Benedict Pond, Beartown State
Forest |
69 Blue Hill Rd.
P.O. Box 97
Monterey, MA 01245
(413) 528-0904
Beartown State Forest has two distinctly different
worlds between the summer and winter. During the warm months the pristine 35-acre
Benedict Pond attracts swimmers, boaters and fishermen. An extensive
network of trails on over 12,000 acres offers visitors a chance to glimpse deer, bear,
bobcat, fisher and other wildlife, including the park's namesake, the Black Bear. Brooks, beaver ponds, rich deciduous forest, flowering shrubs and wildflowers and fall foliage are plentiful. The Appalachian
Trail passes near Benedict Pond and
offers spectacular wooded views.
The other half of the year the forest becomes
a winter wonderland, where visitors on cross-country skis, snowshoes
or snowmobiles can explore a snow-covered wilderness. The 1.5 mile Benedict Pond Loop Trail is a must in any season. Year-round camping is also available.
Nearby, on US Rte. 7 in Great Barrington, Fountain Pond State Park and Monument Mountain (The Trustees of Reservations) offer a variety of hiking trails and breathtaking views any time of year.
Trail Map
Summer View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)
Winter View on screen| Download printable version (pdf)
Things to know before you go…
- The forest is open from sunrise until sunset, year-round. A $5 fee per vehicle is charged from May through mid-October. Parking is free for ParksPass holders, vehicles with Handicapped, POW, 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. No group sites or cabins are 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.
- Unguarded swimming is available at designated area only.
- Pets are permitted except on the beach lawn. 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 Benedict Pond day-use area (ramp available, day-use fee applies). Stop aquatic hitchhikers; please ensure that your boat and equipment are clean before launching.
- Appalachian Trail access: AT parking is available near intersection of MA Rtes. 23 & 57, at Great Barrington-Monterey town line; and on Main Road in Tyringham.
- All Terrain Vehicles are permitted during daylight hours on designated trails only, from May 1 through last Sunday in November (call ahead for details). No access from campground. ATVs must be on trailer in campground. Designated parking at selected sites, refer to trail map.
- Snowmobiling is available, conditions permitting (4-inch minimum hard-packed snow base). Parking is available at Benedict Pond day-use area.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all state lands.
Park Directions
Beartown State Forest is located in the southern Berkshires in western Massachusetts.
From East or West/MassPike (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 5.3 miles to Monterey. Turn left onto Blue Hill Road then follow the brown lead-in signs; 0.5 miles to park headquarters on left, or 2.2 miles to park entrance on right (Benedict Pond Rd.).
From North or South/ Rte. 7: From US Rte. 7 in Great Barrington, take MA Rte. 23 east for 5.3 miles to Monterey. Turn left onto Blue Hill Road then follow the brown lead-in signs; 0.5 miles to park headquarters on left, or 2.2 miles to park entrance on right (Benedict Pond Rd.).
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Accessible Beaches
