Myles Standish State Forest

Myles Standish State Forest is large — more than 12,400 acres. Many rare habitats and species can be found here including pine barrens, frost pockets, coastal plain kettle ponds, as well as 42 rare and endangered plants and animals. Recreational features include 4 camping areas for trailers, RVs and tents, swimming at College Pond, 15 miles of paved bike paths, 13 miles of forest trails, plus fishing, non-motorized boating, and horseback riding. There are 35 miles of equestrian trails. Stroller-friendly.

Myles Standish State Forest, the largest public open space in southeastern Massachusetts, was established in 1916. Many of the recreational amenities were developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps; they also planted over 700,000 trees. Noteworthy past visitors include: Daniel Webster, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

The Friends of Myles Standish State Forest is an organization that promotes and conserves the natural, scenic, and historical resources of the forest. For more information, visit www.friendsmssf.com.

• Bicycle the Camping Pond Loops • 6.25± miles round trip. • Easy • These scenic bike loops are perfect for families and people looking for a relaxing ride to Fearing Pond and Charge Pond. Begin at Headquarters where you will find public restrooms and a water station.

• Bicycle the Rocky Pond Path • 7.8 miles round trip. • Moderate • Starting at Headquarters, this paved path winds through the pine, spruce, and scrub oak forests on its way to the Rocky Pond parking lot . At Rocky Pond, take a hike on the Rocky Pond Bog Loop trail.

• East Head Loop/Healthy Heart Trail • 2.6 miles circling East Head Reservoir. Blue blazes • Easy • This hike is an ideal introduction to the forest. Starting from Headquarters, the trail hugs the shoreline of the East Head Reservoir. Traverse the boardwalk sections over wetlands and enjoy the scenery in any season.

• Bentley Loop Trail • 3.6 miles. Blue blazes • Moderate  • The Bentley Loop starts from the parking lot off Upper College Pond Road. It passes some lovely ponds and meadows. Hikers are reminded that the Bentley Loop travels through a Wildlife Management Area stocked with game birds during the fall. Be sure to wear blaze orange if you go out during the fall and check the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife guide for a full list of hunting season dates.

• Friends’ Loop Trail • 2.7 miles. Blue blazes • Moderate • Begin at the East Entrance parking lot . Take the Frost Pocket Bike Path to the Friends’ Loop Trail. The trail is somewhat hilly, crosses a glacial moraine, and offers a number of excellent views through the tall pines. At the trail’s southwest corner, it connects to the 8-mile Pine Barrens Path.

• Charge Pond Loop Trail • 4.8 miles • Blue blazes •  Moderate • This trail circles the campgrounds near Charge Pond. Easiest trail access is provided from the parking lot along Charge Pond Road. Take a short walk north along the bike path from the parking lot and turn onto Sasemine Way. The trail passes close to the campgrounds at several points and crosses a number of the fire roads.

• Pine Barrens Path • 8 miles one-way • Blue blazes • Difficult • This trail connects the Friends’ Loop to the Charge Pond Loop along the eastern side of the forest. You can also access the trail from the fourth parking pull-off on Cutter Field Road. This path will take you through the globally rare pine barrens habitats and past various frost pockets. Look for the buck moth, a black, white, and orange species that flies during the day like a butterfly, and birds like the rufous-sided towhee and the pine warbler.