is easily accessible off Rte. 31, where several put-ins are available. Crow Hill Pond (swimming beach side) is stocked with trout several times a year by Mass Fisheries and Wildlife. Hunting is also allowed in the park; all regulations apply. Winter recreation includes cross country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. Snow mobiling is limited to the unpaved roads and the multi use trails. All other motorized uses are prohibited.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 16 Our church favorite park by NEW LIFE SPANISH CHURCH
park review stars; one to five This wonderful state park is and has been our church favorite park for over 12 years. Every year New Life Spanish Christian Church has utilized this facility to celebrate our annual church gathering and baptism. The park staff is the best in terms of how they treat everyone who enters the park. May God bless them Rev. Dennis Bradley Sr.
September 7 single trails by gerry
park review stars; one to five luv to follow the single trails from nemba with my dogs favorite spot is paradise alley and wolfsden hill nice clear water great for an afternoon hike
February 9 love this place by resident
park review stars; one to five Really wish you could drive around in there with a registered ORV vehicle like a jeep to explore the terrain more. Seems like such a waste of some nice fire roads for those of us not looking to go through the MOAB in Utah. Maybe we should get a $100 permit system in place so people can really explore this area.
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Area Campgrounds
Pout & Trout Campground
94 River Road
North Rutland, MA
508-886-6677
The Pines Campground
49 Davis Road
Ashby, MA
978-386-7702
Camp Coldbrook
864 Old Coldbrook Road
Barre, MA
978-355-2090
Peaceful Acres Campground
52 Flagg Road
Hubbardston, MA
978-928-4413
Shady Point Beach & Campground
701 Reservoir Road
Lunenburg, MA
978-582-4976
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Ric's Bait & Tackle
101 Marguerite Ave
Leominster, MA
(978) 534-5455
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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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.
27.5 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 Massachusetts.
2. Take exit 31B towards Leominster/Fitchburg on I:190 North if you are traveling from southern parts of the state.
3. Merge onto Mechanic Street/Route 12 North after exiting the highway.
4. Continue straight on Route 12 until you reach Pioneer Road, where you will take a left turn.
5. Follow Pioneer Road until it intersects with Elmwood Road; make another left turn here.

At this point, signs should start indicating your proximity to Leominster State Forest.

6. Continue along Elmwood road which eventually becomes Fitchburg Rd., then continue driving for about two miles more.
7. Turn right into Rocky Pond Rd./Sholan Park entrance: This is one way access only so be sure not miss it!
8. Follow Rocky Pond Rd all through Sholan Farms parking lot till end at gatehouse.

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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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