Petersham State Forest North Woods Circuit
CCC camp ruins via Harvard Forest research roads
The abandoned Civilian Conservation Corps camps scattered through Petersham’s 1,400 acres tell the story of Depression-era conservation work, accessible only by a network of overgrown fire roads that wind past active Harvard Forest research plots. The main circuit follows old logging roads through dense mixed hardwood forest, crossing Fever Brook twice before climbing to the remains of Camp S-56 where stone foundations still mark the old mess hall and barracks sites.
This moderate trail requires high-clearance vehicles for the rocky creek crossings and rutted climbs through the research area. Spring brings muddy conditions that can trap lighter vehicles, making fall the ideal season when leaf-peeper traffic stays on the paved roads. The payoff is solitude in one of Massachusetts’ most intact forest blocks, with primitive camping opportunities near the old CCC sites and excellent wildlife viewing in areas closed to regular foot traffic.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1240 ft |
| Best season | September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance SUV |
| Nearest town | Petersham, Massachusetts |
| Land manager | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | mass.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail without any mods?
Yes — a stock high-clearance SUV is the minimum and will get through fine under normal conditions. Lifted rigs aren't necessary, but low-clearance crossovers and sedans will get hung up on roots and soft spots.
When does the trail close, and is it passable in early spring?
The best window is September through November when the ground is firm and foliage is peak. Spring is rough — Massachusetts mud season (March–April) turns these forest roads into tire-swallowing messes, and DCR sometimes closes forest roads during mud season to prevent damage.
Do I need a permit or do I have to pay to drive or camp here?
No permit is required for day use. Dispersed camping is allowed within Petersham State Forest under DCR rules — no fee, but you're expected to follow Leave No Trace and Massachusetts state forest camping regulations. Check with DCR directly for any current seasonal restrictions.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The water crossings are the crux — they're shallow but have soft, muddy approaches that can swallow a tire if you hesitate. The trail is otherwise moderate with rooted dirt roads and some off-camber sections through the research plots, nothing extreme, but it demands attention.
There's no cell service out here — how far is the nearest gas and should I top off before I go?
Top off in Athol or Orange before heading in — Petersham village has almost nothing in the way of services. You're doing 8 miles of trail, but the access roads add distance, and being in a cell-dead zone in central Mass with a dry tank is a bad day nobody needs.
Trail track
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