Tolland State Forest
Publicly-owned forest in Massachusetts
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tolland State Forest is a publicly owned forest with recreational features covering 4,415 acres (1,787 ha) in the towns of Otis, Tolland, Blandford and Sandisfield in the southern Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.[3] The state forest centers on the 1,065-acre (431 ha) Otis Reservoir, the largest body of water for recreational use in western Massachusetts.[4] The forest is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
| Tolland State Forest | |
|---|---|
Tolland State Forest, August 2007 | |
  Tolland State Forest Location in Massachusetts  Tolland State Forest Tolland State Forest (the United States) | |
| Location | Otis, Tolland, Blandford and Sandisfield, Massachusetts, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°09′04″N 73°02′27″W[1] |
| Area | 4,415 acres (17.87 km2)[2] |
| Elevation | 1,414 ft (431 m)[1] |
| Established | 1925 |
| Administrator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Official website  |
History
The state forest was created with the state's purchase of cut-over lumber lands in 1925. A Civilian Conservation Corps camp opened here in 1933. The Corps created the day-use and camping areas on the peninsula that extends into Otis Reservoir.[5] In 1966, the state expanded the forest through the purchase of the reservoir and surrounding lands.[4]
Activities and amenities
Forest trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, off-road vehicles, and cross-country skiing. The campground includes sites for tents and RVs. The day-use area offers swimming, picnicking, and a boat ramp. The reservoir is stocked in spring and fall with trout by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.[6] The forest also offers educational programs and restricted hunting.[3]