Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Gloucester, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Beautiful 1st ride on the Norwottuck Rail Trail. We parked at the Marshalls in Hadley (trail starts right behind the building) and road a little over 10 miles into EastHampton and back. It was a very easy ride (my 1st ride of this length) on asphalt.
I rode round trip from Mansfield to Norton which was 14 miles. It’s an absolutely beautiful trail, perfect for solo riders, couples, and families. Crossings are well marked and vehicles tend to stop immediately. Kids and adults might enjoy a detour to the airport in Mansfield. And ending in downtown Mansfield provides opportunity for a snack or beverage as there are several options readily available.
Rode this trail today (7/17/26) in combination with several other adjacent trails. Smooth, well-paved, lots of rest stops, beautiful marsh lands, continued onto the Clipper City trail at the southern end in Newburyport. One of the nicest trails I've ridden.
Outstanding trail wandering through Newburyport, great mix of quiet woods and urban setting. The Trail has been completed to include the piece from the cemetery to the train station, making the entire route complete. Wonderful experience today!
Assabet is a 5 mile or so paved trail in good shape. We started at 72 Jefferson St. in Marlborough, MA where there was plenty of parking spaces and a path to the trail. The Assabet is pretty much a city/suburb experience with a few road crossings that need to be executed with care. Just recently it has been joined in Hudson by the 7 mile spanking brand new Hudson to Sudbury Trail (part of the Mass Central Rail Trail system). Then, in Sudbury the Bruce Freeman trail joins making for all sorts of possibilities for some great rides. My wife and I plan next time to park in Sudbury at the spot where the Bruce Freeman and Hudson to Sudbury connect (there's parking near) and make our riding choices from there.
It was a warm summer day. We were one of two cars in the almost empty trailhead parking lot. The trail was cool and mostly in the late afternoon shade. There was enough space to ride bikes next to each other or walk 3 across. The gravel is not so deep as to slow you down. We saw two deer meander through a field. A great time was had by all.
Parked at Herring Cove Beach for free with our America the beautiful Senior lifetime pass. What an amazing trail! We got an early start so we did not encounter very many people at all. It was a brilliant cool summer morning on a beautiful trail. Up there as one of the best trails we’ve ever done and we ride all over the country. Of course we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t have an E bike being seniors, but it was a piece of cake. Beautiful scenery ranging from sand dunes to deep forest! 12.6 miles total for the day with a few side trips. We later took our chairs to the beach at the opposite end of the parking lot and watched seals playing and the tide go out for an amazing day. I would put pictures up, but it seems very difficult to get a picture on this site. Don’t miss this one!
The trail in the north is 80-90% full sun exposure in the summer. Just be aware if you're going out for a long run. It did start to get shady about 2 miles after the skate park.
I have been going to different trails around my area and this was by far the nicest even with no pavement just a nice ride
I parked at Lexington lot & took my atb after reading how rough the path is. Pleasantly surprised. I'll take my road bike next time.
This was such a beautiful ride. Didn’t mind the small section of gravel. Wish users were a little more courteous, don’t leave dog poop filled bags on trail, (there were a few on path ¿), and if you’re scootering by, please slow down or give verbal warning. Two scooters raced by me and I had not heard them coming. It was alarming how fast they were going. Most users were very friendly and courteous. I appreciated that.
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