Massasoit State Park (Taunton, MA)

Middleboro Ave.
East Taunton MA, 02718

Massasoit State Park is the premiere mountain bike spot of Southeastern Massachusetts, rivaled only by Wompatuck State Park, this is the primary locale for mountain biking in the area. If you enjoy rooted XC with a mix of single-track, than this is the park for you.

Located just minutes from Route 44 and Route 24, Massasoit State Park weaves around a series of scenic ponds and lakes. This is undoubtedly the heart of Cranberry Country so you will see several bogs surrounding the park. During the late summer season, it's not uncommon to find several harvesters wading in the bogs. It's hard to believe that such a beautiful forest is just minutes from downtown Taunton and Route 24. The front of the park (closest to the main entrance) offers several challenging hill climbs. If you start in this area, you will do yourself a favor by saving the easiest sections for last. I typically start my route on the right hand side of the central parking lot next to the maintenance shack. If you ride up this access road and take an immediate left, you'll find some great single track that eventually turns into the main 'blue' trail that loops around the park. If you follow this course south you'll notice a lot of roots and mud. Following the 'blue' trail will probably give you between 10-15 miles depending on how many side trails you decide to take. Overall, this park offers a great variety of mixed terrain.

I rode here last week and it was the first time I'd been on a bike in almost two weeks. It was rough! Every root felt like a slap in the back. I was surprised to find that I cleared most of the obstacles (trees, bridges etc.) but was equally disappointed to find so many large leafy trees blocking the path. Hurricane Irene really did a number on the trails. Plus, the heavy rain we've had these past few weeks washed out a lot of the good top soil on the trails. In the fall, I usually ride here at least once a week.

PS: NEMBA offers some great information about Massasoit too.