Leominster

Leominster State Forest

Submitted by Bill Boles

Location: Rte 31
Westminster
978-874-2303

Difficulty--: Easy:30%, Moderate:40%, Difficult:25%, Caution:5%
Description: Leominster State Forest is one of the best riding areas in the Wachusett region. The forest's 4300 acres offer an amazing variety of trails and old dirt roads to explore.
: From hilly rugged singletracks, to flowing smooth trails, to difficult technical singletracks, Leominster has it all.
A ride here will acquaint you not only with a variety of riding conditions but will serve to showcase a lot of Wachusett NEMBA's trailwork, including bridges and trail stabilization projects.


: In the spring thousands of rhododendron blooms color the forests trails. So many rhododendrons that along some trails it's almost hard to see anything else.
: Stray off Leominster's many well maintained fire roads and you'll discover an intricate web of singletracks. These climb and descend a few low hills as they wind their way through the forest. Some are quite difficult, but most can be ridden by a rider with average skills.
: I particularly favor the trails south of Rocky Pond Road, especially the ones to the west of Paradise Pond. There are a few hiking only trails near the forest's main parking area. But most of the trails and all of the old roads in the forest are open to bikes.
: In the summer I park in the main parking area and use Crow Hill Pond beach to cool off after my rides. For the rest of the year I park in the dirt parking lot about a half mile south of that on Rocky Pond Road. The Wolf Rock Trail links both of these parking areas together.
: Every time I ride at Leominster I kick myself for not getting back here more often. Give Leominster a try and you'll see why.

Map DCR Website
Directions: From Route 2 take exit 28 and head south. After a couple of miles you'll see the forest's headquarters on your right, and shortly thereafter the main parking area near Crow Hill Pond on your left.

Cautions: If you park in the main parking area expect to see a lot of people on the trail leading towards Rocky Pond Road. Bring a map with you when you ride as it's easy to get confused. Expect to see hunters during hunting season. (There's no hunting in Massachusetts on Sundays.)