The Role of Wildfire and Forestry Myles Standish State Forest: support distinctive shrub, heathland, and grassland plant Explore the bogs on a short hiking trail that loops around Myles Standish Born of Fire and Ice communities as well as a variety of interesting lichens. them. To learn about the bogs and their history, a self-guided Native Americans used fire as a land management tool in Frost pockets are very sensitive to human disturbance and brochure is available at Headquarters. precolonial times. Long ago, these forests were dominated Discover the Pine Barrens are easily damaged by motorized vehicles, hikers, and cyclists. The Legacy of the Civilian by pine, hemlock, and a variety of hardwoods. Extensive State Forest The landscape of Myles Standish State Forest has been These plant communities take decades to recover. Please view Conservation Corps (CCC) logging and severe wildfires during the late 1700s and 1800s shaped over time by the forces of glaciers, climate, fire, and these unique environments only from established trails to contributed to establishment of the drier Pine Barrens ecosys- human activity. About 20,000 years ago, this area was covered avoid causing harm. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, millions of tem that exists in Myles Standish today. The communities of by a massive glacier. As the ice retreated, billions of tons of You can explore these beautiful landscapes on a self-guided unemployed young men signed up to improve state and na- sand and stone were deposited in this area of southeastern hike along the Frost Pocket Loop. Self-guided trail brochures tional parks all over the country. This federal program, called Massachusetts. Enormous chunks of ice occasionally lodged can be found at Headquarters. the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), shaped many state in these deposits creating depressions as they melted, result- Kettle Hole Ponds forests in Massachusetts including Myles Standish.
ing in today’s frost pockets and kettle hole ponds. Much of the recreational landscape found at MSSF today GARRETT NHESP J. MA · Sandy, dry, and prone to fire, this ecosystem supports Myles Standish has 58 kettle hole ponds created by glaciers, is a legacy of the CCC and the young men employed by it. A damselfly trapped by a Thread-leaf Sundew · Drosera filiformis rare plant communities known as “Pine Barrens.” The Pine which are filled with groundwater and have no inlet or outlet. The CCC built the fire roads that crisscross the forest. They Wildlife of Myles Standish Barrens are characterized by an open canopy of scattered Water levels of these ponds fluctuate greatly from year to year. planted over 700,000 trees. They built the campgrounds and Pitch Pines with an understory of scrub oaks and shrubs like These conditions support a unique community of plants that day-use areas enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. At Many animal species make their home in MSSF including blueberry, huckleberry, and crowberry. MSSF is home to the can survive alternating periods of inundation and desiccation Fearing Pond, the bathhouse is a rare remaining example of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, red squirrel, and gray fox. third-largest Pine Barrens in the world! along the edges of these ponds. the CCC style of architecture and construction. It is the only Over 130 bird species visit the forest including some that are Celebrating 100 Years—1916 to 2016 The Pine Barrens Path on the eastern side of the forest is Of Cannonballs & Cranberries remaining CCC-era log bathhouse in the Massachusetts State uncommon elsewhere in Massachusetts like Prairie Warblers a nice hike for those who wish to experience this unusual Parks system. and Eastern Whip-poor-wills.
Since its creation in 1916, Myles Standish State Forest landscape. Southeastern Massachusetts is home to the oldest and one Civilian Conservation Corps workers at MSSF, 1933 Southeastern Massachusetts, including MSSF, is the only has been the largest public open space in southeastern of the largest cranberry growing industries in the world. Long place in the world to find the federally endangered Northern Massachusetts. For 100 years, the forest has provided before people discovered they could be used for commercial Red-bellied Cooter. These turtles can most often be seen in visitors with access to history, nature, and recreation. Such cranberry production, the bogs were an important source of the spring basking on logs in large ponds. They look similar
luminaries as Daniel Webster, Theodore Roosevelt, William iron ore. The iron was made into tools for early colonists, as DCR ARCHIVES to Painted Turtles, though adults are many times larger, with Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson visited this forest to well as cannonballs for artillery used in the Revolutionary a bright red plastron (bottom shell). camp, fish, hunt, and enjoy the beautiful landscape that is War and the War of 1812. The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered now open for all to enjoy. MSSF has two working cranberry bogs next to Rocky Pond Species Program has documented 42 rare and endangered Over the last 100 years the forest has been transformed off Bare Hill Road. These are experimental bogs, where Best Brush-breaker fire truck invented by MSSF Forestry staff, late 1930s species in MSSF, the highest number for any state property. by the hands of countless stewards from the earliest work- Management Practices in cranberry agriculture are tested and These protected species include moths, butterflies, damsel- ers of the Massachusetts State Forest Commission, to the the results are shared with local cranberry farmers. plants and animals in the Pine Barrens are adapted to fire, flies, dragonflies, beetles, birds, reptiles and plants. Visit the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, J. FALCONEIRI and the numerous rare species here thrive following a fire. Interpretive Center at the Headquarters to learn more about to the Department of Conservation and Recreation An immense blaze known as The Great Fire of 1900 burned the animals that make their homes in Myles Standish.
