Myles Standish State forest park Plymouth MA 2023
Sprawling across the southern sections of Plymouth and Carver, Myles Standish State Forest is the largest recreation area south of Boston and managed by the DCR.
At over 12,400 acres, Myles Standish State Forest is the largest public open space in southeaster Massachusetts. The protected forest was established in 1916. Much of the recreational areas around the forest were developed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Civilian Conservation Corps hired young, unemployed men to improve state and national parks during the Great Depression.
The landscape in Myles Standish State Forest offers sights of significant and rare formations, such as Pine Barrens and kettle ponds. The Pine Barrens are ecosystems defined by large areas of tall Pitch Pines, growing on sandy, infertile soil. The Pine Barrens in the Myles Standish State Forest are the third largest in the world. Kettle ponds are created by holes left from glaciers. The ponds have no inlet our outlet and the water levels vary over time. There are 58 kettle ponds in the forest.
Where to Walk and Hike and Get Fresh Air on the South Shore Boston
Camping at Myles Standish State forest
Bring your trailer, R.V. or tent and grab a site near one of four beautiful ponds. On-site parking is also available for most campsites. Go to reserveamerica to reserve your campsite.
Swimming at Myles Standish State forest
If you’re visiting for the day, head to College Pond for a swim. Other activities include picnicking, fishing and canoeing.
Walking, Biking or Hiking at Myles Standish State forest
The park offers 13 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of paved biking paths, and 35 miles of equestrian trails. Motorized vehicles (except snowmobiles) are prohibited from all unpaved roads and trails. Be sure to read the Trail Use Guidelines before setting off. At Headquarters, look for self-guided trail brochures, updated trail information, and a paved bike path guide.
MSSF Suggested Hikes and Rides
• 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.
Find the Best Hiking and All Terrain Strollers
• 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 some- what 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.