Visitors to Monroe State Forest: You should know that there are no maps available at the trailheads, so plan to print one from the Internet before you go...otherwise, you won't know which trail to take! Of the trails in the forest, I'd say my favorite is the Dunbar Brook trail. It goes all the way thru the forest, connecting Tilda Road to River Road, but I prefer starting on the River Road side. From the River Road parking area, walk past the wooden trail that leads to the dam and head upslope, as if you're heading to the power lines. You'll see the trail on your right on your first rise. Spring is a fabulous time to visit this spot, with its wild river and carpet of spring wildflowers. Some small patches of old growth forest occur in this area--a small section of old sugar maple and off the trail, a 20 acre patch of old hemlock, one of which has been dated to 411 years. While you're in the area, you may also want to stop and visit the Hoosac Tunnel. There are several good websites on the Hoosac Tunnel, with old photos and histories of this 19th-century engineering feat.