Balance Rock State Park, Potter Mountain, Churchill Brook Trail, Skyline Trail, Taconic Skyline Trail, Snake Brook Trail
Last Known Status
Open
DESCRIPTION
Located in northwestern Massachusetts, this area has about 14 miles of ATV trails that wind through a dense forest. A daily riding permit is required which can be obtained by visiting the ranger station on Cascade Street and Shamrock Blvd however there is no access to the trails at this location as all of the trails here are for hiking or mountain biking use. Balance Rock and Potter Mountain Staging areas are the only two parking areas that offer direct access to the ATV trails. (Balance Rock has ample parking for larger vehicles while Potter Mountain is suited for smaller vehicles).
Camping is available however machines must be hauled to and from the staging areas. The Lulu Brook Day Use Area has numerous BBQ grills and picnic tables. Forest hours are from sunrise to 8pm, year-round. Snowmobiles are permitted during winter months.
**Note: A permit is now required to ride the trails at Pittsfield State Forest. There is no fee however a maximum of 50 permits will be issued per day. Permits can be reserved by calling (413) 499-5112 or via e-mail at Pittsfield.ATV-Permits@State.MA.US.
From: Pittsfield, MA
1) Head west on West Street about 2 miles
2) Turn right (north) on Churchill Street, continue 1.7 miles
3) Turn left (west) on Cascade Street, continue .7 miles
4) Turn right (north) on Shamrock Blvd, continue about .5 miles
5) Ranger station is on the left (west)
**Note: The above directions are to the ranger station to obtain the daily riding permit. To access the ATV trails you must stage at either Balance Rock or Potter Mountain Road Staging Area.
For Potter Mountain Staging Area:
7) Leave ranger station by heading south on Shamrock Blvd about 1 mile
8) Turn left (east) on Cascade Street, continue .5 miles
9) Turn left (north) on Churchill Street, continue 2.1 miles
10) Turn left (west) on Potter Mountain Road, continue .4 miles
For Balance Rock Staging Area:
11) Turn right (east) on Potter Mountain Road, continue .4 miles
12) Look for gate and sign for Balance Rock State Park on the left (west), turn here.
13) Continue about .5 miles toward staging area.
TYPE OF AREA
Area
Trail
Land
State Forest, State Park
QUALITY
Pros
scenic forest
Cons
small area, additional permit required to ride trails
Rating
Good
Recommended Stay
Half Day
TERRAIN
Square Miles
15
Miles Of Trail
14
Climate Type
Forest
Elevation
1200 to 2000 ft.
Trail Maintenance
Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt
Little
Hard Pack
Mostly
Sand
Little
Mud
Little
Dust
Little
Rocks
Some
Trees
All
Steep Hills
Few
Water Crossings
Few
Small Jumps
None
Large Jumps
None
Berms
Few
Sand/Gravel Pits
None
Intersections
Some
Rider Traffic
Few
Shade
Some
Ranges/Gunfire
Some
area open during hunting season
Hazards
Few
(hazards not marked)
Novice
Mostly
Amateur
Some
Expert
Little
Comment
Trails are marked with orange and yellow blazes.
REGULATIONS
Permit Required
Yes
Pittsfield State Forest Trail Permit and MA Registration Sticker
Dates Open
May through last Sunday in November
Spark Arrestor
Yes
A spark arresting silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit
Yes (96 dB)
Night Riding
No
Flags
Not Required
Two Strokes
No Restriction
Cross Country
Prohibited
ATVs
No Restriction
UTVs
Some Areas
Not Recommended
4x4s (registered)
Prohibited
vehicles over 1,000 lbs prohibited on trails
Unregistered Cars/4x4s/Buggies
Prohibited
Bicycles
No Restriction
Hiking
No Restriction
Horseback
No Restriction
Camping
Some Areas
(camp in developed sites only)
Campfires
Some Areas
(permitted in developed campsites only)
Alcohol
Prohibited
Fireworks
Prohibited
Firearms
Some Areas
area open during hunting season
Law Enforcement
Many
On-Site Office/Station Gate Inspection
Insurance
*Disclaimer: RiderPlanet strongly recommends that all visitors get insurance for their ATV, UTV or motorcycle before visiting any of the locations shown on this website.
Comment
ATVs and motorcycles must be registered in Massachusetts, no reciprocity with other states.
FEES
Parking
Yes ($2.00) Fee charged May through early September
Scroll down for trail contact information and regulations. Select a photo to enlarge.
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Good 
Little
Mostly
Some
All
Few
None
Novice
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First Aid
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RV Hookup
RV Disposal
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Conv Store
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Water Body
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