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 three non-contiguous parcels. The most notable of these, located in south Spencer, is the Howe Pond parcel, an estate formerly belonging to Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine. The Howe Pond 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 Pond parcel also includes picnic tables and outdoor grills. It is located off Massachusetts Route 31 via Howe Pond Road.

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 1,014 foot (309 m) drumlin Buck Hill. A parking lot is located off McCormick Road in Spencer.

The overall geography includes hilly terrain, creeks, wetlands, and transitional oak-hickory to northern hardwood forest types.

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.