Hike the Coffeehouse Loop, Douglas State Forest

Douglas State Forest is located off of Rte 16 in south central Massachusetts. To access trails and the lake, head to the parking area on Wallum Lake Park Road. From the parking lot, you can access the Coffeehouse Loop Trail, as well as a few other shorter trails by the lake. The Coffeehouse Loop Trail is a short, 2.2 mile loop that traverses through a varying area of terrain as well as the Aldrich Saw and Gristmill site. Part of the Coffeehouse Loop Trail treads over the Midstate Trail, which is a 91-mile stretch from Rhode Island to New Hampshire.

During the winter time, the Coffeehouse Loop Trail is a perfect length for colder days when the daylight is scarce and temperatures are below freezing. While on the trail, you will be able to see glimpses of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, which is open to walkers, cross-country skiers, cyclists and equestrians. The 22 mile trail passes through Douglas, Uxbridge, Millville, Blackstone, Bellingham, and Franklin, and is one of the longest trails in southern Massachusetts.

The Douglas State Forest is very much off the map in terms of visitors. It's utilized by locals only for the most part, which makes it a great place to find some empty trails to hike.