Review Date
May 4, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: SuperbMan ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I'm a big fan of the D.A.R State Forest-and though I love all the Nemba built trails-I have a special fondness for this older trail in this fine network of great trails. The Long trail is beautiful, very rocky, mildly hilly, often slippery (the NEMBA bridges are fantastic...but beware on damp days just the same!!!)-I consider it to be the far end of 'xc' riding-It's all rideable--in both directions-just be on your game. The New Moos Run Trail (NEMBA built) that loops off of it is a great, challenging cruiser-make sure to ride it--but I also advise doubling back on the long trail to hit the sections Moose Run bypasses-they're hard-but wonderful!

The DCr Map i s easy to guide by and pretty accurate showing most of what's rideable. Other Fantastic trails not to miss are 'The Bobcat Trail' (either rugged cimb or fun descent), The Black Bear Trail (I like this primarily in the downward direction), The NEMBA Trail (good both ways), and the Camp Howe Trail is nice too--they're all good and worth a vist. Plus there is great camping, a great little lake (actually-two lakes), great views, and nice facilities. A typical western Massachusetts riding destination: Challenging and Beautiful and very biker friendly.

Recommended Route:
Get the map at the kiosk and explore-save time for a swim afterwards.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lennox Mt-Yokun Ridge, Holyoke-Skinner SF, Wendell Sf, etc.

Review Date
August 9, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: RidgeRider79 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
These trails aren't fast moving but they'll definetely keep you on your toes. With it's seemingly endless rock gardens this place doesn't give you much of a break. All the trails are well mapped with signage. Definetly grab a map from the parking attendant.

Recommended Route:
Start by entering the Long Trail by the campers beach. Stay on this trail until the start of the new Moose Run trail on the left (shortly after a set of lovely NEMBA bridges). Ride Moose Run to the end, which puts you back on the Long Trail. Turn left and ride to the paved road. Cross over to the dirt road and ride this up to the fire tower. Come back down the dirt road and take the NEMBA trail on your right. Just before the end of the trail look to get on the Turkey Trail on your left. Using the park map, choose a route to get to Balance Rock. Make sure to get on the Camp Howe Trail on your way out with it's long, well crafted bridges. Then take the super rocky and rooty (probably muddy during wet periods) Sunset Trail.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Deerfield Ridge, Greenfield Ridge, Hawley, Wendell, Mt. Toby, Bachelor St, Earle's Trails.

Review Date
July 30, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: stimpy ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Decent, technical singletrack. $5 to park, so park somewhere else and ride to it if you can.

Recommended Route:
Long Trail starts pretty timidly. ride the rocks & roots to the boat launch road; from this point, the trail heads towards the lake and gets a little more technical. soon, you'll cross a rock wall; soon, there is a climb that is challenging. on the far end of the lake, the trail veers away alongside a swamp. soon, you'll cross one of several bridges built by NEMBA [tips helmet]. after a little more technical riding, you'll encounter a climb that i walk my bike up: erroded. the trail covers my rock & root thru here, nice and challenging. after another rock-garden crossing, the trail eases and then goes downhill thru a switchback; you'll soon encounter the paved road. cross it, go uphill a slight distance, and use the jeep road to go up firetower: the trail isn't that doable going up.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
batchelor street

Review Date
April 4, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Please Select

Review Date
August 3, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once