GEORGETOWN ROWLEY STATE FOREST
This 1,112 acre forest offers a variety of year-round activities including horseback riding, hiking, walking, hunting (some restrictions), cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Georgetown Rowley State Forest is located in the towns of Georgetown and Rowley in the northeastern part of Massachusetts. The forest has a rich history that dates back to the colonial times.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the land was inhabited by members of the Pawtucket Native American tribe. They utilized the area's resources for hunting, fishing, and farming. However, as the colonization of America progressed, these tribes were displaced or assimilated by the European settlers.
In the 17th century, English and Scottish settlers arrived in the area and established the towns of Georgetown and Rowley. These settlers cleared the land for agriculture, bringing about the transformation of the forested landscape into farmland.
Over time, as the agricultural practices changed, some parts of the land were abandoned and naturally reverted to forest cover. This naturally reforested land later became part of the Georgetown Rowley State Forest.
In the early 20th century, the state of Massachusetts recognized the value of preserving natural landscapes and forests. With the increasing industrialization and urbanization of the state, preserving green spaces became a priority. As a result, the state began acquiring land to establish state forests, including Georgetown Rowley State Forest.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) acquired the initial parcels of land for Georgetown Rowley State Forest in the 1920s. Additional lands were later added to expand the forest's size. The forest provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.
Georgetown Rowley State Forest stands as a testament to the natural history of the region and serves as an important ecological and recreational area in Massachusetts.