Mount Grace

Mount Grace State Forest encompasses 1,458 acres in the north-central Massachusetts town of Warwick, protecting the 1,617-foot summit of Mount Grace and surrounding woodland.

The forest supports black bear, moose, fisher, and wild turkey. The varied habitats support diverse breeding birds. The location near New Hampshire provides habitat connectivity.

Northern hardwood forests of sugar maple, beech, and yellow birch dominate. The summit supports exposed rock communities. Mountain laurel blooms in June.

Mount Grace rises above surrounding terrain, with metamorphic bedrock exposed at the summit. Glacial deposits mantle lower slopes.

The elevated location produces cooler conditions than surrounding lowlands. Cold winters bring substantial snowfall.

Indigenous peoples utilized these highlands. A fire tower historically stood on the summit. The forest is named for the mountain, which honors an early colonial figure.

The state acquired the forest to protect the scenic summit and watershed resources. Trails provide public access to the summit.

Trails climb to the open summit, which offers panoramic views. The forest connects to the larger Metacomet-Monadnock Trail system. Cross-country skiing is popular in winter.

Limited parking at trailheads. No developed facilities. The forest is accessible via Route 78 in Warwick.

The forest protects watershed resources and provides habitat connectivity. Management maintains trail access while allowing natural processes.