Gilbert A. Bliss State Forest

Gilbert A. Bliss State Forest is a small, 13-acre state forest in western Massachusetts, managed by the state park agency. The nearest town is Chester, about 8 miles away. It's a compact parcel rather than a destination with a mapped route of its own, so it works best as one stop among several in the surrounding hills. Summer through early fall is the most comfortable stretch for a visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Worthington run around 80°F for July highs, easing to about 71°F by day and 47°F at night in September. The area around the forest offers more to fill a day. Indian Hollow campground sits about 2 miles away, and the Red Loop hike is a similar distance. Paddlers can head to the Middle Branch Westfield River, roughly 6 miles off, and the Fuller Brook Trail is about 7 miles away.