October Mountain State Forest Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Buckley Dunton Lake

Buckley Dutton Road, Becket, MA

About Buckley Dunton Lake

Buckley Dunton Reservoir is a beautiful lake nestled in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. Buckley Dunton Reservoir, a mid-size lake, has a rough boat launch, allowing hand launch of canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and small motor boat launches. The Soil Conservation Service built the lake in 1967 for flood control in what was formerly a forested area, so there are plenty of stumps in the water. Fish abound, with anglers likely to get pumpkinseed, bullheads, shiners, pickerels, or bass. Except for a few houses in the southern bay, the shoreline is undeveloped, resulting in a near-wilderness experience for those on the lake.

In addition to being on the water, there are informal trails around a portion of the lake that fishermen often use. In the winter, ice fishing is a popular activity. Several picnic tables are also provided, allowing for a family-friendly experience.

Wildlife is also plentiful at Buckley Dunton, including white-tail deer, moose, bears, coyotes on land, and beavers and otters in the water. Great blue herons, Canadian geese, and ducks call the lake home, and occasionally, a visitor will spot a loon.

Buckley Dunton Reservoir is part of the October Mountain State Forest, the largest state forest in Massachusetts. It includes miles of trails for hiking and off-road vehicles, camping, and several ponds for boating, giving the visitor to the area an abundance of opportunities.