Mountain Biking in Beartown State Forest

Destinations Northeast Massachusetts The Berkshires

Mountain Biking in Beartown State Forest

Mountain biking in Beartown State Forest is an exciting adventure set in the heart of the Berkshires, Massachusetts. This expansive forest features a range of trails that are perfect for both novice and experienced cyclists. With over 6,000 acres of rugged landscape, Beartown offers diverse terrain, from smooth paths to challenging rocky routes, making it a unique destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. The rich local culture and stunning natural beauty further enhance the biking experience, attracting riders from all over.

Adventure Guide To Mountain Biking in Beartown State Forest

1. Peck’s Road Trail

Peck’s Road Trail is a must-ride for those seeking a moderate challenge. This winding track offers access to both scenic views and more technical sections. Key features include:

Length: Approximately 4 miles.
Highlights: Views of nearby lakes and lush vegetation.
Amenities: Parking available at the trailhead.

2. Penny’s Loop

Penny’s Loop is a fantastic introduction for beginner bikers. This trail combines gentle slopes and soft forest floor, ensuring a fun ride.

Length: About 3 miles.
Special Note: The trail is well-marked with easy navigation.
Amenities: Picnic spots along the route.

3. Beartown Trail

For the adventurous rider, Beartown Trail provides a more rugged ride. It is ideal for those who enjoy technical features and elevation changes.

Length: 5 miles, though some sections can be steep.
Challenge Level: Intermediate to advanced due to rocky terrain and sharp turns.

Local Insights

Beartown State Forest is historically significant as it was originally established for logging. Today, it offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of Massachusetts’s rich forestry heritage. This area is also home to diverse wildlife, adding to the allure of mountain biking here.

Visitor Tips

Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall ensures optimal trail conditions.
What to bring: Proper biking gear, water, snacks, and a map of the trails.
Driving directions: The forest is about a 30-minute drive from Great Barrington, MA.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Liisa Shafer5 years ago

We hiked the Pond Loop in Beartown State Park mid April and it took us about 1 hour 40 minutes. The reason it took so long was because there were a lot of muddy spots and we had to navigate around them. This would be considered a pretty easy hike. For the majority of the hike you are walking quite close to the water, and for about 40% of the hike you are walking through the woods. I was wearing running shoes, and even though it was muddy I was able to keep my shoes relatively clean. The trail is quite easy to walk on rocks and at places where it's very wet they have boards or little bridges. We were a group that consisted of five year olds all the way up to 55 year olds, and the hike was perfectly fine for everyone. We took it slow, and there was really no exertion required. It was a really nice way to spend a good portion of your day. Bring along snacks or even a picnic because they have plenty of picnic tables.

Jeff Behn6 years ago

One of the few places that has year-round camping in MA. It's an easy 2.5 hour drive from Boston. Had a fantastic stay over Veteran's Day holiday. Off season camping is first come, first served. I had no problem getting a site. Several grocery stores are within a 10-20 minute drive. Lots of hiking and exploring available within the park, as well as non-motorized boating on the pond. As of this writing, campground fee for MA residents is $14 per night. The view of the pond from sites 8, 9, 10, and 11 is lovely. The only drawback I can see is most of the campsites aren't terribly private. This was not an issue in November because I pretty much had the place to myself.

burt blooma year ago

Well maintained and well marked trail from park road to lookout, culminating at small clearing with two picnic benches. Excellent views to south and west is worth the easy/moderate uphill walk; approx.1/2 mile. Note: parking@trailhead limited to 2-3 vehicles on rd's shoulder; ample parking at Benedict Pond below, then continuing by foot to Lookout Trail.

Joan Helm3 months ago

Great area to hike with a place to camp. Big parking area. Moderate- hard hike . Rocky at times. All trails map has a guide.

sarah and jacob Cosulich4 years ago

Awesome mountain with lots of trails. We spent most of our time at Benedict Pond pulling out a ton of sunnies and a few small mouth bass and carp. Perfect for the kids who lose interest without electronics as the fish never stopped biting. The pond loop was perfect for the family; just challenging enough to keep everyone on their toes but not too tough. Benedict Pond also offers a clean public restroom and swimming but no life guard. We also did a small hike up Wildcat Trail after parking at the ORV lot (another clean port-o-potty) looking for the wildcat privy but due to Covid-19, it was closed. We drove around the forest more than we hiked and got out a few times to enjoy the flora and fauna... we even spotted an owl going down Beartown Mountain Rd.

Biking

Mountain Biking in Beartown State Forest