Upton State Forest park
Upton State Forest
Upton State Forest spans over 2,660 acres and features a diverse landscape of dense woodlands, rolling hills, and serene ponds. The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its extensive network of trails, which are well-suited for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
One of the notable attractions within Upton State Forest is the 200-acre Warren Brook Reservoir, a tranquil spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The reservoir is home to various fish species, including bass and trout, making it an ideal spot for anglers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy picnicking and swimming at nearby picnic areas and designated swimming spots.
For history enthusiasts, the forest contains remnants of the former Upton State Hospital, a psychiatric facility that operated from 1833 until its closure in 1985. The hospital's cemetery, located within the forest, serves as a historic reminder of the site's past.
Interesting facts about Upton State Forest include its status as part of the larger Upton-Douglas State Forest, which includes Douglas State Forest. The forest is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Upton State Forest is also home to various wildlife species, including deer, turkeys, and various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
The best time to visit Upton State Forest largely depends on personal preferences and the desired outdoor activities. The park is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy activities accordingly. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, biking, and water activities, as the weather is pleasant and the forest comes alive with blooming flowers and vibrant foliage. Autumn offers breathtaking views as the forest transforms into a colorful tapestry of fall foliage, making it a popular time for hiking and photography. Winter enthusiasts can revel in activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as enjoying the tranquility offered by the snow-covered landscape.
As with any outdoor destination, it is advisable to check for updated information, trail conditions, and regulations before planning a visit to Upton State Forest.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Upton State Forest, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| "The Sandpits" Private Hiking And Winter Sports Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts Of America, Cub World | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| George Washington State Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Minha Casa | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Upton State Forest as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Upton State Forest
What can I do at Upton State Forest?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Upton State Forest?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Upton State Forest.