today. As we celebrate the MSSF Centennial, we hope to about 50 square miles of Plymouth, from Myles Standish to Melsheimer’s Sack-bearer (moth) · Cicinnus melsheimeri strengthen people’s appreciation of the forest with various Cape Cod Bay. There have been other large fires throughout programs, special events, and partnerships. Frost Pockets: A Landscape the decades with the last notable wildfire in 1985. of Extremes In 2000, a prescribed fire program began at MSSF to reduce vegetation that can fuel an uncontrollable wildfire Frost pockets are depressions that accumulate cooler air, and to maintain the Pine Barrens habitats. Timber harvests, Myles Standish State Forest
Cranberry Road, P.O. Box 66 allowing frost to occur in any season—even summer. In con- P. JAHNIGE · DCR mowing, and brush cutting are other means that DCR uses South Carver, MA 02366 trast, on a hot day, the temperatures in frost pockets can ex- DCR ARCHIVES to reduce the risk of wildfire and sustain the Pine Barrens (508) 866-2526 ceed the maximum temperatures of the surrounding areas as ecosystem. Visitors may encounter active forest management 2016 TRAIL MAP there is little to no shade from canopy trees. These conditions and prescribed fires as they explore Myles Standish. M.W. NELSON · MA NHESP MA · NELSON M.W.
Welcome to DCR’s What to do at Myles Standish Suggested Hikes and Rides Bentley Loop Trail Accessing the Forest Who do I call? 3.6 miles. Blue blazes. Moderate. A Four Season Forest Parking Lots Myles Standish State Forest Self-guided trail brochures, updated trail information, and The Bentley Loop starts from the parking lot off For emergency situations or crimes needing immediate Myles Standish State Forest (MSSF), at over 12,400 acres, is MSSF is a year-round outdoor destination. Camping, a paved bike path guide can be picked up at Headquarters. Upper College Pond Road. It passes some lovely ponds and Forest Headquarters (open year-round): Camping police response, dial 911. one of the state’s largest and most important protected areas. swimming, hiking, biking, and fishing are popular in the Bicycle the Camping Pond Loops meadows. Hikers are reminded that the Bentley Loop travels Check-in, Interpretive Center, restrooms, bike path system, To contact Myles Standish State Forest staff, dial It is home to many rare habitats and species, including the summer; hiking and hunting in the fall; cross-country skiing, through a Wildlife Management Area stocked with game and Healthy Heart Trail/East Head Loop hiking trail (508) 866-2526. 6.25± miles round trip. Easy. globally rare Pine Barrens ecosystem, sensitive frost pocket snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during the winter; hiking, birds during the fall. Be sure to wear blaze orange if you go Bentley Trail Lot (open year-round): Bentley Loop and DCR administers a program called ParkWatch that allows habitats, scores of coastal plain kettle ponds, and 42 rare and stargazing, and birdwatching in the spring. Throughout the These scenic bike loops are perfect for families and people out during the fall and check the Division of Fisheries and Frost Pocket Loop hiking trails, Frost Pocket Path bike trail, park users to report their concerns over rules violations, van- endangered plants and animals. The forest also provides a year we have special events such as guided hikes, cranberry looking for a relaxing ride to Fearing Pond and Charge Wildlife guide for a full list of hunting season dates. and Pheasant Wildlife Management Area dalism, unsafe conditions, and suspicious activity. To report wealth of recreational opportunities. Visitors can camp at bog tours, and a popular fishing derby. This magnificent Pond. Begin at Headquarters where you will find public Friends’ Loop Trail Equestrian Lot (seasonal): Access to the forest’s large rules violations, vandalism, or unsafe one of the four camping areas, swim at College Pond, bicycle forest has much to offer for visitors, in any season. restrooms and a water station. network of equestrian-friendly