Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Athol, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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June 6th 2025
The Mrs and I rode this beautiful trail from North Hampton to just short of Belchertown, and back.
The weather was great and the trail is mostly shaded, so the ride was superb.
I'd have no objection to doing it again.
Settle grade difference between start to finish. All paved smooth.No bugs.Crowded with walkers, skaters, and bikers.Windy in the afternoon.
The claim of this being a 61 mile trail is very deceptive. Almost 40 miles of this trail is nearly unrideable except for mountain bikes (and even that would be unpleasant). We are experience riders and were on hybrid bikes with wide tires and front suspension. And while our plan was to cycle 40 miles from Willimantic to E. Hampton, we only did the first 10 mile section from Willimantic to James L. Goodwin State Forest.
The trail started out as just OK, but deteriorated in less than 2 miles. After crossing S. Brook Rd, the trail the trail was extremely gnarly and super overgrown. When we reached Goodwin State Forest, we were so happy to bail out and call it quits! Luckily, we had a SAG vehicle with us so we weren't forced to cycle back over the same awful trail.
Be warned, the entire trail we rode from Willimantic to Goodwin Forest was large, loose gravel, and the scenery is incredibly boring. There are places where the trail is extremely rough. At S. Brook Rd. the trail becomes unrideable, expect by maybe some die-hard mountain bikers. We used our SAG van to pop into other points along the trail from Goodwin to E. Hampton the trail only seemed to get even worse.
Honestly, just a really unpleasant ride.
We (5) Friends Have Biked This Trail in It’s Sections from E. Hampton to Willimantic for Many Years. We Have Always Considered it to be 4-5 Star Rated, (For a Gravel Trail). Since 2015, We Have Switched to E-Bikes which makes the Trail 3x more FUN !! Having the Best of Both Sun & Shady Sections, It Has Only One small Section of about 300’ Near the Start leaving E.Hampton Where it’s sandy & .Loose
rode 7-30-25 parked at Symmes Dr in bus depot lot - no directions for where to park. Mile markers are facing the trail, instead of perpendicular , so they can't be easily read while riding - missed a few along the way. Also signage at entrance areas should include direction and milage to either end. Thought we could hook up to the Derry trail, but that didn't happen - couldn't find it - again, signs would help !
rode trail july 28, 25 from Winchendon - slight uphill, going south to Gardner. Adding mile markers would be nice ! and directions at N.Ashburnham Rd to Old Gardner Rd. Newly paved from entrance off
Old Gardner Rd to Gardner town line. Path to avoid watery underpass was paved on one side of street.
It is a great trail for all seasons. Parking available in Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Nashua
It is a very well maintained trail. My favorite part is between the heart pond and the NARA park. More road crossing beyond that region in both directions
Update to my 8/2024 review: Remains a TOP trail; At northern end easy parking at the Adams Visitor Center; Saw many signs of beaver activity - dams and huts - but no beavers. The Appalachian Trail crosses at Church Road in Cheshire; At southern end I turn back at the Crane Ave. parking area as, in my opinion, there's not much of interest in the remaining mile or so.
I live in Massachusetts about 25 minutes from this trail, my absolute favorite trail is the East Bay bike path, but that is about an hour drive for me, so this is one I frequent more often. I like the length of this ride, and that it is scenic, and more interesting than some of the rail trails that can be kind of boring. I think it is an easy ride, with just a few spots I need to lower my gears. I pack a lunch, snacks, and can be out for a few hours. There is ample parking, 195 Davison Ave Woonsocket is the address I use for WAZE. I have never gone as far as Providence, so I can only review Woonsocket - Lincoln.
Wife & I completed the Minuteman Trail & I wanted to do either the Narrow Gauge Trail or the Reformatory Trail. Wife headed for the Bedford library while I set off for the Narrow Gauge Trail. Trail was in good shape & I was prepared for the surface conditions associated with crushed stone. What caused me confusion was a lack of trail markings. I rode for about 20 minutes or so & eventually came to a gate, which was in the open position. I wasn't sure if this was the end of the trail (and still unsure at this point). I looked for signs, etc & saw none. The trail appeared to continue, but it's condition was much less pristine i.e. large ruts and valleys. I rode for what seemed like another mile until I came to a paved road & straight ahead was a paved road with a "Private Road" sign. I exited here & took surface streets back into Bedford. I am giving the trail a 2 star rating; better signage would increase my evaluation.
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