Best Bike Trails In MetroWest
Upper Charles River Trail
Route 16
Milford, MA 01757
(508) 473-7790
www.ppercharlestrail.org
The Upper Charles River Trail is a proposed trail that will span 20 miles and connect Milford, Hopkinton, Sherborn, Ashland and Holliston. The Milford section of the trail was the first to be completed and is currently 5.7 miles long. It runs north from the town center to the border of Hopkinton, south to the senior center and east to the Holliston line. There is a one-mile section from Mt. Pleasant Street to Veteran's Memorial Drive known as 'the missing link' that has yet to be completed, so download a map and directions around the 'missing link' here.
Assabet River Rail Trail
Highland St. and Lincoln St.
Marlborough, MA 01752
(978) 562-2989
www.arrtinc.org
The Assabet River Rail Trail links the communities of Hudson, Marlborough, Acton, Maynard and Stow. This multi-use trail follows the former rail bed of the Marlborough Branch Rail Road, which ran from 1853 to 1980. A 5.8-mile stretch of the trail is paved, marked and open for public use. The smooth, relatively flat ride is great for beginner bicyclists and has scenic views that all will enjoy. View the full trail map here, and note that some areas of the trail are usable but not paved.
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Ashland State Park
Route 135
Ashland, MA 01721
(508) 435-4303
www.ashlandstatepark.gov
Ashland State Park is a 470-acre estate that includes the 157-acre Ashland Resevoir. Bikers of all levels will have fun exploring the trails throughout the park and taking in views of the forest and beach. Be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables after a long day of biking. If the weather is right, take a quick dip in the pond to refresh before hitting the trails again. Prepare for your biking adventure by downloading a map here.
Nashua River Rail Trail
Groton St.
Ayer, MA 01432
(978) 597-8802
www.nashuarivertrail.gov
The Nashua River Rail Trail stretches 11 miles through Ayer, Dunstable, Pepperell and Groton. The trail is paved and 10 feet wide the entire length, making it a great ride for beginners and children. Expect to see many breathtaking landscapes along the way, including ponds, forests and wetlands. Keep an eye out for wildlife that might be frolicking along the way. Public bathrooms are available at the trail head in Ayer, and all visitors should know to yield to horseback riders upon approach. View the entire trail here.
45 Mill St.
Foxboro, MA 02035
(508) 543-5850
www.mass.gov
F. Gilbert Hills State Forest is 1,027 acres of land that spreads through Foxboro and Wrentham. This oak and pine forest contains 23 miles of trails, which can be used for mountain biking, hiking or off-road vehicles. The forest is a property of minimal development, so the rocks and mud make some parts of the track more challenging. However, the variety of trails leaves something for everyone. If you are not familiar with the area, pick up a map beforehand at the forest headquarters or print one here, as not all trails are marked.
Kim Vareika is the owner of Vareika Personal Training and Yoga in Plainville. She has been in the fitness industry for over ten years, and believes that wellness is about more than just physical health. When she is not teaching, practicing, or writing, she resides in Bridgewater where she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her nephew Caesar. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
