Mountain biking in Boston?

[clam_dude]

Hi, I just bought a new bike, and was wondering if there are any good places to go offroading in the Boston area. I do not have a car, so I would really like to know if there are any places within riding distance (not much further than 10 miles from Downtown Boston). Any suggestions?

[Ben-O]

Well, you have severals options.

You can get to some untechnical trails in Belmont by riding up (mostly) the Charles river bike path:

http://www.ragemtb.com/maps/others.shtml#belmont

You could also get to the Middlesex fells around Medford, which is a great place to bike. You can take the orange line and get pretty close or possibly ride:

http://www.nemba.org/ridingzone/fells.html

Finally, some trail heads aren't too far away from commuter rail stops. "Mountain Bike America: Boston" by Jeff Cutler has commuter rail directions for such trails:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=cS1v9vfBoY&isbn=0762707011& itm=1

Hope this helps.

[OldSloDoggie]

Finally, some trail heads aren't too far away from commuter rail stops. "Mountain Bike America: Boston" by Jeff Cutler has commuter rail directions for such trails:



If you go for the commuter rail options, take the Boston-Rockport line to the end (Rockport). I can met you and give ya the grand tour of Dogtown.

[truckboy]

The old state hospital land in Belmont (actually Waltham) is being developed. There is still riding, but it's cut by a third.

Old Slo Doggie gives a great tour Du Town au Dog.

Don't forget about Blue Hills if you live on the south side of town. You could take the Mattapan Trolley (I think that's what it's called) and get pretty close. Great climbs but not much singletrack. There are also a very few trails in "stoneybrook" on the West Roxbury/Roslindale line.

The Fells is really the best place in GB to ride. Get your arse to Flynn Rink on Thursdays for the Mellow ride. http://www.ragemtb.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1937
Depending on where you live, there may be closer entrances.

[jerseygirl]

I always thought City Hall Plaza looked like fun.

[Quo Fan]

I always thought City Hall Plaza looked like fun.

But there are no escalators in City Hall Plaza. You would have to got to the Cambridgeside Galleria for that. ;D

[sizlinseagulsoup]

The old state hospital land in Belmont (actually Waltham) is being developed. There is still riding, but it's cut by a third.


I thought DCAM didn't get to auction it off yet?

[jniehof]

Don't forget about Blue Hills if you live on the south side of town. You could take the Mattapan Trolley (I think that's what it's called) and get pretty close.
Can't take a bike on the trolley. Readville Commuter Rail is pretty close though; take Neponset Valley Parkway to Blue Hills Ave and head south. Couple of miles.