Willard Brook State Forest
Boston, MA
Just outside of Boston travelers can trade frenetic city energy for calm wilderness at Willard Brook State Forest. Find 2,500-acres (1,011-hectares of streams, trails, and greenery at this year-round outdoor destination. Hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing are popular here, and the fall foliage brings leaf peepers from all around.
The basics
Willard Brook State Forest is a prime destination for enjoying the New England forests without trekking all the way to New Hampshire or Vermont. A foliage tour from Boston is ideal if you don't have a car, while independent travelers can drive. Pack the car with the gear you need for your preferred outdoor adventure, and park on-site. There's a moderate daily parking fee between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Campers pay a nightly site fee.
Things to know before you go
- Outdoor enthusiasts find activities to suit diverse interests; you can try skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, and even snowmobiling.
- The park features an accessible yurt that makes camping feasible for guests with disabilities.
- The park has restroom facilities.
- Alcohol is prohibited on-site.
How to get there
Willard Brook State Forest is about 50-miles (80-kilometers) from Boston. The most convenient option is to drive. You should take US-3 N to US-113 to US-119. Find the forest between the towns of Townsend and Ashby. If you don't have access to a car, opt for a foliage tour. Tours running from Boston typically visit Willard Brook State Forest. Though a great option for leaf peeping, you won't have the chance to stay overnight.
When to get there
The park is open from sunrise to sunset. If you're planning to camp, expect crowds during peak season—from mid-May through early September—so arrive a bit later to find less competition when booking a campsite. If you're going for the day, spring, summer, and fall all have their benefits—depending on how you want to spend your time. When in doubt, arrive in October. The fall colors here can't be beaten.
Tips for Camping at Willard Brook State Forest
Since camping is a popular activity at Willard Brook State Forest, campers should plan ahead and reserve a site online. There are 21 campsites, but due to it being such a popular destination for Bostonians, the earlier you book, the better. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. The park has grills—which are first-come, first-served—or you can bring your cooler and your own gas grill for a hassle-free cookout.
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