Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest encompasses 1,700 acres in the Berkshire foothills near Goshen, Massachusetts, featuring scenic Upper Highland Lake and extensive trail networks. The forest offers camping, swimming, and hiking in a beautiful western Massachusetts setting.

The forest supports healthy populations of white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and beaver. Upper Highland Lake attracts loons, great blue herons, and various waterfowl. The diverse habitats support breeding populations of numerous forest songbirds including wood thrushes, scarlet tanagers, and various warblers.

Mixed hardwood forests of red oak, sugar maple, and white birch cover the rolling terrain, with white pine stands on drier sites and red maple swamps in poorly drained areas. The lake shoreline supports typical freshwater wetland vegetation. Mountain laurel creates spectacular June displays throughout the forest understory.

The forest occupies metamorphic terrain of the Berkshire foothills, with bedrock of schist and gneiss representing ancient sediments transformed by heat and pressure. Upper Highland Lake fills a basin created by glacial damming. The rolling terrain reflects glacial modification of the underlying bedrock topography.

The elevated Berkshire location produces cooler conditions than lowland Massachusetts, with summer temperatures averaging 78°F and cold winters with substantial snowfall. The protected lake setting creates pleasant summer conditions for swimming and camping. Annual precipitation exceeds 48 inches.

Indigenous peoples utilized these highlands for seasonal hunting and gathering. Colonial settlement brought marginal farming to the area, though the rocky terrain limited agricultural productivity. The forest name honors the Daughters of the American Revolution, the patriotic organization that contributed to the park's establishment.

The Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution donated the initial land to the Commonwealth in 1929, establishing the forest as a memorial. Civilian Conservation Corps workers developed the campground, beach, and trail system during the 1930s. The CCC-era architecture adds historic character to the facilities.

Upper Highland Lake provides swimming at a sandy beach during summer months, with the clear water surrounded by forested hills. Approximately 15 miles of trails traverse the property, suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The campground offers one of the region's most attractive settings. Winter activities include cross-country skiing.

The campground offers 51 sites including both tent and RV sites, with modern restroom facilities. The swimming beach includes changing rooms and seasonal lifeguards. The forest is accessible via Route 112, approximately 20 miles northwest of Northampton. The peaceful setting attracts visitors seeking escape from urban areas.

Management maintains the historic CCC-era character while updating facilities to modern standards. Water quality monitoring ensures safe swimming in the lake. Forest management maintains diverse age classes and species composition. The forest demonstrates successful partnership between patriotic organizations and public agencies.