Spencer State Forest

March 15, 2020 Sunny

Spencer State Forest consists of several separate parcels, and Howe Pond is the most popular parcel.

Howe Pond was the estate of the Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine. The Howe family of Spencer was a family of prominent inventors. William Howe developed a wooden truss bridge which was named after him; his brother, Tyler Howe, patented a spring bed. Their nephew, Elias Howe Jr., invented the sewing machine.

The Howe family also built the dam and a mill, and near the parking area, this plaque marks the location of the estate. There is also a small beach and some picnic benches along the pond, but there are no changing rooms or other facilities.

We first walked across the parking area into the woods. There is trail along the stream that flows from the pond. The trail was flat and wide. The soft light of the late afternoon sun was filtered through the leaves and reflected on the water, and it felt very tranquil.

We came across a snowmobile shed and a wooden bench for resting. The shed belongs to the Spencer Snowbirds, who also maintains the trails and a bridge across the mouth of the stream.

This bridge was a fun challenge for the kids. However, the trail reaches an end after the bridge, so we turned around, crossed the parking area back to the dam and the beach, and tried to walk around the pond.

The trail only goes as far as another, bigger, dam, on the pond. The pond was absolutely beautiful in the evening. We only saw a few parties in the whole park. This park is a gem.

• A short walk along a river, but interesting for the pond, the dam, and the historical site.
• It’s a beautiful and peaceful walk along a calm river.
• Everybody: Wear your jacket, its 40°. Ryan: i’M nOt CoLd.
• This comment is not true ↑↑↑ but it was fun to jump across the rivers.
• I liked when we jumped over the river.

For more information: Spencer State Forest official site