Wrentham

Wrentham State Forest is one of a small handful of places in Massachusetts where a registered dirt bike can legally ride singletrack. The trail system is about 8 miles of tight, wooded singletrack that is reported to be best suited to intermediate and expert riders, though a rider report says nothing is especially hard. Much of it is flat and littered with large, chunky rock, which keeps most riders in first or second gear. Old stone walls on the eastern side are left over from the farms that once occupied the land. Motorized use in the forest is limited to motorcycles: ATVs, UTVs, and Jeeps are not allowed.

The network is dense and easy to get turned around in. Route 495 and Taunton Street cross near the middle of the area, so they make useful landmarks for working out which quadrant you are in. Treat any other paved road you meet as a boundary.

The forest is often listed alongside Franklin State Forest and F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, which the state describes as offering similar motorcycle loops. This entry covers Wrentham only.

Getting there

A rider guide gives the address as Taunton Street, Wrentham, MA 02093. Coming from Plainville, take Route 1 north about 3 miles, turn left on Taunton Street, and continue about 1 mile; the small staging area is on the left. It has level, shaded parking and gives direct access to the western trails. To reach the eastern trails you cross Taunton Street on foot or by bike at the signed access point. The forest is administered from the F. Gilbert Hills State Forest headquarters in Foxborough, phone (508) 543-9084.

Fees, permits, and rules

Off-highway motorcycles must be currently registered in Massachusetts, with the registration decals displayed on the vehicle. One rider guide says there is no reciprocity with other states, so out-of-state bikes need a Massachusetts registration. The state says riders under 18 must complete an operator safety program, and helmets are required. Stay on marked trails only, which are blazed in yellow. Local police and state forest rangers patrol the area heavily, so expect your registration to be checked. Hunting takes place in the forest during hunting season (none on Sundays), so be aware of hunters late in the year.

When to ride

Off-highway motorcycles are only allowed during the riding season, early May to late November. Outside that window the trails are closed to motorized use. Check the state forest page for current closures before you load up.