Middlesex Fells Reservation

Directions:

From North:

93 South to exit 35. At stop take a left under hightway. At next stop sign take a right. At first set of lights (rt28) take a right for Sheepfold entrance. OR . . .

93 South to exit 33(RT28N). Take first right onto South Border Road. Bellevue Pond on right.

From South:

93 North to exit 33(RT28N) for Sheepfold or proceed halfway around rotary and take South Border Road for Bellevue Pond.

General Description:

The Middlesex Fells Reservation, more commonly know as The Fells is part of Greater Boston's Metropolitan Park System. The park offers a diverse landscape of rocky hills, meadows, wetlands, oak and hickory forests, quiet ponds, vernal pools and panoramic vistas. This 2,575 acre wilderness retreat is home to wide variety of plants and wildlife, including coyote, fisher, red fox, and white tail deer, reptiles, amphibians, and many birds. Located a mere twenty miles from Boston, the Middlesex Fells offers welcome respite for city dwellers. The diverse terrain and scenery of the Reservation makes this an ideal outdoor destination for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers.

"Fells" is the Saxon word for rocky, hilly tracts of land - an apt name for this scenic area which is rich in local history. Cultural and history buffs will also find much to interest them in this picturesque area, which 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.

Special features for visitors include:

Sheepfold Picnic Area: The Sheepfold is 10 acres of open field, ideal for picnics, frisbee playing and informal games.

Bellevue Pond: A seasonal pond surrounded by trails and wide fire roads, some leading up to Wrights Tower which offers scenic views of Boston and the surrounding area.

Spot Pond: During the summer, sailing, kayak, canoe and rowboat rentals are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can also take sailing lessons at Spot Pond throughout the season.

Virgina Wood: The site of a vanished mill village called "Haywardville" is now a dense hemlock enclave.

The Trails:

Note: The MDC closes the park to mountain bikes annually, from January 1 - April 15

Mountain biking in the Middlesex Fells allows the off-road cyclist the use of all Fire Roads. In addition to fire roads, there is a designated 6.5 mile mountain bike loop trail, which offers riders an easy to follow mountain bike route around the outer perimeter of the Western Fells. The trail travels over a variety of terrain, encompasses three Reservoirs (the North, Middle and South Reservoirs) and is well-marked by "Mountain Bike Loop" signs in both directions and green blazes on trees. This loop trail is about 85%  fire roads and 15% legal single-track trail. All other singletrack trails are off-limits to bikers.

You will encounter some tough climbs, short technical sections, fun descents and a few brook crossings over small wooden bridges. If anything seems beyond your ability, just get off and walk. For the most part, people of all abilities will enjoy mountain biking in this beautiful Reservation. The trail is easily accessible from the three main parking areas. Simply follow the red "To the Loop" signs.

Note:

Previous years of overuse and a lack of trail maintenance have led to a significant conflict among trail users. Respect ALL trail signs. Trail restrictions are based on the sensitivity of soil, slopes, wildlife habitat, and public safely concerns.

MDC Mountain Bike Policy

• All single track is off limits to mountian bikes unless otherwise marked.
• Mountain bikes are permitted on fire roads thoughout the park, unless marked closed.
• Please stay on the trails to avoid widening and to minimize erosion.
• The MDC requires all mountain bikers to wear a helmet.
• The park closes at night to all users.

For more information:

Mountain Bike rides and trail maintenance
at the Fells are sponsored by the
New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA).

DCR North Region Office
Botume House Visitors Center
4 Woodland Rd
Stoneham MA 02180

Phone: (781) 322-2851 or (781) 662-5230
TTY Users: 711 (AT&T National Relay Service)
Website:  Middlesex Fells Reservation

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