Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Norfolk, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The trail map indicates there is parking at the crossing with Pine Hill Road, but it is not really designed as a parking area. There is room for one or two cars to pull off the road. There is a real parking lot with room for maybe a dozen cars at Sweetwater Avenue, the location of the Fawn Lake Conservation Area.
So I started this trail in Portland, Connecticut, and about 3 to 4 miles into it. It stops at a marsh river area. There is no sign to tell you that it does or what detour to take. You would have to get on the main road to avoid this section. And the way people drive on that road I wouldn’t trust it. From what I heard, they were supposed to build a bridge over this section but said they were waiting for EPA to be involved which was years ago so I would highly recommend that you start in East Hampton for continued access.
This trail has several wonderful, delightful, beautiful sections. But there are a few too many street crossings, and the signs could be better for those who are new.
A few too many crossings at the Leominster end, but its a fine trail. Last quarter mile or so on the Fitchburg end isnt so much a trail as it is street riding.
I love the quiet and beauty of this trail.
However, last time I was there someone
drove on the path on a scooter. I didn’t know this was allowed. It wasn’t the type to help with mobility issues.
It was loud and disturbing to the dogs walking.
Once we figured out how to access the trail from the trailhead (hint.. it's tucked in right at the railroad tracks), we proceeded on to enjoy the beauty of this trail. As a first timer to the Cape, this trail showed me all I had hoped to see and experience. From woods, to murals, to water features, the rock beach and then finally the ferry, I was in awe the entire ride. You will find some tree root areas to be aware of and it's a busy path in many places but so worth it.
We rode from the parking lot at Quidnick St. in West Warwick to the abrupt end of the trail in Summit (Coventry), about 20 mi round trip. Pavement in very good shape. Trail is shaded for much of the way making for a pleasant ride. Lots of views of ponds, lakes, reservoirs and streams. Significant uphill climb to the end of the trail in Coventry but a screaming downhill for much of the way back. We plan to return in the fall, foliage will doubtless be stunning. Trail is paved throughout, and the western part of the trail is shared with equestrians, although sadly we did not see any.
My 6 and 9 year old grandsons rode the 2.5 round trip with maybe 100 feet of walking their 20” mt bikes over rough spots and a couple of logs. The trail is 95% shaded. We parked on Breck Rd and crossed Thacher Rd to the trailhead. Lafayette Rd has a large circle at its end by Pope’s Pond that you clearly can park at.
This rider was going Northeast from Willimantic towards Hampton NOT Southwest from Willimantic to East Hampton. Having ridden both stretches I can say his description is completely wrong about the gorgeous and open riding Southeastern route and not completely wrong but somewhat overly harsh about his route which can get iffy for stretches.
This trail gets better and better as you get closer to downtown Boston. It also gets more crowded. Very scenic with lots of views of the river and such, but as always in Boston, there will be detours here and there due to construction. Probably gets better the more times you ride it and get to know its quirks. Not a trail if you are looking for speedy biking due to the number of pedestrians, runners, and other folks - it is certainly well-loved by Bostonians!
Western end beyond the Galen Bridge to Waltham gets squirrelly with odd and sometimes confusing routing and signage - not recommended unless you've got all day like I did.
Yes, the comments about all the root heaves along the paved trail are true, but otherwise a very attractive ride. The TrailLink description is very accurate. Might be special in foliage season.
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