Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Uxbridge State Forest is located primarily within the town of Uxbridge in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Comprising several individual tracts including Douglas State Forest and Buck Hill, it protects a varied landscape of mixed hardwood and conifer forest typical of the New England region. The terrain features rolling hills, small ponds, wetlands, and tributaries feeding into the Blackstone River watershed. This forest is part of the larger network of state-protected lands managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Historically, the area was used for logging and small-scale agriculture before being reforested and designated for public recreation and conservation. Visitors enjoy a network of multi-use trails suited for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in winter. The forest contains several small ponds ideal for fishing and quiet paddling, as well as areas for birdwatching including warblers and woodpeckers. The presence of vernal pools provides habitat for amphibians like wood frogs and salamanders. While there are no developed campgrounds within the forest, nearby state parks offer camping options. Uxbridge State Forest is appreciated for its peacefulness, accessibility to local residents, and opportunities to engage with natural New England forests close to urban areas such as Worcester and Providence. The forest's ecosystem supports a range of wildlife including white-tailed deer, coyotes, and occasional black bear sightings, making it popular with wildlife observers. Seasonal changes bring colorful fall foliage and winter snow that transform the landscape for various outdoor activities.
