4,500 acres of unique habitats. Camp, boat, hike, bike, fish, or swim. Fee for beach access.
Description:
With almost 4,500 acres, Erving State Forest offers something for everyone - a lovely lake for swimming and boating, almost eight miles of roads and trails for hiking and riding, a pavilion for group events, a campground for those who want to stay a while. A one-mile loop trail that begins at the contact station takes hikers to an overlook with a dramatic view of Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, and another, not yet on the map, circles an old beaver pond and active lodges. (Cross the causeway near the boat launch, turn left, and follow the blue blazes.)
Created by the glaciers and augmented by a dam, the 51-acre Laurel Lake has a sandy beach and stone-terraced gardens; a few private cottages share the shoreline. The forest is managed for forest products; oak is the dominant tree, and mountain laurel lights up the late spring woodland with its pink and white bloom.
Pets are allowed in camping areas only (rabies certificate required).
Directions:
From Erving center, turn onto North Rd., then right on Swamp Rd. (Laurel Lake Rd). Go 1.5 miles.
Laurel Lake Recreation Area
60 Laurel Lake Road, Erving, MA 01344
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