Reviewed by: Eric Harlow ,  Racer , from Russell MA USA

Summary:
The best place to start this ride is at the foot of Russell Road in Montgomery (where it intersects with Carrington Road). Park here and begin a 2 mile climb up Russell Road (dirt road). Near the top of the climb you will see a trail on the right. This steep, but relatively short climb, will take you to the summit of Shatterack Mountain. Incredible views of three states (MA, CT and Mt. Monadnock NH)and depending on the time of day, amazing sunsets, await those who tackle the rocky climb to the almost treeless summit. This is a nice diversion for early in the ride, or on your way back. Continue on Russell Rd to where it turns to a paved section, where you will go down a steep hill. At the bottom of the hill, turn right onto a quad trail. Continue on this trail for about 100 yards, and turn right onto a tighter single track trail. This trail winds its way for about 2 miles to where you will come to a T intersection. Go left, and continue for about 1/8 mile to another T intersection. Take a right on this Jeep road which will lead you to Tekoa Mt. It should take you about 20 minutes to get to some single track trails that will lead to the summit. Here you will have spectactular views of the office towers in Springfield, views of Westfield and the MA Turnpike bridge over the Westfield River, and off into CT. Explore the area, and start to head back down the trail tword the Westfield Reservoir. Here you will find some nice single track that winds around the reservoir. Continue on back tword Russell Rd. which will now be a very fast downhill ride to where you are parked. Distance: aprox. 14 miles Total ride time: 2.5 hours Advanced Riders. Bring the USGS topo map "Blandford".

Recommended Route:
Russell Road to Summit of Shatterack Mt to Tekoa Mt to Westfield Reservoir back to Russell Road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Russell Reservoir, Huntington State Forest, Littleville Lake Trail, Knightville/Chesterfield Gorge Trail

Reviewed by: Marie Nadeau , from Westfield, ma

Summary:
Great challenging ride. Best in late summer and fall.