DAR State Forest Photo by Deb Phillips |
78 Cape Street
Rte. 112
Goshen, MA 01032
mailing address:
555 East Street
Williamsburg, MA 01096
413 268-7098
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) donated 1,020 acres to the Commonwealth for a state forest in 1929. Since then more than 750 additional acres have been acquired to include Upper and Lower Highland Lakes, which offer a popular swimming beach, shady picnic area and a group picnic pavilion. Located in the eastern foothills of the Berkshires, discover 15 miles of mixed-use trails through northern hardwood-conifer forest. Climb the Goshen fire tower for spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley and into five states.
The campground offers 51 wooded campsites featuring modern comfort stations with showers and a private beach. Wheelchair accessible campsites are also available. In summer other activities include: non-motorized boating, hiking, fishing, horseback riding (bring your horse), and mountain biking. In winter ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular.
Campground Map
View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)
Trail Map
Summer Use Winter Use
Things to know before you go…
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The Day Use Beach will be unguarded until further notice.
- The forest is open from sunrise until sunset, year-round. A $5 fee per vehicle is charged from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Parking is free for ParksPass holders, vehicles with Handicapped, disabled veteran plates/placard, and seniors 62 and above with the Massachusetts Senior Pass.
- Camping is available from mid-May through mid-October in the designated campground only. Reservations are suggested. Several sites are wheelchair accessible, call for information. A wooded group site is available, accommodates up to 75 persons (limited facilities available). Campground office hours: 8am-4:30pm.
- Off-season camping is available from October through April, available on a first-come/first-served basis. Contact the park for more information.
- Be bear aware: Don't forget you are in Black Bear country. Never physically confront, feed, torment or throw anything at bears. Take appropriate precautions with food so as not to attract bears.
- Universal Access: All facilities are accessible. Beach access wheelchair is available upon request.
- Seasonal Interpretive Program: Available mid-June through early-September. Call for details.
- Unguarded swimming is available at designated campers only beach.
- Picnicking: A shaded picnic area is available at Upper Highland Lake beach (no additional fee).Group picnic pavilion for groups up to 50 is available (additional fee applies), call park to reserve. Please carry-in, carry-out all your trash and belongings.
- Pets are permitted except on the sandy beach area. Must be on a 10-foot maximum leash and attended at all times. Must have proof of current Rabies vaccine. Please be courteous and clean up after your pet.
- Boating: non-motorized boating is available at both Upper and Lower Highland Lakes (ramp available, day-use fee applies). Stop aquatic hitchhikers; please ensure that your boat and equipment are clean before launching.
- Snowmobiling is available, conditions permitting (4-inch minimum hard-packed snow base). Parking is available at day-use area parking lot off Rte. 112.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all state lands.
Park Directions
D.A.R. State Forest is located in the Berkshire foothills in Western
Massachusetts.
From North/Rte I-91: Take Exit 26 in Greenfield and follow MA Rte. 2 west for 9.8 miles. Take exit on right to MA Rte. 112 south. Follow Rte. 112 south for 13 miles to park entrance on left.
From South/Rte. I-91: Take Exit 19 in Northampton and follow MA Rte. 9 west for 15 miles to Goshen. Turn right onto MA Rte. 112 north and continue for 0.7 miles. Park entrance is on the right.
From East and West/MassPike (I-90): Take I-90 Exit 4, follow signs to I-91 north. Continue on I-91 north for 14 miles. Take Exit 19 in Northampton and follow MA Rte. 9 west for 15 miles to Goshen. Turn right onto MA Rte. 112 north and continue for 0.7 miles. Park entrance is on the right.
From West/Rte.9 In Dalton at intersection with MA Rte. 8, take MA Rte. 9 east for 27 miles to Goshen. Turn left onto MA Rte. 112 north and continue for 0.7 miles. Park entrance is on the right.
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