October Mountain State Forest Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Washington Mountain Marsh Trail

317 Woodland Road, Washington, MA

About Washington Mountain Marsh Trail

The Washington Mountain Marsh Trial is a fantastic destination for those looking for a longer hike in the Berkshires. Located in the Washington part of October Mountain State Forest, this trail takes hikers through flat dirt trails and boardwalks. A roughly three-mile loop takes hikers around the marsh, passing through a forest of varying composition, from short evergreens that create a dark canopy to tall oaks and maples that make the forest feel open and spacious. The trail passes over countless tributaries to the marsh, with natural bridges made of stones creating the pathways. One part of the trail goes on boardwalks right over the water. These boardwalks are only a few feet wide, so hikers are immersed in the stunning scenery of the marsh. On the path or the broader passing platform in the middle of the boardwalk, visitors can observe beavers at work, building the dams that protect the trail from the water, and countless species of birds and dragonflies darting in and out of the tall marsh grasses and cattails that surround the marsh. This trail is a perfect spot for any family-friendly outdoor adventures in Western Massachusetts, as it gives hikers a window into the beautiful wilderness of the area on a relatively easy trail.