- elevation 1,614 ft (492 m) Area 6.386 km² | - Parklands 85 acres (34 ha) Phone +1 978-544-3939 | |
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Management Department of Conservation and Recreation Similar Wendell State Forest, Monroe State Forest, Gardner Heritage State Park, Erving State Forest, Brimfield State Forest | ||
Mount Grace State Forest is a state forest with facilities for public recreation located in the town of Warwick, Massachusetts, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The forest is highlighted by 1,621-foot (494 m) Mount Grace, the third highest point in the Commonwealth east of the Connecticut River after Mount Wachusett and Mount Watatic. It is bordered by portions of Warwick State Forest to the east and west.
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HistoryEdit
Mount Grace is said to have been named after the baby daughter of Mary Rowlandson, a woman captured by Wompanoag warriors during King Philip's War, who according to legend buried her deceased infant at the foot of the mountain during the march to Canada.
By the turn of the 20th century, the mountain had been largely deforested, and conservationists, including former Warwick resident Dr. Paul W. Goldsbury, promoted the idea of having the state purchase it to create a state forest. Picnic and skiing facilities were built beginning in 1930, after legislation for the purchase passed in 1920.
The summit's 68-foot (21 m) fire lookout tower was built in 1939. It is the third tower to have been constructed on Mount Grace.
Activities and amenitiesEdit
Forest trails used for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing include a portion of the long-distance Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. The forest also offers picnicking and restricted hunting.