You could say that Douglas State Forest is hidden in plain sight. At nearly 6,000 acres, this woodland takes up a good amount of real estate, and it stands at the junction of three states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The drive takes only 70 minutes from Boston and 75 minutes from Hartford, Connecticut (though more if traffic is heavy). But psychologically, it doesn’t feel close to anything familiar; you’re far from Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and Harvard Yard — all the things Massachusetts is known for. The roads that lead to Douglas State Forest are small and obscure. The names of the nearest towns probably won’t ring any bells.
Then there’s the atmosphere of Douglas State Forest, which feels something like wilderness. These woods are thick and lightly developed; by area, the forest covers one-third of the town of Douglas, Massachusetts. You could walk for hours along these trails and only pass a handful of people, even in the busier seasons.
The notable exception is Wallum Lake, a long body of water that sprawls over 322 acres and straddles the Rhode Island border. A modest stretch of sand draws lots of beachgoers during the hottest months, thanks to cool waters and posted lifeguards. Like Myles Standish, another Massachusetts state forest with beach beauty, fishing and boating, this is a great place to escape Boston and immerse yourself in nature.
How to enjoy Douglas State Forest
The easiest way to enjoy Douglas State Forest is to walk around. The Coffee House Loop starts near the lake and takes you on a 2.4-mile journey around the adjacent wetlands. Raised boardwalks (pictured above) will help keep your feet dry, especially when the level landscape is flooded. Hikers are the most common sight here, but the trail doubles as a bridle path, so you can traverse this terrain on a horse as well. (Just watch your feet for equine droppings.) The loop is open all year, and when there’s sufficient snow cover, this is a great spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing…