Tucked into the rolling hills of Hampden County in western Massachusetts, Chester-Blandford State Forest sprawls across nearly 2,800 acres of rugged New England terrain. Straddling the towns of Chester and Blandford along the eastern edge of the Berkshire Highlands, this forest offers a quieter alternative to the region’s more trafficked destinations — a place where the trails feel unhurried and the canopy closes in thick overhead.

The forest’s mixed hardwood and conifer stands make it a standout for fall foliage, when sugar maples and red oaks ignite the hillsides in waves of amber and crimson. Hiking trails wind through varied elevation changes, rewarding visitors with ridgeline views of the surrounding Westfield River valley. Sanderson Brook Falls, a cascading waterfall accessible via a moderate trail, is the forest’s signature draw and well worth the trek in any season.

Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling extend the forest’s appeal beyond the warmer months, while hunters frequent the property during designated seasons for deer and upland game. Birdwatchers will find the mixed forest habitat productive for warblers and woodpeckers, particularly during spring migration.

The best time to visit is mid-September through late October for peak color, though late spring brings wildflowers and rushing water to the brook trails. Summer offers shaded relief from the heat, with noticeably cooler temperatures at elevation compared to the Connecticut River valley below.

Come prepared with sturdy footwear — the terrain is rocky and rooted in places — and pack water, as amenities are limited.

Explore Nearby

• Burkeville Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• Old Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• Stuyvesant Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Coxsackie Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Green Mountain National Forest — National Forest in Vermont