Massassoit_State

Massasoit State Park

Submitted by Bill Boles

Location: Middleboro Avenue, East Taunton, MA
508-822-7405

Difficulty--: Easy:40%, Moderate:40%, Difficult:9%, Caution:1%
Description: Massasoit State Park is located just a few minutes from route 495 in Taunton, Massachusetts. It's densely forested and has a lot of trails. Massasoit has four lakes and a campground with a beach. There is a parking lot for equestrians in the southern end of the park, but most people choose to park near the main entrance off Middleborough Ave. The park is well utilized by mountain bikers. Local shops have held weekly rides there for years and Massasoit has seen more than a few mountain bike races. It would take a good rider at least a couple of days to thoroughly explore Massasoit.
: As you ride the trails at Massasoit you'll encounter a number of short steep hills. Some of the trails are fairly busy, though not overly technical. But many of the forest's trails are rolling singletrack. Expect to find some roots, a few rocks, some very steep, though short, hills and a lot of really fun singletrack.
: The park lies right on the line between the sandy gravely soil of the Cape and the rocky earth of northern Plymouth and Bristol counties. As a result the trails drain quickly, and the spring's mud season is very short.
: All levels of riders can ride most of the park's trails, but a few do require some advanced skills. It will take you a while to explore all of the park's trails, but it will be time well spent.

Map DCR Website SEMASS NEMBA Bike Barn Bicycle Link
Directions: From the north or south: Take Rte. 495 to Exit 5 in Middleborough. Take Rte. 18 South to the first intersection where there is a yellow flashing light. Turn right onto Taunton Street which becomes Middleborough Ave. Follow signs to the park.
From Boston: Take Rte. 24 south to Rte. 44 east, follow signs.

Cautions: Be careful when driving through the campground. Kids and dogs are very curious. Also, yield to equestrians when you see them.