About Myles Standish State Forest
At over 12,400 acres, Myles Standish State Forest is the largest public open space in southeaster Massachusetts. The protected forest was established in 1916. Much of the recreational areas around the forest were developed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Civilian Conservation Corps hired young, unemployed men to improve state and national parks during the Great Depression.
The landscape in Myles Standish State Forest offers sights of significant and rare formations, such as Pine Barrens and kettle ponds. The Pine Barrens are ecosystems defined by large areas of tall Pitch Pines, growing on sandy, infertile soil. The Pine Barrens in the Myles Standish State Forest are the third largest in the world. Kettle ponds are created by holes left from glaciers. The ponds have no inlet our outlet and the water levels vary over time. There are 58 kettle ponds in the forest.
Hunting and fishing information
There are two Wildlife Management Areas in the state forest where hunting is allowed. The areas allow for quail and pheasant hunting. Call ahead to verify hunting season dates.
Get your hunting license
Myles Standish State Forest has dozens of ponds from which visitors can fish. Ponds in the park are inhabited by Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, pickerel, and other fish. Fearing Pond is stocked with trout in the spring and fall.
Get a freshwater fishing license