The project of Barre Falls Dam was authorized by Congress in 1941 to reduce flood damage from storms like those that devastated New England in 1936 and 1938. Construction of the project began in May 1956 and was completed in July 1958 at a cost of $2 million. A portion of Route 62 was relocated to accommodate the project. The project has prevented $53.2 million in flood damages since it was built (as of September 2011).
The Ware River Watershed has a shared history with the Quabbin Reservoir in building the largest manmade water supply in Massachusetts. To enhance and preserve the quality of Quabbin's drinking water, people in this area lost homes and property when the reservoir was made. The remains of a massive stone-lined dam, associated mill foundations, and tailraces - good examples of a water-powered system - are located on the banks of the Ware River just downstream of the outlet channel.
You can visit a mid to late 19th century cemetery that is maintained by the Town of Barre. At the southern end of the project are foundation remains from the former Village of Coldbrook Springs. Archeologists have identified these sites as an old tavern, a fulling mill site, a sawmill, and old houses, farms, and outbuildings. Old foundations and well sites exist throughout Barre Falls Dam and adjacent lands. These structures give us a glimpse of community life here in the 1800s and early 1900s.
Explore project lands within Barre Falls Dam, and you will see history come alive.
It is our job to preserve these sites for future generations. Please help us preserve the historic culture of the area. Do not walk on or disturb the sites and leave remains as they are. We, the staff at Barre Falls Dam, thank you for your cooperation.
Old stone foundations and remnants of an old grist mill on the property located by our outflow.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes you to Barre Falls Dam located in the towns of Hubbardston, Barre, Oakham, and Rutland. Nestled within the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MDCR) 22,000-acre scenic Ware River Watershed, the area offers many recreational opportunities. There is something for everyone to enjoy: canoeing, picnicking, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseshoes, sightseeing, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, 18-hole disc-golf course, volleyball and wildlife observation. The recreational benefits are an "extra dividend" to the main purpose of this flood reduction project. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Picnicking is a very popular activity at Barre Falls Dam. The Corps maintains a small rustic picnic area for your enjoyment. The area contains twelve picnic sites with tables and fireplaces. A covered picnic shelter, with six tables, is available and may be reserved by groups for a modest fee. Wheelchair accessible sites are available.
The Corps of Engineers manage the area, rules, regulations and policies to correspond with the MDCR. The MDCR prohibits camping, swimming, and off-road/all-terrain vehicles within the Ware River Watershed, including lands owned by the Corps of Engineers. Motor vehicles are restricted to established roads. Snowmobiling, horseback riding, and mountain bike riding are restricted to designated trails.
Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Massachusetts laws and regulations. The area offers both large and small game - white tail deer, bear, turkey, rabbit, and stocked pheasant to name a few.
Fishermen will enjoy the challenges of fishing for the stocked and native species of fish that abound in the Ware River and in the many smaller streams and ponds in the area.
General Rules & Regulations
- The Corps of Engineers manage the area, rules, regulations, and policies to correspond with the MDCR. The MDCR prohibits camping, swimming, and off-road/all-terrain vehicles within the Ware River Watershed, including lands owned by the Corps of Engineers. Motor vehicles are restricted to established roads. Snowmobiling, horseback riding, and mountain bike riding are restricted to designated trails.
- Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Massachusetts laws and regulations. The area offers both large and small game - white tail deer, bear, turkey, rabbit, and stocked pheasant to name a few.
Barre Falls Dam Park Rules
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and their waste disposed of (327.11).
- Park only in designated parking spaces. Obey posted parking restrictions (327.2).
- No fires except in designated fire rings or grills (327.10).
- No littering or dumping (327.9).
- No ATVs. Only street-legal automobiles and motorcycles are allowed on our roads.
- No vehicles are allowed beyond closed gates or barriers (327.2).
Per Title 36, Chapter III, Part 327 Rules and Regulations governing public use of water resources development projects administered by the chief of engineers.
Park Rangers present interpretive programs during the summer to inform visitors about our history, flood control operations, recreation, and natural resources when requested by organized groups or schools. Park rangers are always willing to assist visitors, answer questions, and accept comments or suggestions. To schedule a tour, call or email for more information.
