Whew! As I write this, the heat and humidity have finally broken, but for the most part, the days leading up to the Fourth of July, with the oppressive heat that accompanied it, had my complete attention! And that’s usually a sign that the “dog days of summer” have arrived. But what exactly does the phrase “dog days” mean?
The “dog days” are the hottest, most sultry days of the summer. And while the phrase conjures up images of laziness and overheated pets, it’s true that the origin is celestial, linked historically with the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Greek and Roman astrology associated with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck! They also believed that these hot days or “dog days,” rose in conjunction with the Sun! But the name itself came about because they connected the hottest days of summer with a star in this system, known as “Canis Major,” or “large dog star,” because it was the brightest star in the constellation. So bright, that it was thought to radiate extra heat toward Earth. Their writings also tell us that the “dog days of summer” occur from about July 17 to around Aug. 24. However, Grandpa always said that when Grandma slept barebacked you knew two things were happening! First, the corn was growing and, second, the “dog days of summer” had arrived! That said, Grandpa’s definition never quite convinced me of this either, even though, as a boy, I believed everything he said! Today my reliable source consists of “The Old Farmer’s Almanac,” and Wikipedia, which lists the traditional timing of the “dog days of summer” as July 3 thru August 11. Which based on the weather lately seems just about right.
But no matter how you see it, and despite this recent stretch of rain, summer weather is here to stay for now! The good news is there are many places to beat the heat while enjoying some of the best recreational fun our region has to offer! So, I’ve compiled a list of places close to home that are tough to beat for both fun and adventure! But first, a quick reminder:
Antlerless Deer Permit application deadline – July 16: The Massachusetts Antlerless Deer Permit (ADP) application deadline is July 16. Applying for the permit is free through the MassFishHunt portal online. But to hunt antlerless deer in 2026, you need this permit. If you apply by the July 16 deadline, you must check back after Aug. 1 to find out if you’ve been awarded the opportunity to purchase a permit. The award period begins Aug. 1 at 8 a.m. You can check the status of your permit through MassFishHunt, or by visiting a MassWildlife office or license agent location. The cost of a permit is $10. Surplus Permits: If you miss the July 16 deadline, or want extra permits, surplus ADPs will go on sale in late September. And if you hunt in Zones 10, 11, 13, and 14, there are no season purchase limits on permits.
Finally, here are some great places to visit this summer to beat the heat:
Clarksburg State Park with over 365 acres of hardwood forest surrounding Mauserts Pond is a great spot for camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing! Take advantage of foot trails surrounding the pond to look for wildlife, like moose or otters. Ideal for beginner anglers, Mauserts Pond is a 49-acre, shallow, man-made pond offering great warm water fishing opportunities. And, just outside Clarksburg State Park, you’ll find excellent trout fishing opportunities along the North Branch of the Hoosic River.
DAR State Forest in Goshen is a great place to enjoy fishing, swimming, and camping. Fishing for trout in Upper Highland Lake, or for largemouth bass and yellow perch in Lower Highland Lake, it is a popular destination all summer long. The 50-site campground is located on a ridge between a scenic wetland where moose, bear, and beaver roam. If you’re into hiking, trails with options for all experience levels will keep you busy. Especially if you make your way up to the DAR Fire Tower for a great mountain view.
Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most scenic woodland areas in Massachusetts, covering 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods where campers enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Trout fishing on the Deerfield and Cold River is always great. You can also fish in Chickley or Clesson Brook just outside the state forest.
Tolland State Forest has in its center a 1,065-acre peninsula Otis Reservoir. With a great boat ramp and ample shore access for fishing, anglers will enjoy catching a variety of fish here, including bass and stocked trout. There are campsites available on the peninsula that just go out onto the Otis Reservoir, which provides a unique camping experience.
Beartown State Forest in Monterey, a 12,000-acre forest, is my favorite no matter the season! Benedict Pond is great for everything. The gravel boat ramp used to launch car-top boats, canoes, and small electric crafts is perfect. Shore fishing is excellent especially for largemouth bass, yellow perch, and golden shiners. In addition, a hike around Benedict Pond looking for wildlife like deer, bobcats, bears, and even moose is often productive.
Have a great summer!
Joe Judd is a lifelong hunter and sportsman. He is an outdoor writer, seminar speaker, member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, and a 2019 inductee into the New England Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame. Joe is also a member of the Quaker Boy Game Calls and Bass Pro/Cabela’s Pro Staff.