Greenbriar Hodges Village Dam

There is so much to explore on this property. I have gone several times a week for a few years on wheels or on foot and I still haven't touched it all. It connects to the Midstate which, if you pay attention, connects you with Buffumville trails. On both the East and the West of the river, there are multiple networks of trails of differing difficulty. If this was the only place to ride in the area, one would not get bored.

This is my favorite place to ride in
MA! The area is divided by the French River in 2 sections. The East Side marked with blue blazing for non-motorized use starts off with an easy trail a few feet wide with many single track trails to the sides including some gas line trails. The midstate trail passes through the area. The West Side marked with orange blazing that allows motorized use ( Motorcycles Only) has a lot of single-track trails but they are not as fun (in my opinion) due to being moto trails. I generally stay on the eastern section when on a bicycle. I park at the east trailhead off Rt 12 near the skatepark and ride down the easy trail until a side trail pops up. Theres also a fun little play area off Rocky Hill Rd, similar to the west play area but better for mtn bikes. Be weary on the dirt road or smooth trails in the west section because some dirt bikes go soooo fassst on them.

If you head west to the end of the dam, there's a great loop for roller coaster-style riding. Lots of fun.

First time back here in awhile with a group ride and it was very enjoyable. The trails seem to all have gotten a bit more use but are in very good shape. The land continues to be fun to check out, and the descent off of the field by the dam is a good ripper. As mentioned, not much climbing but plenty of roots and some small rocks - still a great place for those new to the sport, and I'm betting it makes for a great night ride.

Parked on the dam side, liked starting out with the drop from the dam. Made my way over to the rock quarry and ran into some dirt bikers. Ended up doing about 20 miles here after trying to explore most of the trails.

Lots of singletrack and fireroad. Singletrack can be very rooty with babyheads, fireroads are pretty sandy. Lots of up and down but nothing killer. Overall a fun place to ride.

This dried out a lot more than I would've expected based on the rains this year - there are still some muddy low points, but the singletrack here has been getting some good attention. Orange blazes still offer some fun riding, and the wildlife is great (saw two turkey vultures and a deer).

Plus, I must have just missed Eastwood, as I rode it on the 29th, as well. * Review edited 5/31/2011

Rocky and rooty, but not technical. Fun ride. Heads up for motorcycles, they seem to be riding all trails (I came across two on non-motorized trails). Not much climbing. plenty of blazed trails to follow, it would be hard to get lost (can grab a trail map at the dam).

I second the below - once you get exploring, you can find a lot more trail than what appears to be here, especially past the quarry. Some of the old dirtbike trails lead to more single track offshoots - explore heartily!

the rangers were correct, there is probably 25 to 30 miles of trails between Hodges dam and high tension wires towards the north end of town.mostly single track, some double track,and a small stretch of pavement(watch out for trucks during the weekdays,rock quarry traffic). i grew up in the area and have relearned what i knew as a kid and learned there is a LOT of new trails. in my opinion the best way to access these trails is parking at Hodges village dam. if you start there, there are two ways to start your ride. To get to the dam, just go to Oxford center and follow signs down Charlton st. to Hodges. very tough to get lost because there are public roads within 2 or so miles from most trails.* Review edited 6/24/2010* Review edited 6/24/2010* Review edited 6/24/2010* Review edited 1/5/2012

Talked to one of the rangers today. Was told there is 30 plus miles here. I had a blast out there today.

If you enter from the Rt. 12 recreation park, take the main trail out of the parking lot entrance until you find the blue blazes. That's the clutch singletrack, though it's currently covered in downed branches from both logging and this winter's ice storms.

Give it some time to dry out after any type of rain, too. There main trail to get to the woods involves passing part of the dam, which commonly overflows, leading you to ride through about 40' of water between 1-2' deep. Soggy socks.

BETTER DIRECTIONS: Take Route 12 into Oxford until you see the big green sign for Green Briar Hodges Recreation park. Drive into the parking lot and you can see the tennis courts, baseball fields, etc.

MAIN ENTRANCE to the trails is right by the main entrance, which is a small downhill past a swamp. Go through the gate and stay straight, leading you towards the network of singletrack.

Behind the baseball fields, there is a dirt hill - if you go past it, there is a significant amount of packed quick climbs and descents that is a lot of fun to play around in, as well.

Not enough climbs. There are singletracks going around the water which are full of rocks and roots. You come across some pits and you come across some motorcycles burms in places, also. There is a paved doubletrack which leads to the singletracks. The singletracks were very hardpacked. I was going in circles a bit, learning my way around. I'm hoping upon returning that there is more to offer that maybe I missed. But, I was looking for more technical where I rode.