National Water Safety Program
- "Please Wear It" is a water safety campaign by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that encourages people to wear life jackets while participating in water activities. The campaign's slogan is "Life Jackets Worn - Nobody Mourns".
- Wearing a life jacket can significantly increase your chances of survival if you fall into cold water.
- On average, it takes only 60 seconds for an adult to drown, and 20 seconds for a child.
- Most water-related fatalities at USACE lakes and rivers are male, 18 or older, and not wearing a life jacket.
- Learn to swim well.
- Avoid swimming alone or under the influence of alcohol.
- Take a boating safety course.
- Learn how to identify a drowning victim.
- Know what you can do to rescue a drowning victim.
- Boat with a friend.
- Let someone know your plans for travel on the water.
- To make a reservation, click here.
- Picnic Shelter - $45/day. The shelter has six picnic tables (one handicapped) and two large charcoal grills and can be used on a first-come, first-served basis unless a reservation has been made. To reserve the shelter, call us to check the availability and reserve, and follow the instructions on the Application for Shelter Reservation.
- Tale Trail & Fitness Trail (seasonal) – Free
- Entrance to Barre Falls Dam Recreation Area - Free
- Canoe Launch - Free
- Day Use (includes restrooms, picnic tables and grill) - Free (Bring your own charcoal)
- Disc Golf Course - Free
- Horseshoe pit - Free (Bring your own horseshoes)
- Volley Ball - Free (Bring your own ball)
Pictures display an example of a frame from the Tale Trail in Summer 2024 & Disc Golf Hole 10.
Visitors to the 557 acres of Federal public land at Barre Falls Dam will find wetlands, forests, open fields, and river areas. This habitat is home to many species including songbirds, seasonal migrant birds, ravens, waterfowl, moose, whitetail deer, wild turkey, fox, and rabbits. After a short drive, visitors from the local metropolitan areas can lose themselves in the tranquility of nature. Protected from the pressures of urban expansion, the Ware River Watershed is one of southern New England's most beautiful rural areas.
During the mid 1930's and early 1940's the Metropolitan District Commission Division of Watershed Management converted most of the open farmlands into red and white pine stands. Natural revegetation occurred on areas not replanted, creating a mixture of hardwood and pine forests. To maintain a healthy forest, Corps rangers manage the forest to provide the best habitat for a diversity of tree species and wildlife by providing food and cover. Forest management by the Corps includes thinning, pruning, harvesting timber, replanting, and natural revegetation. These practices improve timber quality, produce forest products, create food and shelter for wildlife habitat, and enhance the recreational use of the resources.
You can help protect the natural resources of Barre Falls Dam by observing the park rules. Please show your pride in America by being good stewards of our public lands.
Drinking Water Supply
The Barre Falls reservoir is located within the Upper Ware River Watershed. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MDCR) manages and preserves the land for water quality protection. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) manages the water resources, which is the public water supply for the metropolitan Boston area. The MWRA has a tunnel system with shafts at various locations, including Shaft 8 in Barre, MA. The diversion at Shaft 8 moves water that enters the intake to either the Quabbin or Wachusett Reservoir through an underground tunnel, the Quabbin aqueduct. The Corps assists the MWRA by coordinating flows to maximize diversion rates, and the MWRA assists the Corps when requested to divert excess flows to help with flood control. Therefore, camping, swimming, and wading are not permitted.
Wildlife
About 490 acres of the reservoir area are leased to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for wildlife management. Brook, brown, and rainbow trout are stocked by the state in the Ware River. The state also stocks pheasant for in-season hunting. Their team of biologists are also tagging and tracking wildlife at Barre Falls Dam. The area is open for hunting in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Examples of the various wildlife where BFD park rangers were able to capture some cool shots!
Wildlife spotted on the property include:
• Porcupines
• Beavers
• Wild turkeys
• Pheasants
• Ravens
• Turkey vultures
• Black bears
• Moose
• Deer
• Racoons
• Groundhogs
• Rabbits
• Painted turtles
• Snakes
• Hawks
• Foxes