Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Massachusetts, 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.
I haven't been on this trail for a few years so was disappointed to find there is still an issue with bumps from tree roots and small sink holes. I did not do the entire trail because of this. It is too bad because it is a nice trail.
The Northampton part, which is reallly the NORWATTUCK RAIL TRAIL is really 2 stars bc it's so confusing. Needs fundraising and signage. But the rest, Manhan Rail Trail, is really nice. 5 stars. We took photos to illustrate but I unfortunately deleted them by accident.
We had stayed at the Hotel Northampton & nobody could tell us for certain how to find the trail other than to mention the railroad tracks. We found a paved path by the tracks & headed left. We passed a stone that said <- BOS/NHV --> and that's all. (Couldn't imagine how Boston could be to the left or straight ahead.) Within about 20 minutes, that path ended by some really rundown stores. On an aerial Google map, it reads as NORWATTUCK RAIL TRAIL (& shows it as a hiking &rail trail on the east side of the railroad tracks) but there is no signage anywhere to guide you. So when we got to the end, we turned around & headed in the other direction (south). THIS NORWSTTUCK TRAIL definitely needs some help. (Or maybe some day to be extended.)
Back to where we started out & this time heading in the other direction the trail actually becomes nice & very well marked. It seems to become the NEWHAVEN AND NORTH CANAL RAIL TRAIL (BUT there are no signs to this effect).
Where you meet the MANHAN RAIL TRAIL the signage is very clear, even as you are going through a village center or crossing a street or road, & the trail is very nice. You're following the reservoir & get some nice riding in.
We just kept going until we reached Easthampton. There you can even pick up trail maps! Ride on, and by the Municipal Bldg there's a nice park & large pond where you can see Mt. Tom behind it. Lovely, relaxing, scenic.
Then the ride back to Northampton but this time we knew the trail well & just enjoyed it.
North of Ferry St., at Lower Mill Pond, the Manhan Trail branches off and follows the river, eventually reaching the Connecticut River & Mt. Tom State Reservation. Should be a lovely ride! (You can also turn off here when you're riding south from Northampton.
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!
Pleasant ride on this crushed stone surface, using my hybrid. Very short section that still has rails and ties and requests that bikes go around on the sidewalk, but easily joins back up to the actual trail after about 100 yards. The eastern end terminates in the Squannacook wildlife management area, with walking trails to follow down toward the river. If you are looking for a nice short ride that's under 10 miles total, this is a good one to choose. Stop for a bite at the local diner in Townsend center, or an ice cream.
0.8 miles of this trail now consists of crushed gravel
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
My wife and I stayed in Woods Hole, and we biked from there to Falmouth center almost entirely via this bike path. Absolutely beautiful! It's well-maintained and is packed with gorgeous scenery. At one point, you're so close to the beach that the sand comes right up to the trail itself! Shortly north of there, depending on what time of year it is, you'll get a nose full of the amazing smell of concord grapes all along the path. I can't wait to go back and travel the entire trail.
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.
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