Monroe State Forest Dunbar Brook Circuit
Berkshire backcountry on forgotten CCC roads
Tucked in the northwest corner of Massachusetts near the Vermont border, this forgotten network of forest roads follows old Civilian Conservation Corps routes through 4,321 acres of wild Berkshire highlands. The main circuit starts at the Dunbar Brook parking area and winds past the ruins of Camp Mohawk, a 1930s CCC camp where stone foundations still mark where young men built these very roads during the Depression. The route crosses Dunbar Brook multiple times, with the deepest ford at Bog Pond requiring careful line selection during spring runoff.
This is legitimate backcountry — intermediate difficulty with muddy ruts, loose rocks, and seasonal washouts that’ll test your clearance and traction. High-clearance 4WD recommended, especially after rain when the clay sections turn into slick bowling alleys. Best tackled May through October when the brook crossings are manageable. No permits required, decent cell service on ridges. Multiple primitive camping spots along the circuit, but bring everything you need — nearest supplies are 30 minutes away in North Adams.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | North Adams, MA |
| Land manager | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | mass.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Monroe State Forest without any mods?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through fine under normal conditions. The old CCC roads are rough but not technical — low-range is useful on the wet, rutted sections, and decent all-terrain tires matter more than a lift here.
When does the trail typically open in spring, and is it passable after heavy rain?
May through October is the reliable window. Spring mud can be brutal on these old forest roads, and after heavy rain the Dunbar Brook crossings rise fast — check conditions before you go, because what's a trickle Monday can be axle-deep Thursday.
Do you need a permit or is there a fee to run this trail?
No permit required and no fee for the forest road itself. Monroe State Forest is managed by Massachusetts DCR — camping is allowed dispersed but follow Leave No Trace and check current fire restrictions with DCR before you light anything.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The stream crossings on Dunbar Brook are the crux — not extreme, but rocky-bottomed and slippery, and the approach angles are awkward on at least one of them. The bigger challenge is the overgrown, narrow CCC road sections where brush will scratch your paint and downed trees occasionally block the route.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any cell service on trail?
North Adams is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 10–15 minutes from the trailhead — fill up there. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent once you're deep in the forest, so download offline maps and don't count on a signal to bail you out.
Trail track
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