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 Trail is a 3.6-mile hiking loop located in October Mountain State Forest. The trail earns its name from the surrounding landscape as it travels nearby and over several wetland areas. Much of the trail is dirt, and narrow wooden footbridges allow hikers to walk over the marsh and its tributary streams. Short evergreens surround and crowd portions of the forested path, while tall oaks and maples reach over other sections to create the feeling of a more spacious forest.

The varying landscapes of the Washington Mountain Marsh Trail provide a wilderness experience unique to Western Massachusetts and exposes visitors to diverse wildlife. The area's inhabitants include beavers, deer, bears, moose, and several bird species. Notable bird sightings include the American bittern, scarlet tanager, and kingfisher, among other rare species that make the trail a premier location for birding in the Berkshires.

October Mountain is 16,500 acres, making it the largest state forest in Massachusetts. Its expansive area provides space for many additional outdoor recreation opportunities, such as snowmobiling or hunting. As a state forest, October Mountain is owned and managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Their website linked below lists site-specific rules and updates.