Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Loudonville, New York

This route starts as an easy track curving through thickly wooded state land. It eventually rises to a ridge with decent views of the west and spectacular views to the east overlooking the Taconic Ridge and the Berlin Pass. This road is inside Cherryplain State Park with lots of other activities, in...
Learn more about Schaeffer Road

This is a well-maintained state access road with wooded valley views, numerous adjacent brooks, and multiple side hiking trails. It is part of the Berlin State Forest and provides access to the Taconic Crest hiking trail network. The only challenge would be numerous mud holes if driven during the we...
Learn more about Cowdry Hollow to Comstock Hollow Road

The trail consists of a broad gravel base that is regularly maintained. Drivers can expect a stable surface with minimal challenges. Logging operations are common in this area, so the road may be freshly plowed or graded to accommodate the logging trucks and heavy equipment. At the western end of th...
Learn more about Peasley Road

This is a short but rewarding drive for a novice of roader, or just someone looking for an easy day out. It provides some nice views of the Berkshires and pleasant topography, especially in the spring or fall. Be sure to pay attention to the signs stating where the permitted motorized vehicle use en...
Learn more about Rounds Mountain DEC Access Road

The trail consists of a broad gravel base that is regularly maintained by the state. Be aware that active logging occurs at all times of the year in this area so always keep an eye for trucks and other equipment. Along this route you will find many hiking trails and multiple opportunities to park an...
Learn more about Partridge Run

The trail consists of a broad gravel base that is regularly maintained by the state. Like other trails in this area, there is active logging occurring at all times of the year, so always keep an eye out for trucks and other equipment. Several stone foundation ruins can be found along this route, inc...
Learn more about Cook Hill Road

This is a quiet and usually easy alternative route to ascend Mount Greylock, Massachusetts highest peak. While only open June through October, this gravely jaunt through the woods is more peaceful than the paved and more popular Rockwell Road. Eventually it does meet up with the paved main road, and...
Learn more about Greylock Road

This is a dirt road whose center section is seasonally unmaintained. It skirts through the woods among private property and Beebe State Forest. You'll pass through ravines, hardwood groves, and over a small ridge on this peaceful path. While not much of a challenge for trucks or SUVs, cars should no...
Learn more about Old Macedonia Road

This is a simple trail composed of a seasonal and an unmaintained road. The track bounces from Massachusetts to New York and back again to Massachusetts. The terrain is rolling and varies from old farm fields to hardwood forests. While easily traveled by any car with moderate clearance, it is a bump...
Learn more about Deane Hill/Rossiter Road

An alternate exit/entrance from County Road, this trail is a muddy, rocky, and rutted path through mostly hardwood forests. There are several instances where alternate paths avoid rockier terrain but travel through murky muddy pools. Near the intersection with County Road is a small murky pond and c...
Learn more about Risky Ranch Road (VT TR 302)

This is an easier trail with some deep mud holes and numerous small rocks along the trail. It brings you to the secluded and picturesque Farnham Reservoir (City of Pittsfield) which provides plenty of cascading waterfalls along several adjacent brooks. It is an unmaintained town road that skirts in ...
Learn more about Whitney Place to New Lenox Road

Narrow trail that meanders along the path of the Stamford Stream, dotted with private property. There is a parking area about halfway down to get out and stretch your legs, or park and head to the stream for some fishing. If you make it to the end of the trail, there are ruins of an old mill, which ...
Learn more about Dunville Hollow Road

This is an unmaintained road primarily made up of loose stone and dirt. Several sections are deeply rutted due to rain-induced washouts. Pull-off areas are limited, and the road is mostly single-lane. After rainfall, a few sections may hold deep puddles.
Learn more about Bluebird Road

Also known as Forest Road 278, this trail starts very easily and is scenic, but quickly turns into a challenge when you turn to head uphill. The track will require you to air down as it is very rocky, narrow, and a slow crawl in places. There are ledges and areas where the trail washes out and leave...
Learn more about Middle Ridge Road

The trail is well-maintained by the National Forest Service and features several campsites along its length. It becomes narrow in certain sections, particularly toward the northern end, where it intersects with cross-country ski and hiking trails. Toward the southern end, ATV and SxS traffic is more...
Learn more about Prospect Mountain Trail

