The best MTB trails in River Highlands State Park

River Highlands State Park offers a unique mountain biking experience with flowy singletrack trails. Unlike much of New England, the park is notable for a virtual absence of rocks and only a few scattered roots, providing a smoother ride. The terrain includes hilly sections, mixed woodlands, and dramatic bluffs overlooking the Connecticut River.

Yes, many of the trails in River Highlands State Park are considered easy to intermediate, making them suitable for beginners and families. Difficult sections are generally avoidable. For a pleasant, easy ride, consider the Mountainbike loop from River Highlands State Park, which covers 5 km.

The park is famous for its dramatic bluffs that rise up to 150 feet above the Connecticut River, offering unparalleled views. A unique geological feature known as "The Blowhole" (or "Devil's Blowhole") is also present, where you can hear the wind whistle past the bluffs. The Yellow trail specifically leads to this area, which is also the only place with direct river access within the park.

While many trails within the park are shorter, there are options for longer rides. For example, the Mountainbike loop from Dinosaur State Park offers a 16.3 km easy route. For a significantly longer and more challenging ride, consider the Former Lyman Viaduct – Colchester Spur Trail junction loop from Town Open Space (Pine Brook), which is a moderate 61.4 km route.

Yes, several circular routes are available for mountain biking. An example is the View of the Connecticut River loop from River Highlands State Park, which is an easy 9.3 km loop offering scenic views.

The park's mixed woodlands and river views make it enjoyable across seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. While the trails are generally smooth with few roots or rocks, it's always advisable to check local conditions, especially after heavy rain, as some areas might become muddy due to the wetland systems and drainage crevasses.

Many trails are described as flowy singletrack. Trails like "Powerglide" are known for being narrow, rolling, and fast with many turns and rolling hills. For views, the White trail goes high up on a ridge in the northern end, and the Green trail runs along the edge of crevasses leading to high overlooks, both offering great perspectives of the Connecticut River.

The majority of mountain bike trails within River Highlands State Park are rated as easy to intermediate. The park is known for its smooth, flowy singletrack, making it accessible for a wide range of riders. More difficult sections are generally avoidable, allowing riders to tailor their experience.

Yes, the Yellow trail in River Highlands State Park leads down a crevasse, over narrow bridges, and directly to "The Blowhole" area, which is the only spot within the park that provides direct access to the Connecticut River.

A significant portion of the trails, particularly in the northern and southern sections of River Highlands State Park, were purpose-built by the local New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) chapter, specifically with mountain bikers in mind. This ensures well-designed and maintained routes for riders.