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A good introduction to pseudo-suburban running.


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Map Key

6.4

Miles

10.3

KM

97%

Runnable

259' 79 m

High

115' 35 m

Low

462' 141 m

Up

462' 141 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Wildlife

Open dawn to dusk. Refer to the Mass DCR for a full list of rules and regulations.

Description

Contrary to its name, the Mountain Bike Loop is a multi-use trail that often draws many of the folks that come to the Fells to do things other than mountain biking. This is due to its overall easy doubletrack terrain. You're certain to see people, dogs, bicycles, and any combination of the aforementioned.

The trail generally avoids the best parts of the Fells such as Wright's Tower on the Skyline Trail and Bear Hill Tower on Bear Hill Road. It opts for tame doubletrack terrain interspersed with bouts of mainly erosion-induced singletrack ruggedness.

However, if you're looking to complete the full loop around the western reservoirs of the Fells and aren't quite ready for the more challenging terrain of the Skyline Trail, the Mountain Bike Loop may be a good launch pad for introductory running. The Mountain Bike Loop also makes for a slightly more intuitive, more confident loop in less-than-ideal conditions such as in the dark or in a rain storm.

At the end of the day, if you're running on the Mountain Bike Loop, you're not pounding pavement; and that in itself can be a great success and can bring your passion for running to new levels.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trevor Wellman

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#23277

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#470

in Massachusetts

#23,277

Overall
4 Views Last Month
907 Since Aug 9, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

snowy wood
Feb 19, 2020 near Winchester, MA
Middlesex Fells, Medford, United States
Feb 19, 2020 near Winchester, MA
Typical mini trail that shoots off Skyline
Sep 19, 2020 near Winchester, MA
North Reservoir's glassy water provides a beautiful view from the Skyline Trail.
Mar 20, 2017 near Winchester, MA

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