Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest Mountain Biking Trails

Lowell Dracut is a great place to ride as it has a little bit of everything. You will find technical trails, buffed out flowy trails and even a few stunts here and there. It is often referred to as a much larger version of Russell Mills.
The Lowell Dracut Tyngsboro state forest is located just minutes from the New Hampshire border and contains over 1100 acres. The trail system offers something for everyone. There are miles of fireroads and smooth rolling doubletrack for the less adventurous. The singletrack system is mountain bike specific and continues to grow. As currently configured, the singletracks will keep most intermediate riders busy for a 2 or 3 hour ride.

The terrain is considered gently rolling except for Whortleberry and Huckleberry Hill located in the Northern sector in Tyngsboro. The park is cut in half running North to South by Trotting Park Road, which is closed year round to traffic. Trotting Park Road is the only paved road you will find in the forest. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the forest. But remember this forest does allow hunting during hunting season except on Sundays.

To the west of Trotting Park Road you will find Lake Althea and the Scarlet swamp. It is also in this area that you will find the presence of GLICA (Greater Lowell Indian Cultural Association). This group has a lease arrangement with the state for the use of this land for their cultural events. Because of this agreement, there has been very little new trail development in this area. It's important to note that this land is not off limits to the general public. This area is dominated by fireroads, doubletrack and singletrack in that order. One of the most popular trails in this area is the mile long trail put in by the AmeriCorps workers a few years back. This trail has tricky rock garden sections at both ends.

To the East of Trotting Park Road you'll discover the major trail system in Lowell and Dracut. This is where you will find the Spruce swamp, which is the largest swamp in the forest. Approximately half way down Trotting Park Road, on the right, you will find Carney Road. Carney Road is one of several dirt roads in the forest but is the only one that connects back to Trotting park road, and thus back to the main parking lot. It is in this eastern section of the forest that has seen most of the new trail development and trail improvements.