Sandwiched Between Hartford And Albany Is New England's Breathtaking Forest With Lake Fun And Scenic Trails

Though the Berkshires are considered an all-season destination, there's one time of year that's truly enchanting in this part of New England. It's autumn, of course. That's when the temperatures dip, the leaves turn vibrant colors, and the mountain views can take your breath away. There's no better place to immerse yourself in the fall foliage than a state forest. Sandisfield State Forest's lake and trails are the perfect places to start.

The Berkshires, the westernmost part of Massachusetts, are wedged up against Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. They're part of the Appalachian Mountains, the vast range that extends from Alabama all the way up to Canada. It's not surprising that the region is home to 14 state forests. One of them covers nearly 10,000 acres  between Hartford, Connecticut, which is home to America's oldest public art museum, and Albany, New York, a history-rich gem with world-class museums and pristine beaches.

Sandisfield State Forest, with plots in the small towns of Sandisfield and New Marlborough, was abandoned farmland when Massachusetts began purchasing it in the 1920s. After it was declared a state forest in 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt created during the Great Depression to enrich government-owned land while creating desperately needed jobs, went to work. The CCC rehabilitated the northern hardwood forest's beech and birch trees, planted additional pines and spruces, created an artificial lake, and built infrastructure, including a beach, a picnic area, and trails for the public to use.

Sandisfield State Forest's man-made York Lake is now a 35-acre lake that sits more than 1,500 feet above sea level thanks to the CCC. In its day-use area, you'll find a 300-foot beach with a roped-off swimming area and a gravel ramp to access the water with non-motorized vessels, such as canoes, kayaks, and wind-powered boats. Though the lake is regularly stocked with trout, they aren't the only fish you might catch. Largemouth bass have recently been caught here, too. There's also a large picnic area with picnic tables, grills, bathrooms, and shade to escape the sun.

Circling Sandisfield State Forest, you'll also find the York Lake Loop Trail. This easy trail, lined with blue markers, moves along the lake's edge and under the forest's canopy over 2.5 miles. One AllTrails user recommends that you "bring a bathing suit to end the trail with a swim," if the water is still warm enough.

Sandisfield State Forest, which is open from sunrise until just after sunset every day, is free to visit. If you plan on fishing and are between the ages of 17 and 70, you'll need to purchase a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license in advance of your trip. The York Lake section of the state forest is in New Marlborough, a serene, artsy town with picturesque landscapes. From there, it's less than 40 miles to Bradley International Airport (BDL). The largest airport in Connecticut receives nonstop flights from cities all over the United States.