Freetown State Forest

Freetown State Forest, officially Freetown-Fall River State Forest, is a large DCR forest in Assonet, Freetown, with a main entrance at 110 Slab Bridge Road. DCR's 2023 plan puts it at 6,595 acres across Freetown, Fall River and Lakeville, with about 40 miles of trails and 25 miles of unpaved forest roads for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and, on authorized trails, dirt bikes. Parking is free, the forest is open sunrise to sunset, and camping and fires are not allowed. Its best-known stops are Profile Rock and the old quarry known as the Ledge.

Size and Trail Mileage

DCR's park page still describes a 5,000-acre forest with 25 miles of trails. Its 2023 Resource Management Plan, which followed a 1,119-acre addition in Lakeville in 2015, measures 6,595 acres, about 40 miles of trails and almost 25 miles of unpaved forest roads. This page uses the plan's newer figures.

Profile Rock

The state bought about 60 acres in 1955 to protect Profile Rock, a prominent rock formation that DCR's plan describes as culturally significant. DCR's page sends hikers on the trails to Profile Rock for a view toward the state's southern coast. Treat the site with respect: it is a place of meaning to the Wampanoag.

The Ledge

DCR's plan names a historical quarry known as the Ledge as a well-known hikers' destination, with a scenic view at Quarry Ledge.

Dirt Bikes and Off-Road Riding

Freetown is one of the few DCR forests where two-wheeled off-highway motorcycles are allowed, and only on authorized trails. DCR's riding season runs from the Monday after the first weekend in May to the last Sunday in November. Hikers and riders on horseback share the forest, so expect motorcycle noise on some routes in season. ATVs and other off-road vehicles are not included in that permission.

Hiking, Biking and Horses

DCR lists hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, fishing and hunting. Its plan also names equestrian trails and dog sledding among the forest's uses. Wear blaze orange in hunting season; MassWildlife manages an 826-acre wildlife management area in the southern part of the forest.

The Day-Use Area

Next to the forest headquarters, a day-use area has a spray deck for young children and picnic tables in an open grove of pines. DCR lists athletic fields, a pavilion, restrooms and a scenic viewing area. Fires are not allowed; DCR says visitors may bring their own grills.

The Wampanoag Reservation

In 1945 a 227.5-acre part of the forest was set aside as a reservation for the Assonet Band of the Wampanoag Nation. It is not a public recreation area.

History

The forest was founded in 1934, when the state bought land to give work to the Civilian Conservation Corps; nearly 3,350 more acres followed the next year. CCC-built features and a CCC worker statue remain.

Rules

No alcohol, no camping and no fires. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Open sunrise to sunset. Call (508) 644-5522 with questions.

Combine It With Massasoit

DCR lists Freetown-Fall River as a related park to Massasoit State Park. Massasoit adds what Freetown lacks: a campground, ponds and paddling. See camping at Massasoit and Lake Rico.