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Parks

Freetown-Fall River State Forest

4.5 · 1,346 reviews
Rugged and densely wooded
Freetown-Fall River State Forest, 110 Slab Bridge Rd, Assonet, MA 02702, United States
Interesting facts
1

The forest is located on the boundary of the Freetown and Fall River townships, encompassing parts of the Freetown Plateau.

2

It contains a segment of the Profile Rock site, a notable geological formation historically associated with the Wampanoag people.

3

The area is part of the extensive Taunton River watershed, which supports diverse inland wetland ecosystems.

4

The forest remains one of the few designated locations in Massachusetts that permits legal off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail riding.

5

The terrain includes remnants of historical stone walls, indicating the land's previous use for agriculture prior to forest regrowth.

Overview

Freetown-Fall River State Forest spans over 5,000 acres in southeastern Massachusetts, offering an extensive network of over 50 miles of multi-use trails. The terrain features a mix of dense forest, rocky outcrops, and seasonal wetlands characteristic of the Taunton River watershed. It serves as a primary hub for motorized and non-motorized recreation, including designated trails for off-highway vehicles (OHVs), snowmobiles, and mountain biking. The park landscape is primarily composed of pine-oak forests with significant elevation changes resulting from past glacial activity. Visitors can access various fire roads and single-track paths that connect to the forest's interior. The site is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. It provides essential habitat for local wildlife, including white-tailed deer and diverse bird species.

Photo spot

The elevated rocky outcrops overlooking the forest canopy during peak autumn foliage.

Insider tips

Wear high-visibility orange if visiting during hunting season, as portions of the forest are open to authorized hunting.

Download an offline trail map, as cellular reception is inconsistent throughout the densely wooded interior.

Check the Department of Conservation and Recreation website for current trail status alerts, as heavy rains can lead to temporary closures of motorized routes.

What to avoid

Venturing off marked trails, as the dense, uniform forest cover makes orientation difficult for inexperienced hikers.

Good to know

OHV trails may close seasonally or during extreme weather conditions for fire safety and erosion control.

Etiquette

Pack out all trash, yield to horses on shared trails, and remain on marked paths to prevent trail erosion.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 hours
Best time to visit
Autumn, for moderate temperatures and lack of biting insects.
Address
Freetown-Fall River State Forest, 110 Slab Bridge Rd, Assonet, MA 02702, United States
41.779, -71.042
Get directions
Details
Trail TypesMulti-use (Hiking, Mountain Biking, OHV, Snowmobiling)
TerrainGlacial rocky outcrops and pine-oak forest

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Autumn, for moderate temperatures and lack of biting insects..

The elevated rocky outcrops overlooking the forest canopy during peak autumn foliage.

Close by you'll find Battleship Cove, Dighton Rock State Park, Massasoit State Park.

United States of America

About Fall River, Massachusetts