The Badlands Mountain Biking Trails

The Badlands are located in Yarmouth Port just north of Route 6. They consist of a vast network of trails on both private and public lands. They go on for miles. The Badlands’ trails actually connect to trails leading all the way back to Maple Swamp at exit 63. That’s about 30 miles. (But we’ll save that ride for another day.)

The riding at the Badlands ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous. Many of the singletracks are smooth and flowy, completely lacking in rocks or roots as the glide up, down and around some very gentile hills.

On the other extreme, the rediculous, is the Badland Trail. Although the whole area is referred to by the locals as The Badlands, the Badland Trail itself is a deviously constructed singletrack that winds itself over and around every defilement, rock, crevice and drop that could be found at a long abandoned sandpit. You’ll know when you’re on it because it will be unlike anything else you’ve ever ridden. Ummmm – Or walked, before.

Fortunately the Badland Trail is an exception. Most of the area’s trails are quite suitable for all levels of riders though some are quite hilly. The gently rolling hills become steeper and longer as you head east and they do add up. By the end of your ride, you'll be tired. A quick look at the map will show you that the trail network is quite convoluted. More than one day of exploring will be required to find out where they all go.

Assisting in this is a marked portion of the Cape Cod Pathway that sort of runs from end to end and the Bud Carter trail that starts in the northeastern corner.

Weir Road, which turns into Great western Road runs through the middle of the Badlands. The trails to the east of Weir/Great Western are mostly easy and flowing with some hills. That is – except for the Badlands Trail.

The climbs north of Weir/Great Western Road can be challenging. Especially if you’re going the wrong way on the area’s many singletracks. But they do have a purpose. At one point you’ll be at the top of an immense sand pit with an excellent view of the surrounding area. Step, or ride off the edge of the sandpit though, and it’s a long way down.

Source: https://www.nemba.org/trails/massachusetts/badlands-yarmouth