trails conditions, call 1-866 PK WATCH 2.7 miles. Blue blazes. Moderate. along 15 miles of paved bike paths, hike one of the many for- Fishing and Hunting Bicycle the Rocky Pond Path East Entrance (open year-round): Picnicking, Friends’ (1-866-759-2824) and indicate that est loop trails, or ride miles of equestrian-friendly trails. Begin at the East Entrance parking lot . Take the Frost Loop and Pine Barrens Path hiking trails and Frost Pocket this is a “ParkWatch Call.” ParkWatch 7.8 miles round trip. Moderate. About DCR Fishing is popular at MSSF. There are dozens of ponds Pocket Bike Path to the Friends’ Loop Trail. The trail is some- Path bike trail teeming with Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Starting at Headquarters , this paved path winds what hilly, crosses a glacial moraine, and offers a number of Charge Pond (seasonal): Charge Pond Loop & Pine Bar- Trail Use Guidelines The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Perch, pickerel, and more. Fearing Pond is stocked with trout through the pine, spruce, and scrub oak forests on its way to excellent views through the tall pines. At the trail’s southwest rens Path hiking trails, and Camping Pond Loops bike trail • Trails are open dawn to dusk. Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is steward to over in the spring and fall. the Rocky Pond parking lot . At Rocky Pond, take a hike corner, it connects to the 8-mile Pine Barrens Path. Fire Tower Lot (seasonal): Scenic views, Rocky Pond • Stay on designated roads and trails. 450,000 acres of forests, parks, greenways, trails, historic MSSF is a great place to hunt with two Wildlife Manage- on the Rocky Pond Bog Loop trail. Charge Pond Loop Trail Path bike trail • Carry in, carry out. sites and landscapes, seashores, beaches, ponds, reservoirs, ment Areas specifically managed for pheasant and quail hab- Rocky Pond Lot (seasonal): Rocky Pond Bog Loop hik- • Motorized vehicles (except snowmobiles) are East Head Loop/Healthy Heart Trail 4.8 miles. Blue blazes. Moderate. and watersheds. The DCR serves to protect, promote, and itat. Check the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website for ing trail, and Rocky Pond Path bike trail prohibited from all unpaved roads and trails. 2.6 miles circling East Head Reservoir. Blue blazes. Easy. enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recre- hunting seasons and regulations. There is no hunting allowed This trail circles the campgrounds near Charge Pond. College Pond Day-Use Area (seasonal): Paid parking lot, • Please be courteous and respectful to other trail users. ational resources for the well-being of all; and to cooperate on Sundays. Massachusetts fishing and hunting licenses can This hike is an ideal introduction to the forest. Starting Easiest trail access is provided from the parking lot along bathhouse, restrooms, swimming, and picnicking • Give a clear signal before passing. and partner with those who share this common purpose. To be purchased online. Visit the Division of Fisheries and Wild- from Headquarters , the trail hugs the shoreline of the Charge Pond Road. Take a short walk north along the bike Pull-off parking areas on Cutter Field Road: Quail Wild- • When encountering a horse, stop, announce yourself learn about DCR and discover more about the parks, pro- life website for details, mass.gov/dfw/hunt-fish. East Head Reservoir. Traverse the boardwalk sections over path from the parking lot and turn onto Sasemine Way. The life Management Area and wait for the rider’s instructions. grams, and recreational opportunities within Massachusetts Camping and Day Use Areas wetlands and enjoy the scenery in any season. trail passes close to the campgrounds at several points and • Dogs (except hunting dogs) should be on leash and state parks, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at crosses a number of the fire roads. under control at all times. [email protected]. MSSF offers four camping areas, tucked into the forest or Pine Barrens Path • Always pick up after your dog. set along the edges of some of the larger ponds. One loop • Fires, dumping, alcohol, and disorderly conduct Friends of Myles Standish 8 miles one-way. Blue blazes. Difficult. State Forest is set aside specifically for horse camping and another is for prohibited. group camping. Camping reservations can be made through This trail connects the Friends’ Loop to the Charge Pond • Be aware of hunting seasons and wear blaze orange Caring for the forest would not be possible without the www.