Savoy Mountain State Forest

Savoy Mountain State Forest
Massachusetts State Park
Savoy Mountain State Forest, April 2014
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Berkshire
Towns Savoy, Florida
Elevation 2,398 ft (731 m) [1]
Coordinates 42°36′00″N 73°01′28″W / 42.60000°N 73.02444°W / 42.60000; -73.02444Coordinates: 42°36′00″N 73°01′28″W / 42.60000°N 73.02444°W / 42.60000; -73.02444 [1]
Area 10,457 acres (4,232 ha) [2]
Established 1918
Management Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
 - location 260 Central Shaft Road
Location in Massachusetts
Website: Savoy Mountain State Forest

Savoy Mountain State Forest is a remote Massachusetts state forest located primarily in the towns of Savoy and Florida, with portions extending into neighboring Adams and North Adams. Situated along the Hoosac Mountain Range, it features four ponds (North, South, Bog, and Burnett), and seven hill and mountain summits, including Lewis Hill (2177 ft), Flat Rock Hill (2195 ft), Spruce Hill (2566 ft), and Borden Mountain (2505 ft). Also within the forest are at least two notable waterfalls, Parker Brook Falls and Tannery Falls, the latter of which is a 100-foot (30 m) drop. The forest is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

History

Savoy Mountain State Forest was created when the state purchased 100 acres (40 ha) of abandoned farmland in 1918. Much of the land was reforested with Norway and blue spruce by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The CCC also built concrete dams at Bog, Burnett and Tannery ponds, replacing older dams.[3]

A total of 120 acres (49 ha) of old growth forest have been identified in the state forest near the Cold River and Tannery Falls.[4] Trees in the old growth include eastern hemlock, red spruce, yellow birch, and sugar maple. They range from 150 to 400 years in age.

Activities and amenities

  • Ponds: North Pond and South Pond offer swimming, showers, restrooms, picnicking, and a boat ramp for non-motorized boating. Bog Pond also has a canoe launch.[5]
  • Camping: The forest has 45 campsites and four log cabins available for rental.
  • Trails: Trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, birding, and cross-country skiing.
  • The forest also has interpretive programs, fishing, and restricted hunting.

References

  1. 1 2 "Savoy Mountain State Forest". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ↑ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Savoy Mountain State Forest". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  4. ↑ Davis, Mary Byrd (January 23, 2008). "Massachusetts" (PDF). Old Growth in the East: A Survey. Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Haskins Trail to Bog Pond" (PDF). MassParks: Savoy Mountain State Forest. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. March 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
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