Episode 8: My Top 5 Favorite MTB Spots in New England

When I originally started this podcast back in 2018 my goal was to shed a light on the amazing mountain biking we have here in New England. I wanted to highlight the trails, groups, brands, shops, and community that makes this region of the world what it is. If you missed any of my original shows which were featured as part of the Mountain Bike Radio Network, go check out the link on NE Dirt.com for the archived shows on Spotify. 

As I was talking about the show with one of my riding buddies and giving him the backstory it dawned on me that I’ve never given a rundown of my favorite riding spots here. I get asked all the time for recommendations on places to ride, from all skill levels too. My goal here is to not provide a comprehensive list on the riding areas, trails, and communities that are great for beginners, advanced, or expert riders, nor is it intended to be a travel guide of places to go and things to see. This is purely just me raving about some of my favorite places to go. 

As I worked through this list I started with a blank canvas - if I were to pack up my gear and head out today - where would I want to go ride RIGHT NOW… that was the simple basis to crafting this list. Strip away all the ego, pressure, influence, etc… Where do I want to ride right now…

So here is my list, in no particular order, of my TOP 5 Favorite MTB spots in New England.

1. Adams Camp - Stowe VT

1. About 14 miles of trail

2. Climb up for an amazing playground

3. Take your time to explore and session features 

4. Don’t miss:

1. Serenity and Adrenaline

2. Haulapalooza

3. Cheddar to Shredder to Kimmers

2. Carrabassett Valley - Maine

1. Features over 75 miles located across 4 different PODs - or riding centers all interconnected by various connector trails

2. Fun spot worth the drive and a couple of days dedicated to exploring 

3. Varied terrain and conditions 

4. Don’t Miss:

1. Newton’s Revenge w/a stop at the Stratton Brook Hut

2. Jabba the Hut

3. Bob’s Bruiser 

3. Coos Trails - Gorham NH

1. 22 miles throughout Moose Brook State Park (great camping spot) and through town of Gorham

2. Something for everyone!

3. Cool Enduro style area behind the Gorham airport

4. Don’t miss:

1. For Pete’s Sake

2. Baggage Claim

3. Howie Roll

4. Perry Hill - Waterbury Area Trails Association - Waterbury VT

1. 10-miles

2. Climb up - rip down!

3. Cool cliff side climbs on the way up 

4. Don’t miss:

1. Burning Spear

2. Joe’s

3. Six Flags

5. Ascutney Outdoors - Ascutney/Brownsville VT

1. 35+ miles, climbing a Monadnock (stand alone mountain - extinct volcano)

2. Great variety of technical terrain and flow

3. Beautiful beach or birch glades with trails winding through

4. Don’t miss:

1. Boulder Dash 

2. Rock N Roll

3. The Grassy Knoll

Honorable Mentions: 

1. Millstone Trails - Barre VT

2. NOCO - North Conway NH

3. Vietnam - Milford, Mass

4. Cady Falls - Morrisville, VT

5. Boston Lot - Lebanon, NH

Places I Still Need To Ride:

1. Lynn Woods - Lynn, Mass

2. Pine Hills, Plymouth, Mass

3. Arrowhead, Claremont NH

4. Diamond Hill, Cumberland, RI

Check out my YouTube: NE Dirt

Follow me on instagram or email me with any comments, feedback, or suggestions:

• Ne_dirt_podcast

• Mtbben603

• Email : ben@nedirt.com

Thanks for listening!

Trail gap on Baggage Claim, Coos Trails

Drop off of Haulapalooza, Adam's Camp

Entrance to Serenity/Adrenaline, Adams Camp

View point from Coos Trails

View point from Newton's Revenge, Carabassett Maine

Swimming Hole, Carabassett Maine

Bridge crossing on Carry On, Coos Trails

Top of Burning Spear, Perry Hill, VT

Trailhead, Perry Hill, VT

Baggage Claim, Coos Trails, Gorham, NH

Trail gap on Baggage Claim, Coos Trails, Gorham NH