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Tags:
Level: Beginner
Length: 20 mi (32.2 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +621/ -576 ft
Total: 77 riders
Mountain Biking Willowdale Forest
#20 of 223 mountain bike trails in Massachusetts
Willowdale is part of a massive network of doubletrack and singletracks plowing into the forests of Wenham and the surrounding towns. It networks together with Bradley Palmer State Forest, Georgetown-Rowley State Forest, and Willowdale itself. The trails themselves are a mix of rolling, smooth, and rooted single and doubletrack that makes FANTASTIC riding. Plenty of climbs and technical challenges can be found, but the real high-point is the well-maintained and marked trails that go for miles with countless singletrack shoot-offs that re-merge onto the double track. One of the best rides in Massachusetts! You could ride here every day for a month and not experience everything.
First added by Fitch on Apr 29, 2008. Last updated May 11, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Take Route 128 North to exita 20A (for Route 1A North). Continue straight on 1A until you come into Wenham. When you see Wenham's white church straight ahead, prepare to turn left on Arbor Road (the intersection is right after the church). Stay straight past the intersection with Asbury Grove, and after about a mile you'll see a turn to the left with a sign for "Bradley Palmer" -- take that turn and follow it until you see the entrance for Bradley Palmer on your left. Go in and follow the parking signs until you come to the parking lot. The main trail head is the one in the middle.
I don't think why is rated beginner it has a few good trails that are far from being a beginner level. I t has a big loop that it might be considered entre level ... but if you like to take you ride to next level and see your skills this park have both. Follow the main rodas and you will be ok, but if you start taking the side trials get ready for some action.
| ThankI love riding here. It's a great network of trails with a lot of variety in the singletrack loops, broken up with some fire roads and double track routes. Lots of roots and some decent climbs.
I've ridden here a bunch and I'm not sure where some of the pictures come from (especially the large drop). I've never need any real drops (bigger than 6-8 inches). If they are out there, hopefully I'll find them!
As great as these are one thing I really like, is the fact that they are never too busy!
| ThankI don't understand how Willowdale got its beginner rating. Many of the singletracks are inundated with rocks that jut out from the dry soil and roots that run in every awkward angle. I have just started mountain biking and these trails are in no way "flowy" since they are uneven and full of roots and rocks. Furthermore, the narrowness of the trails and the many tight turns and steep descents over rocky / rooty terrain do not justify the beginner rating this trail has or its description as a "flowy" trail.
| ThankMy favorite local MTB ride. Endless trails and options for riders of all experience levels.
| ThankI made a mistake and gave it a 2 rating in my written review but it's definitely a 5! Lots of space and not many riders.
| ThankYesterday I rode a lot of double track to get a sense of Willowdale. It's mostly level to slightly rolling and very pleasant.
| ThankI hope to come back and ride more of the single track flowy stuff, but it's an easy place to get lost. Bring a map and a charged smart phone and pay attention!
Had a great time here the other day. Had a good mix of singletrack, doubletrack and fire roads. The trails have been well maintained and there were even plenty of trail maps too.
| ThankHey, great reviews. I live about 1.5 hours away from here and I am thinking of heading up there in the near future.....are there trail maps available there?? Thanks!
| ThankSingletrack was great, buff and fast. Entered again from Linebrook rd and first half of the ride was great. Best riding is taking singletrack off the beaten path... much of it is blue blazed and easy to follow. Trails on the western half of the park are still covered in snow. Some trees down across paths. Better riding on the east for now.
| ThankEntered from Linebrook road. Doubletrack was pretty soft, muddy spots and areas of snow/ice - I'd advise staying off the doubletrack as much as possible. Singletrack was in pretty good shape, still fun with a few soft spots here and there. Brush down everywhere, some big trees as well, so watch out.* Review edited 3/6/2010* Review edited 3/26/2011
| Thankoriginal review was for Bradley Palmer and misplaced here... * Review edited 3/26/2011
| ThankIf you come in from 95 North onto Route 1, you can start Willowdale's trail network from Ipswich Road, which is somewhat in the middle of the park. From there, you can head either into the woods on one side for double track and tons of singletracks off-shoots, or over a footbridge into the well-maintained and sculpted trails. Either way, a stellar ride with plenty of variety for XC riding. Nothing too technical...
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