Mid-State-Trail - Massachusetts

Relatively new to the whole adv (and motorcycles in general) thing, but something that really appealed to me was getting out and doing some proper camping (no campgrounds). So seeing one posted earlier in this thread made me decide to check it out. Didn't actually camp, even going straight to the campsite had to cross a couple muddy water sections, and there was a downed tree across the path maybe 200 yards from the campsite but it does look promising. I might bring a saw or something out to get it out of the way in the future - a little too heavy to move on its own, though I didn't try very hard. Fire pit was in shambles and covered in dirt.

Should be getting some 50/50 tires on my strom in the next week or two, i'll be checking this full trail out proper then, weather and cold permitting. If anyone is still interested in the near future, I'm interested. Keep in mind the amount of time I've spent off-road and this point is under 10 miles. Still need to round out my camping gear before actually camping. If my cold weather gear holds up, plan on riding basically year round minus snow.


Cheers

I was able to get out yesterday and ride the MST Short. Here are some photos from my journey starting at Douglas State Forest and ending at MT. Watatic State Reservation, which are the beginning and ending locations for the Mid State Hiking Trail...


A brisk morning run from Marlborough Ma. to Douglas State Forest, arrived at 9:30 am.


I poked around the Douglas State Park's open roads for a bit and found a good spot for a glamour shot of the brush pig by the boat ramp.


I've driven past this spot numerous times but never noticed this quaint little waterfall along the route in Oxford, Ma. The was a foundation surrounding it, which i can only assume was some sort of small mill in its time. Ill have to investigate its origins.


On the route you'll see a random off-chute in Oxford, MA. This off-chute is for the thrill seekers looking to get a little bit of Hero section riding in. Hodges Village Dam offers great single track trails.


The entrance to the trail system is between the two signs. And yes it is completely legal to ride here, assuming you have the ORV sticker.


Inside Hodges you'll find some endurocross training.


Here is an example of the single track.


Here is another overlooked view in Oxford, Ma.





Does anyone want to take a guess at how many MST markers are along the route?

Some awesome fire roads just north of Spencer, MA.


I was able to stop just outside of Rutland State Forest for some gas, and lunch.


The obligatory photo of the cells at Rutland State Forest.


Artsy photo around Wachusett Mt. Area.


Finally made my way up to"the water crossing".


In the summer its no big deal, but on a 48 degree day and an hour long ride home... Fingers crossed.....


No major issues! The sides of the water crossing are getting super soft. I highly recommend knobbies if you plan to cross this. Id also suggest going strait through the middle, it seemed harder packed.


This is the sand pit that has been mentioned on here. You can have gobs of fun on this. Jumps, hill climbs, berms.....


The northern section is awesome and it feels like there are endless amounts of roads and trails to explorer.


The very last road has an epic view of Mt. Watatic. I purposely left it out of frame, hopefully its enough of a teaser to get you out on your bike....

At last I have arrived at 2:00 pm. The route took me 5 hours to complete solo.


Thanks for reading!

Was going through some of my old Youtube videos and realized that i had a video of "The Watercrossing"

Water Crossing Video

With nothing else to do during these times, finally got to pick the perfect days to go camping. This was March 27-28


Weather looking nice tomorrow, going to explore the trail in its entirety, or well, as much as I feel comfortable doing. No camping but might find a spot to make some coffee and lunch.

They are even closing down and refunding all reservations at the state campgrounds for this Virus " event ". Leaves one with nothing else to do but stealth camp. Looks like you found a good place.
Humm what is next....close down the woods??

part of the trail is closed right now for mud season like every year

It should just be the Rutland State Forest that is closed right now. The remainder of it is public roads.

We are in a bit of a bind with Rutland State Forest as the powers to be want it closed to vehicles access. See the article below.

https://www.telegram.com/news/20200212/some-in-ware-river-watershed-towns-upset-over-blocked-roads

looks great. On the North Shore here and looking to do some camping soon!

Road this yesterday lots of mud!

On my adventures this weekend I noticed that I was missing out on a bunch of dirt between Rutland and Westminster. I have updated the GPX file in the first post to include the extra dirt. I have also added a southern extension from Douglas State Forest to intersect and meet up with the Puppy to the Beach route. I have a feeling there is a bunch of available dirt in the Buck Hill Management, RI area, so once I find some more time I may be able to expand it a little more. Lastly, I have added an extension from Mt. Watatic to meet up and intersect the Hampster Ride.

I was on the route Saturday last weekend. Started South and headed north. Now I have to run it again with your update! Poor me! lol

Will be on the Tomato Long tomorrow. Sunday 5/3. Hoping they opened a couple of the closed gates. Is there an official end to "Mud Season" closures or is that subjective to the weather?

Nice addition to the southern end. The new dirt sections were practically groomed. One decent sized blowdown. Built quick ramp to get over it. Great riding.

One closed fence/gate was in a large horse-riding camp

Thanks for the tip. I'll see if there's a good work around.

Where did you end up camping? I don't recognize the spot.

This is great! The section around Worcester is pretty big bike friendly. Had no trouble as a newbie on a 750gs with Anakee 3s. Will try to explore more as long as things remain dry .

Just a PSA for beginners like me on largish bikes without knobbies. Bushy ln in Rutland turns into a fairly difficult trail with soft ground before turning into Bigelow rd. You ask how I know? It’s time to get crash bars and different tires.

Whoa! I bet that new brake lever position results in some sensitive brakes haha