DOUGLASS STATE FOREST
Bordering both Connecticut and Rhode Island, this popular 4,640-acre state forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at Wallum Lake and hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling onmiles of woodland trails. Facilities include two boat ramps, a pavilion, bathhouses, swimming beach, interpretive center, picnic area and restrooms. The Midstate Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that extends through central Massachusetts to Mt. Watatic in the north, runs through the forest.
Douglas State Forest also includes a rare example of Atlantic White Ceder swampland. A 5-acre portion of this swamp is designated as a Massachusetts Wildland. It is accessible to the public via a boardwalk trail.
Douglas State Forest, located in Douglas, Massachusetts, has a rich history that traces back to the early 19th century. Originally known as the "Douglas State Reservation," it was established in 1905 as one of the Commonwealth's first acquired forest reserves.
The forest's history begins with its acquisition by the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture in 1905. The land was purchased from private landowners using state funds, and it encompassed an area of about 1,800 acres. At that time, the purpose of acquiring the forest was primarily for reforestation and providing recreational opportunities for the public.
In the early 20th century, the park underwent significant development under the guidance of a landscape architect, Charles Eliot. Eliot designed several features within the forest, including a road system, picnic areas, trails, vistas, and fire control infrastructure. Many of these features can still be seen and enjoyed by visitors today.
One of the notable aspects of Douglas State Forest's history is its connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program established during the Great Depression. In the 1930s, the CCC played a vital role in the development and maintenance of the forest. CCC workers constructed various structures, such as picnic shelters, fire towers, and recreational facilities, which are still utilized today.
Douglas State Forest has also been a site of historical significance beyond its development and recreational use. During World War II, the forest served as a training ground for the Massachusetts State Guard, a local defense force that aided in homeland security efforts. Evidence of these activities can still be found within the forest.
Since its establishment, the forest has attracted visitors for various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, bird-watching, and camping. Over the years, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has been responsible for managing and preserving Douglas State Forest for the enjoyment of future generations.
The forest's history is a testament to its role in providing public recreational opportunities, preserving natural resources, and serving as a historical site in the state of Massachusetts.