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-877-422-6762. A Loop along the eastern side of the forest. You can also access when appropriate. support of visitors like you, as well as our committed volun- day-use area at College Pond offers picnicking and swim- the trail from the fourth parking pull-off on Cutter Field teers. The Friends of Myles Standish State Forest is organized ming during the summer months. Picnic tables are available Road. This path will take you through the globally rare Pine to promote and conserve the natural, scenic, and historical year-round at the Headquarters and East Entrance . Barrens habitats and past various frost pockets. Look for resources of Myles Standish; to foster the use and enjoyment the Buck Moth, a black, white, and orange species that flies of Myles Standish State Forest by the public in a manner con- during the day like a butterfly, and birds like the Rufous-sided sistent with the protection and preservation of the environ- Towhee and the Pine Warbler. ment; to engage in such educational, scientific, and charitable Horseback Riding activities that will assist the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the operation of Myles Standish State Forest; and to assist Riders can start from the Equestrian Parking lot near J. MONTGOMERY and work in cooperation with the Forest Supervisor in gener- Barrett Pond, or (if camping) from the Equestrian Camp- R. GRAHAM al support and enrichment of Myles Standish State Forest. For ground C at Charge Pond, and ride on many miles of M. KUNDU more information, visit www.friendsmssf.com. unpaved roads and trails. J. MONTGOMERY J. Matthews Trail Pond Road W 70° 44′ W 70° 43′ W 70° 42′ Micajah W 70° 41′ W 70° 40′ Cooks W 70° 39′ W 70° 38′ W 70° 37′ Pond Road Little Hallick G
MYLES STANDISH STATE FOREST o
South West Road l COOKS POND WMA West Pond d
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Howard Dr. Micajah ur c o LEGEND Meadow Rd. rc TO PLYMOUTH h e PLYMOUTH Pond at N 41° 55′ Big Watercourse Rd. West L W TOWN FOREST a Harlow Forest Headquarters, Camping Check-in West ne P Ridge Tr. a Way Pond Marscot l
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a Parking Lot (year-round, seasonal) d Triangle L o Pond Pond n Paid Parking, Beach at Day-Use Area Adams St. Grassy Little PLYMOUTH g Grassy Little Micajah TOWN FOREST P Spring Pond South o West Pond Pond nd Picnic Area, Pavilion Pond SOUTH R
N 41° 55′ 41° N B o D TRIANGLE a e r d Campground (reservation info PRIVATE t . e t w POND 3 e d R R oad on reverse side of brochure) CAMPGROUND n TOWN WCE/WMA cour t oad R LAND Jordan Road W ain d Gate (numbered, not numbered) Pl a d o er on R v s P Eel Ri Ellis Colbys Pond ing d Forest Roads and Trails K n Kings o Pond Ave. P TOWN LAND Pond y Paved Road (maintained for winter travel) k
Lancaster c Little Euclids Way o Paved Road (not maintained Sabys R for winter travel) Pond Boot Pond Road P o Kings Pond w Great South Pond Paved Bike Path SLY POND WMA d Plain Road Queen Drive e r h Unpaved Road o Windy Hill Drive r n
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n N 41° 54′ Ponds d
Powderhorn R C d Exchange Road Hiking Trail Loop W Pond . o l Island l Hall eld Pond e Pond W g Hiking Trail Loop Connector Canterbury Drive e K PLYMOUTH PINELANDS MASSASOIT
