Barre State Forest
Rate this placeNearby: Hubbardston State Forest Felton Field
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Barre State Forest is a popular recreational area located in the state of Massachusetts.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The forest covers over 5,000 acres of land and offers visitors a range of activities to enjoy.
One of the main reasons to visit Barre State Forest is for its scenic beauty. The forest is home to several trails that wind through the woods, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike, bike, or ride horses on these trails while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Another point of interest in Barre State Forest is its wildlife. The forest is home to a variety of animals, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching or wildlife viewing while exploring the forest.
The forest also has several campgrounds, making it a great place for a weekend getaway. Visitors can pitch a tent or park an RV and enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods.
Interesting facts about Barre State Forest include its history as a former logging site. The forest was once heavily logged, but has since been restored to its natural state. It is also home to several historic sites, including an old stone bridge and a former homestead.
The best time of year to visit Barre State Forest depends on the activities you plan to do. The fall is a popular time for hiking and leaf-peeping, while the summer is ideal for camping and swimming in the nearby lakes. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the forest's trails.
Overall, Barre State Forest is a beautiful and tranquil area that offers visitors a range of activities to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an active outdoor adventure, Barre State Forest is worth a visit.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Hubbardston State Forest
Felton Field
Wright Memorial Park
Rutland State Park
Oakham State Forest