DAR State Forest

[aps]

Has anyone ridden DAR State Forest in Goshen MA. I've heard that there is mountain biking there, however the park map shows only about 1 mile of NEMBA maintained trail. Is the rest of the park off-limits?

[pk]

DAR is awesome.

Come ride it with NEMBA on May 30th as part of the Harpoon MTB Adventure Series!

http://www.mtbadventureseries.org/mtbadventure/DAR2004.html

pk

[aps]

I am actually looking to ride it this weekend.

However, you didn't answer my question regarding trails.

The park map shows only about 1 mile of NEMBA maintained trail. Is the rest of the park off-limits? Where can I find trail maps for the ridable trails?

[sizlinseagulsoup]

The D.A.R. is easily on the best places to ride in the area. Every single mile of trail is maintained by NEMBA and every single trail is open to cyclists. The maps are fairly dated as we've put in many new miles of trail. PVNEMBA along with Americore just built a 2 mile trail off the northern section of the Long Trail that used the 100 acres that were acquired by the park a couple of years past. Additionally, there are some new trails on the southern side of the park, near the end of the Bobcat trail. If go down Bobcat, take a right to Oak Hill Road. After the first climb, there is a left turn used by the loggers. Go in the turn, taking right turns until you see a bridge (built by NEMBA as well). This is the latest extention of the Tilton Farm Trail. You can follow that trail for miles. It crosses the town trail (actually, it dumps onto the town trial (going right), which you follow for 10-20 feet and then reaccess this ). You can follow the trail all the way up to the Black Bear Trail.

Enjoy!

[aps]

Thanks much for the info.

I have relocated from the boston area and live 10 mins. from the DAR. Moved out here for the lifestyle and for the beautiful road riding - but I am quickly realizing that the off-road riding is just as good.

I've found quite a few snowmobile trails and done some great riding around Amherst (Robert Frost, M&M trails). I am looking forward to exploring the DAR (skiied there this past winter).

Thanks again.

[sizlinseagulsoup]

Sweet. I live 15 minutes (on Mountain Bike) away. You in Goshen or Burgy? The Pioneer Valley is awesome, check out The Notch (Batchelor St.) sometimes.

[aps]

I live in center of w'burg (Nash Hill). The only off-road rides I've done so far since moving here are Henhawk trail to Conway State Forest and some riding in Amherst/Pelham area (robert frost / M&M). I have to admit that I am primarily a roadie but really enjoy off-road in the fall and winter (when conditions allow).

Have some friends visiting this weekend w/ their mtn bikes and I was going to take them to DAR saturday. Is it better to access the park from Ludwig rd (off ashfield) or the rt 112 side? What about maps? I was prepared to "wing it" using the park's basic map. Any help you can offer would be great.

Thanks.

[sizlinseagulsoup]

The gate on the Ashfield side is usually locked up; 112 is the only side with an open gate. I suggest parking at the side of the road anyways and biking in since paying 5 bucks to park your car is a little nuts (there is a dirt lot in the center of Goshen on your left coming up from Burgy, there are Tennis courts in the park of the lot and a post office on the side). The provided map (d.a.r. state forest map google search) is really good (especially now that most of the trails are marked). You should be all set.

[aps]

Thanks for the info!