October Mountain State Forest is the largest state forest in Massachusetts at over 16,000 acres, with the Appalachian Trail running through the northern portion and Buckley Dunton Lake anchoring the central section. Becket sits at the eastern edge, the small town that gives the forest its trailhead access from Route 8.
The Trail Day
The Appalachian Trail's pass through October Mountain is one of the quieter Massachusetts AT sections, especially compared with the more trafficked Mount Greylock or Mount Everett portions. The walk from the Pittsfield Road trailhead north toward Finerty Pond is a roughly 3-hour out-and-back. Massachusetts state law prohibits cannabis consumption in public spaces, including the entire state forest, the AT corridor, and any trail or pond shoreline.
Buckley Dunton Lake
Buckley Dunton Lake is a quiet swimming and fishing pond in the central October Mountain area, with a small parking area and a short walk in. The lake is state property and follows the same public-consumption restrictions as the rest of the forest. Adults 21+ planning a day here should bring all cannabis consumption to the back end at a private rental or inn in Becket, Lee, or one of the nearby towns.
The Becket Frame
Becket's village area on Route 8 is small enough to walk in 15 minutes, with Jacob's Pillow as the cultural anchor and a few small inns and B&Bs scattered around the surrounding hills. Verify licensed status via the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission at masscannabiscontrol.com before any dispensary stop, with consumption only at the private rental.
Compliance, Quickly
- 21+ only at every dispensary and for every purchase
- Verify licensed status via the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission at masscannabiscontrol.com
- Massachusetts state law prohibits cannabis consumption in public spaces, including all state forests
- Start low, go slow on edibles, especially any product above 5 mg
- Never drive after consuming, no matter how mild it felt
Where to Go Next
- The Berkshires Mountain Adventures Cannabis Guide flagship
- Mount Greylock and Adams Cannabis Day
- Bash Bish Falls and Mount Washington
*This is editorial, not legal advice. Always verify current cannabis laws at masscannabiscontrol.com.*