This trail skirts the edge of a very marshy section of the Housatonic River. This trail is mostly flat, with some large dried-up mud holes and a few washed-out sections. 4WD is not necessary, though a higher-clearance vehicle is needed to avoid bottoming out. Multiple kayak and canoe launch sites do...
Learn more about Roaring Brook Road

Lower Tower Road is a short ride that leads to one of the nicest views in all of western MA. This is a very well-maintained graded gravel road that winds through the forest. Starting from the west heading east, prior to the trail is a paved section until you reach an ORV parking site. From there, ...
Learn more about Lower Tower Road

This is a very gentle dirt road with a mildly more difficult center section that is not maintained. The real gem of this trail is the access it provides to Bog Pond, which includes a small boat launch. This trail is a main access corridor leading to multiple off-shoot hiking trails in the Savoy Stat...
Learn more about Savoy Road/New State Road

Welcome to October Mountain State Forest, the largest state forest in MA. Lenox Whitney Place Road connects Country Road to the center of the Forest and all other trails within the park. Several trail options branch off throughout the entire trail. Please note signage that indicates what vehicles...
Learn more about Lenox Whitney Place Road

Ashley Lake Road is an old, unmaintained road through October Mountain State Forest. It rolls through hardwood forests past multiple lakes/reservoirs, including Ashley Lake, Sandwash Reservoir (this has a unique "aerator" which is a large fountain in the middle of the woods), Clapp Pond, and Mud Pon...
Learn more about Ashley Lake Road

Ashley Lake Road is an old, unmaintained road through October Mountain State Forest. It rolls through hardwood forests past multiple lakes/reservoirs, including Ashley Lake, Sandwash Reservoir (this has a unique "aerator" which is a large fountain in the middle of the woods), Clapp Pond, and Mud Pon...
Learn more about Ashley Lake Road

This trail goes through Burnt-Rossman State Forest. It is a mostly maintained dirt road with occasional mud holes or deep ruts in sections. Deep water can accumulate in the ruts in the spring. There is a great primitive camping area Arthur Hopkins campsite on a small pond just off the road.
Learn more about Burnt- Rossman Hill Road

This is a well-maintained gravel road flanked by forests and dispersed campsites on either side. There is a gate at the entrance which is closed from December 15th to May 1st. Camping is allowed at the dispersed campsites which include space for 1-2 cars and a fire ring but no bathrooms. There are n...
Learn more about US FSR 74

Mt Wilcox Road is the main loop that meanders through Beartown State Forest. The loop is 4.3 miles and climbs from 1,600 feet to 2,100 feet. The trail begins and ends off Benedict Pond Road. Halfway through the route from either direction is a short spur that breaks off and provides access to the su...
Learn more about Mount Wilcox Road

Ashley Lake Road is an old, unmaintained road through October Mountain State Forest. It rolls through hardwood forests past multiple lakes/reservoirs, including Ashley Lake, Sandwash Reservoir (this has a unique "aerator" which is a large fountain in the middle of the woods), Clapp Pond, and Mud Pon...
Learn more about Ashley Lake Road

This trail goes through Burnt-Rossman State Forest. It is a mostly maintained dirt road with occasional mud holes or deep ruts in sections. Deep water can accumulate in the ruts in the spring. There is a great primitive camping area Arthur Hopkins campsite on a small pond just off the road.
Learn more about Burnt- Rossman Hill Road

This is a well-maintained gravel road flanked by forests and dispersed campsites on either side. There is a gate at the entrance which is closed from December 15th to May 1st. Camping is allowed at the dispersed campsites which include space for 1-2 cars and a fire ring but no bathrooms. There are n...
Learn more about US FSR 74

Mt Wilcox Road is the main loop that meanders through Beartown State Forest. The loop is 4.3 miles and climbs from 1,600 feet to 2,100 feet. The trail begins and ends off Benedict Pond Road. Halfway through the route from either direction is a short spur that breaks off and provides access to the su...
Learn more about Mount Wilcox Road