Mohawk Trail State Forest sprawls across nearly 7,800 acres of rugged terrain in Franklin County, Massachusetts, where the Cold River and Deerfield River carve through some of the most dramatic landscape in southern New England. This state forest is home to towering old-growth pines — some over 150 feet tall — making it one of the few places in the Northeast where you can stand beneath trees that predate European settlement.

The forest sits along the historic Mohawk Trail, one of America’s earliest scenic routes, and the surrounding hills deliver sweeping views that peak during fall foliage season, typically mid-October. Hikers will find a well-maintained trail network ranging from easy riverside walks to steep climbs up Todd Mountain and Clark Mountain, where panoramic overlooks reward the effort.

Swimming in the Cold River is a local favorite during summer months, with natural pools formed by the rocky riverbed. Fishing for trout is productive in both rivers, particularly in spring. Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through quiet, snow-covered hemlock groves.

Camping options include both tent sites and rustic log cabins tucked along the riverbank — the cabins book quickly for peak weekends, so plan ahead. The campground’s riverside setting makes it one of the more memorable places to spend a night in Massachusetts.

Visit from late May through October for the best conditions. Come for the old-growth trees and river swimming; stay for the kind of stillness that’s hard to find this close to Boston.

Explore Nearby

• Bissell Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• Green Mountain National Forest — National Forest in Vermont
• Connecticut River Byway — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts
• Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts