Massachusetts Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

Wendell State Forest

392 Montague Rd.

Wendell MA 01379
413 659 3797

Located south of the Millers River, Wendell State Forest covers 7,566 acres of rolling forested hills, streams, ponds, and trails. Purchased in the 1920s the area had been heavily burned during the early 1900s. Some of the park development and most of the road systems are attributed to Civilian Conservation Corps activities in the 1930s.

Ruggles Pond is the main day-use area. This 10 acre pond offers crystal clear water for swimming and fishing. Picnic sites and a ball field with a pavilion are located nearby. There is a small boat launching ramp located at the Northern end of Wickett Pond. The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail traverses the forest boundaries and offers a small Adirondack shelter for trail users.

Trail Maps
Download printable version (pdf)

Park Directions

The forest is located in north central Massachusetts.

From The East/Northeast/Southeast

• Take I-495 to exit 29, Rt. 2 west.
• Take Rt. 2 west to exit 13, Rt. 2A east.
• Drive 0.5 mile on Rt. 2A east and turn right on Wendell Depot Rd.
• Drive 4.5 miles on Wendell Depot Rd. to Wendell Center.
• In Wendell Center turn right onto Montague Rd.
• Drive 3.6 miles on Montague Rd.
• Forest Headquarters and entrance to day use area on right.

OR

• Take 1-90 (MA PIKE) west to exit 10, I-290 north.
• Drive 7.3 miles on I-290 north to exit 19, I-190 north.
• Drive 18.75 miles on I-190 north and merge left onto Rt. 2 west.
• Drive 36.5 miles on Rt. 2 west to exit 13, Rt. 2A east.
• Drive 0.5 mile on Rt. 2A east and turn right onto Wendell Depot Rd.
• Drive 4.5 miles on Wendell Depot Rd. to Wendell Center.
• In Wendell Center turn right onto Montague Rd.
• Drive 3.6 miles on Montague Rd.
• Forest Headquarters and entrance to day use area on right.

From The West

• Take Rt. 2 east to Exit 13, Rt. 2A east.
• Drive 0.5 mile on Rt. 2A east and turn right on Wendell Depot Rd.
• Drive 4.5 miles on Wendell Depot Rd. to Wendell Center.
• In Wendell Center turn right on Montague Rd.
• Drive 3.6 miles on Montague Rd.
• Forest Headquarters and entrance to day use area on right.

From the Southwest/Northwest

• Take I-91 to Exit 27, Rt. 2 east.
• Drive 14.4 miles on Rt. 2 east to exit 13, Rt. 2A east.
• Drive 0.5 mile on Rt. 2A east and turn right on Wendell Depot Rd.
• Drive 4.5 miles on Wendell Depot Rd. to Wendell Center.
• In Wendell Center turn right on Montague Rd.
• Drive 3.6 miles on Montague Rd.
• Forest Headquarters and entrance to day use area on right.