Willowdale is one of the North Shores premier riding spots. With over 40+ miles of trails and more being added all the time, you should never get bored. As Willowdale expands, new man-made stunts [drops, jumps and skinnys] are popping up all over the trail system. Most of the new features are located in the Northeast section of the park.
The trails at Willowdale are mostly fast and flowy, so be prepared to tear it up. Like any Northeast trails network you will run into you fair share of rocks / roots, but this place has way less then most.
One of the biggest drawbacks of Willowdale is the lack of trail markers. This can cause some confusion and cause you to get turned around in a hurry. The one main trail is marked by blue blazes. You'll also see yellow and orange blazes and white arrows marking different trails. If you do get lost, hit the fireroad and you should easily find your way.
Note: if you are novice / super-beginner don't hesitate to hit Bradley Palmer State Park, which is right across Ipswitch / Topsfield Road from Willowdale State Forest.

Willowdale State Forest

Landlocked forest is a great place to ride if you are in a pinch for time, or if you want to just get out and pedal some very well maintained singletrack. Nestled between routes 3, 128 and 62 in Burlington, Landlocked Forest isn't a huge place, but has used its available land well. The Yellow loop is the main loop of Landlocked, and runs about 4.5 miles start to finish. Luckily, the Yellow loop is augmented by Blue Connector trails and a ton of unmarked / mapped trails.
Some of the best trails at Landlocked are the unmarked trails. To get to what some of the local riders call the playground, head northwest out of the parking lot, following the New Scout Trail to the Yellow Loop. Follow the Yellow Loop trail to Gas Line at marker 16. At marker 16 hang a left and go explore. You will not be disappointed!

Landlocked Forest

Russell Mill Pond & Town Forest

Kingdom Trails

When I think of Foxboro, I think of rocks. Some of the trails here (I am looking at you Loop C) can really take a toll on your body. If you like rock gardens, head for those two loops. Now, I am told things are improving as new trails are built and old trails are revamped, I have a buddy that swears by Foxboro, it is basically about knowing where to go. Unfortunately, the park map doesn\'t even come close to showing all the trails available. It is best to hit the trails with someone who knows them well or hook up with one of the social rides.
If you are looking for tight technical trails and a challenge you will find it at F. Gilbert Hills. The black diamond trails can push even the most seasoned of riders. Head to the Sunset Lake side for more fast flowy, less technical trails. Whichever side you ride you will not be disappointed.

F. Gilbert Hills State Forest

Fort Rock

Lake Massabesic

To the west of Trotting Park Road is Lake Althea and the Scarlet swamp. The west side is also where some of the funnest, most popular, singletrack in the park is. Just out of the main entrance, hang a left and get ready to rip.
The east side of the park is where the majority of the trail system of Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest. On this side you will also find what is called the \"playground\", which consists of big natural rocks left in the area by retreating glaciers. At the playground you will be able to hone your rolling and hucking skills. Be advised: for experienced riders only.
Update: Some downhill trails are being built to the north side of the park on Whortle-Berry Hill. From the main entrance duck into the trails on the left-side. You\'ll have to pedal a ways out and ride a fire road to get there but it will be worth it. Along the way be sure to stop and play on the skinny made out of a fallen tree. The climb to the top of Whortle-Berry Hill is a bitch, but the trails is cut well with a bunch if switchbacks. Once at the top you have two choices of trails. I enjoyed the one furthest from where the climb drop you, but explore them both to find your favorite!

Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest

The Charlemont trails are split into two sections:
The North: This is where you will find the majority of the trail system. Once you leave either the Zoar Outdoor parking lot or the Warfield House parking lot [see below] get ready to climb. This side has a ton of elevation change, littered with 4 mountain peaks [topping out at 1590'] and Riddel Ridge. The north side offers trails for all skill levels, with most of the green [beginner] trails being old fire roads. As of this writing, a lot of the trails further north into the park are fairly new, loose, and not completely finished. The trails offer a wide variety of challenges in the current state, with a ton of off camber climbs and descents, especially on Red Zone. Our favorite trails on the north side would have to be Red Zone, Sweet 16, and Upper West Side.
The South [Berkshire East]: This side of the park is composed of the Berkshire East trails on Mount Institute, which tops out at 1540'. After parking at the base lodge you have a LONG slow, shitty climb to the on the west side of the mountain [i.e. Wilderness Brook Trail to Roundabout to Silver Doe]. Be aware these trails are not easy and not completely ready to ride. Going up the mountain on the west side requires some hike-a-bike. It is also not easy to follow the trail once you get to the top of the Quad on Roundabout, if you get there and don't see where to go look down the zip line to your right and you will see the pink ribbons on the left of the zip lines. Honestly, we were not impressed with south side trails, until we got to Billy's World. Billy's World is a great, fast, flowy trail that you can let the bike go on. It is definitely a downhill trail that has its obstacles, so if you are a beginner I suggest you stay away for now. If you must hit Billy's World I suggest you shuttle it with two cars to avoid the ridiculousness of the climb up to the start of it.

Charlemont

Millstone Trails

Wendell State Forest

The West Hartford Reservoir loop turned out to be a fantastic riding spot. Huge variety in terrain. Tons of climbing. Lots of rocks. Some sick technical decents. Quite a few nicely made obstacles (drops, rollers, skinnies), many of which were naturally placed. Super fun place to ride.

West Hartford Reservoirs

Beverly Commons

Very fun switchback trail. Lots of trails to explore, in a very small area. Those that built the trails did a great job using the land they had. Finding the right trails can be a challenge since nothing is marked, but once you do find them, fun will be had. I almost hate to post about these trails since they aren't over-ridden yet, but with a few more riders out on the trails they will only get better. Be respectful. Stay on the trails. And shred!

StartBiking

intermediate Trails

StartBiking