Reviewed by: Andy Bentley , from Hopkinton, MA

Summary:
Mostly wide boring fire roads.
A couple of hard assents.
A couple of impossible assents.
too many modifications & "improvements" made by people to ride horse back have taken away the edge of this trail. Too many atv & horses to let you dog run loose.

Recommended Route:
Stay away !

Reviewed by: Chris Mac , from Worcester

Summary:
Upton is probably the best kept secret in C.Mass. While people flock to Milford to ride Upton's famous neighbor, USF offers some of the best riding anywhere in the region. Whether you want thrilling downhills or good 2-way XC trails Upton has it. Rabbit run trail is a good start, climb to the top of the hill and rip winding singletrack down Old Hokington trail, hit Mammoth rock, and get back over your rear tire on Grouse trail. All of these are excellent singletracks, but the crown jewel of Upton is Whistling cave. You must ride middle road almost back to the park entrance and climb uphill on park road to access the top. Whistling cave starts off like a good roller coaster ride with two entrances that are very steep and difficult. The lower entrance is not as extreme, but it does spout out around a tree and free falls down a steep hill. The upper entrance looks nearly impossible and I refuse to even try it, but if you must, go ahead (I hope you have body armor). If you survive the first downhill section of WC your adrenaline will have to come down in order to manuever the rest of the trail. WC continues down a fast singletrack and back uphill to a section of boulders. Ride up and over the boulders and wind down the trail out back to middle road...It's the best trail around, it's a must-ride at Upton.
Nuthatch Trail is also worth checking out,but going up Park road from this end is a major pain in the ass. Also check out the trails across the street off Eames St. A couple of singletracks, good powerlines and a major climb and descent down Pratt hill road.

Recommended Route:
Start at rabbit run, finish on Whistling cave, make a loop. Don't miss trails across the street, plus powerlines.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Vietnam, Rayburn, Hodges Dam

Reviewed by: Houstoncontrol , from Oxford, Mass.

Summary:
Get off of the fire roads at Grouse trail, which is a nice ascent/descent of single track. Used to be hairier but a hiker must've twisted an ankle or something. Still good though. Also good is whistling cave trail, from the very top. I've never seen it ridden from the very top w/ out a running dismount or worse. The alternate/ switchback/ bailout trail is OK, but the rest of the trail has good singletrack and scenic boulders etc. You will miss out if you ride it all up hill. Go to the far side of the pond (around it counterclockwise.) If it's good weather there is a rope swing at the deep end, and if you want more than a 7-10 mile ride, take the powerlines to Vietnam. A nice break from Nam.

Recommended Route:
I recommend that you don't try to go thru Westboro during anytime remotely close to rush hour traffic time, so here is an alternate way of getting to Upton S.F. Take 495 south to exit 21-Upton/ Hopkinton. Head towards Upton (about three miles) look for a Upton State Forest sign and a sharp right( Westboro Rd) PArk entrance is about 1.5 - 2 miles up on right.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Vietnam, Milford rte 495 & 85,

Reviewed by: stan , from mass

Summary:
i tried the steep descent at beginning of "whistling cave" trail about 5-6 times and wiped out every time. i finally took the alternate route, which is pretty challenging in itself, at least for this 45 year old bod. the descent at the end of "grouse trail" used to be good, but has been blocked off since my last visit. the trail now takes a little less techn. line. the remaining trails in general are pretty good, tho not real extreme.

Recommended Route:
follow signs to park entrance from westboro road