York Lake, Sandisfield State
Forest |
York Lake Rd. Sandisfield
c/o P.O. Box 97
Monterey, MA 01245
413 229-8212 (Summer)
413 528-0904 (Winter)
GPS use Rt. 183, New Marlborough MA 01230 and East Hill Road
Within the rolling northern hardwood forests of Sandisfield State Forest is York Lake, featuring a popular day use area with a 300-foot beach for unguarded swimming, a picnic area and a boat launch ramp.
Some of the lakes are stocked with trout and are accessible to non-motorized boats. York Lake is stocked by Mass Wildlife 3 times each year. Other seasonal activities including walking and hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Hunters are also welcome (in season). Hike the moderate difficulty 2.2 mile Pond Loop Trail (Healthy Heart Trail) for scenic views of the lake.
Nearby, Campbell Falls State Park is a small scenic area on Campbell Falls Rd., off the Norfolk Rd. (CT Rte. 272) in New Marlborough, at the Massachusetts-Connecticut state line. At this bi-state park discover a 62-foot double-pitch waterfall as the Whiting River drops through a gorge, a spectacular experience in the spring. Access for a longer hike to the falls is available off Tobey Hill/Spaulding Rd. on the Connecticut State Park side. Be prepared, no services are available; please carry-in, carry-out all trash. Swimming is not permitted; dangerous conditions exist.
Things to know before you go...
- Sandisfield State Forest is open from sunrise to one half-hour after sunset, year-round. Facilities are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and a $5 parking fee applies. Parking is permitted only at designated areas. Parking is free for ParksPass holders, vehicles with Handicapped, disabled veteran plates/placard, and seniors 62 and above with the Massachusetts Senior Pass.
- Unguarded Swimming is only available at York Lake designated beach area.
- Picnicking: is available at York Lake day-use area. Please carry-in, carry-out all your trash and belongings.
- Pets are permitted, except on the beach and lawn area. Must be on a 10-foot maximum leash, attended at all times. Must have proof of current Rabies vaccine. Please be courteous and clean up after your pet.
- 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.
- Non-motorized Boating: Ideal for kayaks, canoes and small sail boats, available at York Lake (ramp available), West Lake (no ramp) and Thousand Acre Swamp, Cookson State Forest (ramp available) day-use area. Stop aquatic hitchhikers; please ensure that your boat and equipment are clean before launching.
- Prohibited: Motorized off-road vehicles and alcoholic beverages.
Park Directions
Sandisfield State Forest is located in the southern Berkshires in western Massachusetts.
From East or West/Mass Pike (Rte. I-90): Take Exit 2 in Lee. Follow MA Rte. 102 west for 4.7 miles to Stockbridge. Turn left and follow U.S. Rte. 7 south for 6.1 miles to Great Barrington. Turn left and follow MA Rte. 23 east for 3.5 miles. Turn onto Rt 57 east/Rt 183 south for 6.1 miles to New Marlborough Village, just past Inn on Green and Gedney Farms , Routes 57 and 183 split, go right on Rt 183 south for 2.7 miles and turn left to enter Sandisfield State Park York Lake.
From East or West/Rte. 57: On Rte. 57 in New Marlborough, at Sandisfield town line, turn onto Forest Road (look for brown park sign). Continue on Forest Rd. for 2 miles to day-use area.
Updated directions (8/30/11) to York Lake, Sandisfield State Forest from the closed entrance on Rte 57:
- Continue West on Rte 57 for 2.3 miles to Rte 183 intersection, towards Gt. Barrington.
- Take a sharp left on Rte 183 South.
- Follow Rte 183 South for 2.7 miles. Sandisfield State Forest entrance will be on the left.
For GPS users directions to Sandisfield York Lake are Rt 183 New Marlborough Ma 01230 and East Hill Road
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Non-motorized
boating