Big Pines Natural Area -

Hemenway State Forest

The 170-acre Big Pines Natural Area is part of the 2,106-acre Hemenway State Forest. It is one of the finest places in New England to see towering Eastern white pine trees. One champion white pine is 150-feet tall and has a circumference of over 15 feet. Numerous other pines are in the 125-145 foot height range with diameters up to 45 inches. At just 150 to 200 years of age, these giants have not even reached their maximum dimensions yet.  Hemlocks 250 to 350 years old also grow here along with sugar maple, red spruce, yellow birch, red oak, and red maple.