Erving State Forest Laurel Lake Fire Tower Road
Easy climb to panoramic Connecticut Valley views
Starting from the Laurel Lake day-use area, this old fire tower service road switchbacks up Mount Mineral through mixed hardwood forest that explodes with color each October. The route follows the original 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps grade, built to service the steel fire tower that watched over thousands of acres of central Massachusetts timber. At mile 3.2, you’ll reach the tower clearing where the 60-foot structure still stands, though climbing is prohibited — the views from the base across the Connecticut River Valley toward New Hampshire are reward enough.
Easy to moderate difficulty with steady grades, loose gravel, and seasonal washouts that keep you honest but won’t wreck your day. Any high-clearance vehicle can handle it, though 4WD helps in wet conditions when the clay sections get greasy. Open year-round but best in late spring through fall when the roads dry out. No permits required, decent cell service at the tower. Day-use only — camping is restricted to designated areas in the main forest. Perfect for families wanting a taste of backcountry without the commitment.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 6 mi / 9.7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1415 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance |
| Nearest town | Erving, MA |
| Land manager | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | mass.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee or Tacoma handle this without modifications?
Yes. High-clearance stock trucks and SUVs are fine on this gravel forest road. Low-slung sedans and crossovers will scrape — skip it if you're in a Prius.
Is this road open in winter or early spring?
Best season is April through November. Winter access is unreliable due to snow, ice, and potential gate closures by DCR — call ahead if you're pushing the shoulder seasons.
Do I need a permit or is there a day-use fee to drive this road?
No permit required. Massachusetts State Forest access is free. The road is managed by DCR and open to the public during posted hours.
What's the hardest section actually like — are there any gotchas?
Nothing technical. The trail is rated easy with a modest 600-foot gain over 6 miles on gravel. The worst you'll hit is loose rock or washboarding — it's more scenic drive than rock crawl.
Is there cell service out there if something goes wrong?
Cell service is reported as good on this trail, which is unusual for Massachusetts forest roads. Still worth having a backup plan — Erving proper is close if you need help.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.