Bear Town State Forest, Benedict Pond Road, Wildcat Trail, Beebe Trail, Sky Peak Trail, Airplane Trail, Turkey Trail, Lookout Trail, Lake Benedict, Mount Wilcox
Last Known Status
Open
DESCRIPTION
This state forest has about 25 miles of challenging ATV trails that consists mostly of loose and chunk rock, mud puddles, tree roots and steep uphill and downhill sections. The staging area is large and trail maps can be found at the kiosk. Swimming, boating and camping can be found at nearby Lake Benedict however there is no direct trail access so machines must be hauled to and from the staging area.
The campground is open year round however reservations are required May through October. Wildlife consists of black bear, deer and bobcats. A small parking fee is charged from May through Labor Day and must be paid at the Beartown State Forest Ranger Station since there is no self pay kiosk at the staging area. During the winter months the trails are open to snowmobiles.
ATV/OHM Permit A daily riding permit now required to ride the ATV trails at Beartown, October Mountain and Pittsfield State Forests. There is no fee however a maximum of 50 permits will be issued per day for Pittsfield and 75 permits for Beartown and October Mountain. Permits can be reserved by calling (413) 499-5112 or via e-mail at Pittsfield.ATV-Permits@State.MA.US.
From: Westfield, MA
1) Take I-90 west to exit 2, about 30 miles
2) Continue about .5 miles, veer left at fork near end of off ramp
3) Turn left (south) on Housatonic Street, continue .03 miles
4) Veer right onto Pleasant Street/SR-102, continue 2.6 miles
5) Turn left (south) on Pine Street, then immediately veer right, continue .4 miles
6) Turn left on Beartown Mountain Road, continue 3.3 miles (Beartown Mountain Road will fork at 2.2 miles, stay to the right)
7) Staging area is on the right (west).
TYPE OF AREA
Area
Trail
Land
State Forest
QUALITY
Pros
beautiful scenery, nice long loops
Cons
very rocky, no single track, no direct trail access from campground
Rating
Good
Recommended Stay
Full Day
TERRAIN
Square Miles
19
Miles Of Trail
25
Climate Type
Forest
Elevation
1650 to 2000 ft.
Trail Maintenance
Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt
Little
Hard Pack
Some
Sand
None
Mud
Some
Dust
None
Rocks
Mostly
Trees
All
Steep Hills
Some
Water Crossings
Few
Small Jumps
None
Large Jumps
None
Berms
None
Sand/Gravel Pits
None
Single Track
None
Roads
Few
Intersections
Some
Rider Traffic
Few
Shade
Some
Ranges/Gunfire
Some
area open during hunting season
Hazards
Few
(hazards not marked)
Novice
Little
Amateur
Mostly
Expert
Some
REGULATIONS
Permit Required
Yes
Daily Riding Permit and Massachusetts 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
riding hours dawn to dusk
Flags
Not Required
Two Strokes
No Restriction
Cross Country
Prohibited
ATVs
No Restriction
UTVs
Some Areas
vehicle plus rider under 1,000lbs are permitted on trails
4x4s (registered)
Prohibited
Unregistered Cars/4x4s/Buggies
Prohibited
Bicycles
No Restriction
Hiking
No Restriction
Horseback
No Restriction
Camping
Some Areas
(camp in developed sites only) camping permitted at Lake Benedict, no direct trail access
Campfires
Some Areas
(permitted in developed campsites only)
Alcohol
Prohibited
Fireworks
Prohibited
Firearms
Some Areas
area open during hunting season
Law Enforcement
Some
Dedicated Rangers/Officers
Insurance
*Disclaimer: RiderPlanet recommends that all riders obtain motorcycle insurance or ATV / UTV insurance before visiting any of the locations depicted.
Comment
ATVs and motorcycles must be registered in Massachusetts, no reciprocity with other states.
FEES
Parking
Certain Times ($5.00) Fee charged May through Labor Day
Scroll down for trail contact information and regulations. Select a photo to enlarge.
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Good 
Little
Some
None
Mostly
All
Few
Novice
Amateur
Expert
First Aid
Gasoline
Water
RV Hookup
RV Disposal
Campground
Conv Store
Swim Area
Water Body
Boat Ramp
