The 411 About the Middlesex Fells Reservation...

The Middlesex Fells Reservation's 2,575 acres offers a welcome retreat for city dwellers and a suitable terrain for recreational trail users of all types. "Fells" is the Saxon word for rocky, hilly tracts of land - an apt name for this scenic area, which is rich in local history. This picturesque area was once favored for timber, granite quarrying, ice industry, and water power for the many mills including one that manufactured some of the first vulcanized rubber products. The Metropolitan District Commission took over management of the land in 1894 to create the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

The Fells offers over 25 miles of carriage roads and singletrack trails winding though beautiful hilly forests that are ideal for off-road cycling. We invite you to pedal in the Fells, but please remember you are sharing these lands with hikers, naturalists, bird watchers, runners, dog walkers, strolling families, rock climbers, cross-country skiers, picnickers, natural and cultural history buffs, and equestrians.

The trails open to mountain bicycling include all carriage or fireroads as well as a designated Mountain Bike Loop, which offers riders an easy to follow path around the Western Fells. This trail is marked by "Mountain Bike Loop" signs and Green Blazes on trees. The loop is approximately 6.5 miles long and consists of about 85% fireroads and 15% singletrack trails. All other singletrack trails are off-limits to mountain bicycling due to sensitivity of soils, slopes, habitat, and public safety concerns. Please stay off all singletrack trails unless they are marked with Green Blazes or Red “MTB LOOP” signs. Respect and cooperation will insure that your use of the trails does not spoil that of other trail users or damage the trails themselves. Slow down. Take your time and become aware of the sights, sounds, and smells of the world around you. The Fells has much to offer!

Please Respect All Park Regulations:

(1) Park is closed from dusk to dawn.

(2) Open fires are prohibited.

(3) No Alcohol Allowed.

(4) Littering is prohibited

(5) Disturbing, removing, defacing, cutting or otherwise causing damage to the park is prohibited. Metal Detectors are prohibited

(6) Digging, cutting or removing vegetation is prohibited.

(7) All motorized vehicles including ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, mo-peds, and minibikes are prohibited.

(8) Swimming is prohibited.

(9) Dogs must be leashed and controlled by a leash not more than seven feet long.

(10) Camping is prohibited.

(11) Boating is prohibited, except for the Spot Pond Boating Center.

12) Sporting activities are permitted in times and places designated by park staff. Paint Ball Games are not permitted.

(13) Groups of 25 or more require a permit.

(14) Drunkenness, Breach of Peace, Profanity, Amplified Sound or Disorderly Conduct offensive to the general public are prohibited

(15) Hunting, trapping, and the possession or discharge of any firearm including, but not limited to, shotgun, rifle, bow and arrow, handgun or explosive is prohibited.

(16) Please refer to 350 CMR 2.01 for Full list. This is only a summary.

Please also Respect the Regulations for Mountain Biking:

(1) All Fireroads are open to biking.

(2) All singletrack marked hiking trails are closed to biking, unless designated as the Mountain Bike Loop.

(3) Off –trail riding is prohibited.

(4) Bicyclists MUST yield to hikers and equestrians.

(5) Night biking is prohibited.

(6) No Biking from January 1st to April 15th.

(7) Groups of more than six riders require a permit

(8) Competitive or reckless riding is prohibited.

In addition, the following best practices make the experience better for all trail users…

Control Your Bicycle
Ride responsibly. Maintain a safe speed at all times and exercise caution on blind curves and steep slopes.
Always Yield Trail
Hikers, horseback riders and all other trail users have the right of way. When approaching from the rear, slow down and announce your presence. Pass slowly and safely.
Ride Safely
Always wear a helmet and consider wearing eye protection. Carry a water bottle and a repair kit. Be familiar with your bicycle. Know your limits.
Plan Ahead
Familiarize yourself with the trail map.
Leave No Trace
Ride only on existing trails. Never create new trails including short cuts and "turn-outs" around fallen logs, water bars, and muddy areas. Ride through puddles rather than around them. Avoid soft and wet trails. When slowing, modulate brakes-both front and back to prevent skidding and rutting of trails.

Your cooperation today determines the future of mountain biking in the Fells. Please help us protect this Reservation while enjoying this splendid resource.

Special Programs

Mountain Biking rides and an annual trail maintenance series are sponsored by the New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA). Please consider giving back to the trails.  Info at: www.gbnemba.org

The Friends of the Middlesex Fells sponsor walks and hikes focused on the natural and cultural history of the Fells. Info at: www.fells.org

MA Department of Conservation and Recreation
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Botume House Visitors Center
4 Woodland Road
Stoneham, MA (617) 727-1199