The Trails Committee welcomes you to Upton State Forest.
(Friends of Upton State Forest assume no liability for your use of the trails. This page is for information purposes only. We caution you to observe the basic principles of outdoor safety for an enjoyable experience.)
The following recreational activities are allowed in Upton State Forest:
- Cross-country skiing
- Hiking/Walking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Mountain biking
- Snowmobiling
- Snow shoeing
- Picnicing
- Bird Watching
- Geocaching and Letterboxing
In addition, organized events are held periodically throughout the year with a permit from DCR. The permit process can be found on the DCR web site.
The park is a multi-use facility, therefore everyone visiting the park is expected to adhere to trail etiquette so that we all can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Here are some tips for responsible trail use.
Information about the trails is being developed that will include highlights of interest, what type of terrain to expect, appropriate uses and length of each trail. Until that is complete the following is general information that you may find useful.
Upton State Forest includes areas of upland and swamp with some steep grades. It is a low key, low impact park. Part of the Miscoe, Warren, Whitehall Watershed Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) there is sensitive environmental areas within the forest including a large number of vernal pools. Please respect the land and wildlife as you enjoy the trails.
With the exception of snowmobiles and official vehicles, off road vehicles are prohibited at Upton State Forest.
Use of the park is prohibited after dark.
There is a trash receptacles at the trail head entrance at the CCC headquarters and one at the trail head at CCC Way. Please observe the universal principles of Leave No Trace (LNT).
There is a porta-potty at the trailhead entrance at the CCC headquarters.
There are unofficial trails within the forest that are not on the DCR trail map. We suggest that if you are not familiar with the park that you stay on the trails on the map.
Cell phones are not reliable in all areas of Upton State Forest. We suggest that you follow the hiker’s rules of safety and tell someone that you are going to be at the park, what trails you might use and what time to expect you home.
Hunting is allowed in season and we strongly recommend that you wear blaze orange clothing at that time.
We ask that you respect the rights of other users and extend the same courtesy to them that you would expect for yourself. Information about interacting safely with people on horseback is available in our March 2006 newsletter.
Members of the Friends of Upton State Forest do periodic surveys at the trailhead parking lot. This gives us the information we need to determine where to focus our time, energy and limited financial resources. Volunteers will wear a badge.