Spencer State Forest

Spencer State Forest is a state-managed woodland in Massachusetts that spans roughly 900 acres across multiple separate sections. The property includes hiking trails, a pond with a historic dam, and open areas suitable for year-round outdoor use.

The forest was established as a state property in 1922 following acquisition of a private estate in the area. The land's earlier use for industrial-era water control and milling operations left physical features that remain visible today.

Visitors participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling throughout different seasons.

The property is open during daylight hours and offers free parking and picnic spaces at multiple locations. Its several entry points let visitors choose their preferred starting spot for exploring the trails and facilities.

The forest comprises three separate land parcels that together form a cohesive protected area within the region. The pond and its old dam represent remnants of an industrial water-power era that shaped how the landscape developed.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1922

Website: https://mass.gov/locations/spencer-state-forest

GPS coordinates: 42.21670,-72.00000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03