Sandisfield State Forest, a 9,500-acre collection of properties managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, is located in the towns of New Marlborough and Sandisfield. The entrance to Sandisfield State Forest’s York Lake is located at the intersection of New Marlborough-Sandisfield Road (MA-183) and East Hill Road.

This northern hardwood forest includes hiking trails and York Lake, which is stocked with trout and open to non-motorized boats.

York Lake is shallow, 6-16 feet deep, and has a surface area of 35 acres. It is fed by Sandy Brook, a tributary of the Farmington and Connecticut Rivers. This water eventually flows a distance of 115 miles where it empties into Long Island Sound. It was named for Samuel A. York, a gentleman farmer of Cummington, who served as Commissioner of the Department of Conservation from 1933 to 1935.

There are two Suggested Hikes at Sandisfield State Forest.

Campbell Falls Trail, 0.5 miles, easy
Begin at the Massachusetts parking area located on Campbell Falls Road (dirt), off Norfolk Road, 5.8 miles south of New Marlborough village.

This short (but steep) walk features spectacular Campbell Falls. Campbell Falls State Park is about a 15-minute drive from Sandisfield State Forest's York Lake. From the Campbell Falls Road trailhead in Massachusetts follow signs downhill into Connecticut (0.06 miles). Bear right and soon cross back into Massachusetts and Campbell Falls (0.08 miles). The Whiting River drops about a total of 50 feet here. It plunges through a tight gorge in one direction, then twists and cascades in another direction. Even during low flow, this fall is a curious and satisfying sight. Take time to just sit down, relax, and enjoy the water show. This is also an unusual bi-state park; a longer trail route to the falls (Yellow Trail, 0. 5 miles) starts at the Campbell Falls State Park (CT) trailhead on Tobey Hill Road in Norfolk. Be prepared, there are no services here.

York Pond Loop Trail, 2.4 miles, easy
Begin at the York Lake day-use area is located at the intersection of New Marlborough-Sandisfield Road (MA-183) and East Hill Road in New Marlborough.