Monroe State Forest

Wild and rugged Monroe State Forest has beep valleys, steep mountains and tall trees reaching for the sky. To view this forested landscape with valley-filled fog is an unforgttable experience. A hike to the top of Spruce Mountain or to Raycroft lookout offers magnificent panoramas of the surrounding Hoosac and Green Mountains and Deerfield River. From the parking area off River Road, hike the Dunbar Brook Trail through shaded stands of old-growth old-growth Eastern Hemlock and associated northern hardwood trees. The pristine brook tumbles and drops 700 vertical feet in two miles, over huge moss-covered boulders forming entrancing waterfalls, rapids and pools.

The forest has reclaimed much of the farmland and pastures that previously existed here in the 1800's. Only cellar holes and stone walls remain; stark memorials to the rugged individuals who once wrested a living from this rocky soil.

The forest is open sunrise to sunset year-round. Access is free. No services are available.

All terrain vehicles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Snowmobiling is available conditions permitting (4-inch minimum hard-packed snow base.