Nearly 40% of the land in the Ipswich River watershed is public conservation land, and it contains hundreds of miles of multi-purpose trails. Thanks to the Bay Circuit Trail network which traverses the length of the watershed, nearly all of them are interconnected. Virtually all of these trails welcome bicycles, and the terrain vary between novice and expert providing opportunities for any biker. The trails in the watershed are a big part of what makes the North Shore of Massachusetts known as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the East if you can believe it!
Here are 3 fantastic bike rides!
The interconnected network of Willowdale, Bradley Palmer, Cleveland Forest and Georgetown-Rowley State Forest offer an unlimited variate for any ability. In more recent years, many miles of purpose-built single track using sustainable methods have added a large number of miles to the network with a much lighter impact on the land than traditional trails. Particularly enjoyable is a nice loop of predominately single track between Willowdale and Bradley Palmer that crosses over the river on the famous footbridge which connects the two.
Harold Parker State Forest has a massive 100-mile trail network in Middleton, North Andover and Andover. When coupled with the adjoining Ward Reservation owned by the Trustees and other areas protected by Greenbelt, this area encompasses nearly 4000 acres. Harold Parker is one of the best biking destinations in all of New England and has terrain for every ability, including some of the most technical rides anywhere. When riding there, I suggest you explore the headwaters of several if the River’s major tributaries including the Skug River, Boston Brook and Emerson Brook, all of which emanate from the Forest.
For a change of pace, try the lengthy rail trials in the Watershed which are terrific for families and groups. Let me suggest starting in downtown Topsfield and going to Danvers on the Topsfield Linear Common and Danvers Rail Trails, which then connects to the Independence Greenway rail trail through Peabody to the Middleton/Lynnfield town line. Virtually all of the trail is along the river and its tributaries including the great Wenham Swamp. With its endless variety of scenic trails, the Ipswich River Watershed is truly one the mecca’s of mountain biking.
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