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N 41° 54′ 41° N Pond a R R TO ROUTE 3 May Hill Ro o k ad TO PLYMOUTH Manters c Wetland Hole TOWN LAND Little o Lafaye May Rd. R tt e R BOSTON TO HOSPITAL Widgeon g oa Cranberry Bog (no public access except ad W o d BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS PLYMOUTH o H N Pond R Hoyts Pond d EXIT 5 275 SANDWICH STREET at Rocky Pond Bog Loop) n E Road W o 508 746 2000 nd P Po y Town Boundary w k le c r o W Ingalls u R Jasons Ln. K Evelyn Rd. Utility Line (no public access) Crabtree Road C
d Pond Gunners Strawberry Hill Rd. Wildcat Lane a Exchange EAST Massachusetts Correctional Institute Plymouth Dunham Curlew o BOOT POND R ENTRANCE Pond Pond WidgeonPond CONSERVATION AREA Pond (Restricted Area) d E n MASSASOIT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE o E TO ROUTE 3 P E Wildlife Management Area (WMA) n Snake Hill Road t W o r e Crooked u g CAPE COD WMA Field o id Pond e C PRIVATE PROPERTY W Wyn er E S dem R EXIT 3 o
WMA Pull-o Parking c N 41° 53′ k Rocky y NORTH B Pond BOG o Other Protected Land ( mi.)g E P L o o n W o Pond Long Pond Road W d Myles Standish State Forest p Hole ROCKY DATA SOURCES: MASSGIS, DCR GIS, DCR FORESTRY, MASSPARKS, Howland Road DCR BUREAU OF PLANNING, DESIGN & RESOURCE PROTECTION W POND Wayont Road W BOG E W W E W ¼ ½ PLYMOUTH W Friends Loop Bowsprit Lane . ° ( ) N 41° 53′ 41° N Magnetic MA State Plane NAD (. mile round trip CARVER Road Haven MILES Howland Road from Par king Lot ) , , Martingale Lane Cherry d Kamesit Way a Pond o
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( Bentley Loop ( . mi.)o c T d . hree a k Corn o Torrey e ered Pond R m t L Cobb Road E i l Pond o e o s p Ebeeme Road ) PHEASANT MANAGEMENT Round d HALFWAY POND CONSERVATION AREA ad oa AREA Pond Ro Sh R E d oestring Three Cornered Pond Road on FIRE Gallows P W Sabbatia Road E TOWER E W ree E
Dunham Road PRIVATE W Cornered Tremont Street E CAMPGROUND W E Pond Bare Hill Rd. E Ryan Road W E E W ad E Ro RESTRICTED AREA W Halfway Pond New Long Pond Musquash Road
Crane W d N 41° 51′ Ne a Brook W nd ga Ro o s Mast Road Bog Pond P Circuit Drive
Bumps E Shaw Road
Pond ( miles from Path Barrens Pine
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H e alfway Pond W g Sampson Pond Road E e ll W o Pond Roa Priscilla Mullins Way C ay d
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N 41° 51′ 41° N H Grady Bentley Loop
Pond Ro Pond lfway ad E k E Ha o J E ro r S B sh Driv Barrett e di e w Halfway e tan Lunxus Road Pond Lo S n s S a le Pond Road r y M . C d TO CARVER East R Briggs Road Cattle Jessup Road
Cranberry Road Head d Pond TO I 495 n EXIT 2 Pond o P
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ENTRANCE d r East Line Road a e Fawn Pond Road o W p R GAS LINE e l p v Agawam Road a ri r U D e it d u e Cranberry Road c F ir
Fearing Pond Road C N 41° 50′ TO WAREHAM S S Camping Pond Loops QUAIL MANAGEMENT S Cedar S AREA S Pond Doctors CAMP SQUANTO Pond SEE INSET MAP S S BOY SCOUTS I S E Clear d Camping Pond Loops a (. mi.) o Pond d Road R p Fearing N 41° 50′ 41° N on o Cutter Field Road P wa o ( .± miles) Pond S W alf y L ay H P y w e S - alf o l S H n nkinco t W d a Ri S d W ver n S New
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) Charge Pond Loop k BN DESIGNED D. KIMBALL DCR GIS DESIGNED D. p e S CONSERVATION o c o S W n o S o East Head Pond a r S CORPS CCC L Entr S S d ast B F Little AMPHITHEATER a E t e to o S S Fivemile t H iles fo SOUTHEAST BS as m g E . o PINE BARRENS WMA Pond r Charge DUMPING ( F
CAMPING CHECK IN, S h STATION t Pond INTERPRETIVE CENTER a E P Stringer Road r S e t e v
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N 41° 49′ 41° N P o t W c W s D n o S MAPLE i r S Fivemile Pond W F p DCR k S S o SPRINGS Agawam Road n o S L MAINTENANCE W W a S WCE d S Maple Springs Road YARD & FIRE W n Besse Bog Pond C C o a (. mi.) W m P DISTRICT 2 HQ to Charge Pond W and Fearing Pond p e W i EQUESTRIAN (multiple routes, n g g CAMPING r a P Haynes Road White Island Pond .± miles) o h CAMP CACHALOT n C
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k Little A n & MEETING ROOM H a S MAPLE SPRINGS WMA Long W S S Pond May ower Lane Charge W 70° 41′ W 70° 40′ W 70° 39′ W 70° 38′ W 70° 37′ W 70° 44′ W 70° 43′ W 70° 42′ Pond Rd.