Spencer State Forest

Spencer State Forest, located in Spencer, Massachusetts, is a 965 acre (391 ha) forest and recreation reserve managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Recreational opportunities in the state forest include swimming, hiking, hunting, canoeing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, and cross country skiing. The 92 mile (148 km) Midstate Trail passes through the state forest. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also conducts logging in some parts of the property.

Geography

Spencer State Forest is divided among several non-contintiguous parcels. The most notable of these, located in south Spencer, is the Howe parcel, an estate formerly belonging to Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine. The Howe parcel (sometimes referred to as Howe Park) includes a mill pond and dam constructed by the inventor. Swimming is permitted in the pond; lifeguards are present in season. The Howe parcel also includes picnic tables and outdoor grills. The Howe parcel is located off Massachusetts Route 31

The Midstate Trail passes through a parcel of Spencer State Forest located in north Spencer, in the area of Turkey Hill Brook. A primitive lean-to for overnight campers is located on the property atop the drumlin Buck Hill 1,014 feet (309 m). a parking lot is located on McCormick Road in Spencer.

References

• The Midstate Trail Guide, 5th edition (2006). Worcester, Massachusetts: The Midstate Trail Committee.
• Spencer State Forest Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved December 7, 2008.

External links

• Map of Spencer State Forest, Howe parcel.