Hike This Ancient Forest In Massachusetts That’s Home To 500-Year-Old Trees
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Sophia
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Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most scenic places in Massachusetts. Not only that, this sprawling ancient woodland is home to some of the oldest trees in the Northeast. Here’s why you need to visit this natural wonder as soon as possible.
Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most beautiful places you can possibly go in Massachusetts. It’s spread out over 7,758 acres in Western Massachusetts and is home to between 400 and 500 acres of old growth forest. It's one of the best ancient woodlands in New England.
The ancient portion of this state forest is rich in enormous trees that seem to graze the sky. The oldest trees in the woods are hemlocks. These have been dated to 500 years old, which means some of them have been around since the 1500s.
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You can also find handsome red spruce specimens here. These have been dated to 400 years old, while several other species are up to 300 years old. As you can imagine, wandering through the clearings and trails in this forest feels like making your way through a towering cathedral of leaves and branches.
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If you want to check out these ancient trees for yourself, the forest offers plenty of awesome trails to try. Camping is also a popular activity here; there are 47 wooded campsites available seasonally and six log cabins available year-round. Bring your rod and reel to take advantage of the excellent trout fishing in the forest’s rivers and streams, and don’t forget to bring your bathing suit if you want to take a dip in the Deerfield River.
You can find Mohawk State Forest at 175 Mohawk Trail/Rte. 2, Charlemont, Mass. Click here to view navigation directions and a map. To learn more about this epic natural spot, head to the state forest’s website. And don’t miss these other amazing hikes in Massachusetts!
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