Cross-Country Skiing Trail Reviews

“Woods Walk 2018”

“An easy 4-wd Jeep Road that can be taken with a 2-wd truck or SUV. Wonderful stream, interesting mines, and great views. Please don't drive off the road - the area is prone to being abused. Good camping.”

“In June participated in a half marathon event here, the single track is just as fun to run along as it is for mountain biking. It’s a challenging section of hilly thick woods, lots of roots and rocks so pick up your feet if you don’t like tripping. Had a blast and enjoyed getting out in nature.”

“This is a beautiful, peaceful little park with a really nice system of trails around Pickerel Lake. With all the different trail options you can opt for longer trails or easier, shorter walks. It is a nature preserve so dogs are not allowed, but it is a great place to bring your kids to learn about and enjoy nature.”

“This hike has great views of the Berkshires from the summit and is mostly easy with a few steep and rocky areas. There's also a lot of bugs so bug spray is a must. Best to go on a weekday, it's a lot less crowded.”

“This was a really nice little hike through the forest with my dog. Not much of an incline, so it is pretty easy and would be good for trail running. There are lots of beautiful trees and wildflowers. ”

“Great adventure. Beautiful and serene.”

“This is my home trail, great place for beginner to medium hikers and particularly pretty in the Fall. Shade Creek has a health population of wild trout along with many stockers in the spring. The rope bridge over the creek is a great place for lunch or to camp. Enjoy the silence of the mountain- Home sweet home to me.”

“Beautiful long day hike along the river. It is a fairly easy trek with little elevation gain and the beautiful trees provide a good amount of shade. The wildflowers are especially wonderful in June and early July!”

“Nice trails from what I remember”

“I followed the white square trail but got lost. Trails marked but in spots it get unclear. I have a good sense of direction so I figured it out.”

“This isn't a very difficult trail at all but it is pretty and has a waterfall. You can see the Potomac river and there's some rock scrambling for a more interesting hike. The big downside is it can crowded in the summer but if you like hiking with people around than it's a definitely one you should try out.”

“This is a nice flat trail that I find is more for walking than hiking. There’s some nice views of the reservoir but it does get pretty busy on the weekend. I recommend bike riding here as well. I like this hike for taking the dog on a jog but it may be a bit boring if you’re looking for a more intensive hike with more natural surroundings.”

“A mellow, moderate, and short hike to a pretty subalpine lake and a picturesque waterfall! There are thrilling glimpses of Mount St Helens. Great place to take dogs and kids.”

“Oakley State park is a good place for varying terrains and lengths of trails. There is a “blue” side and “yellow” color trails with. Both of them being close enough to hike from the same on road parking. I have hiked blue side many times with the outer trails equally about 6.2 miles of wood covered moderately challenging terrain. You can easily trim the mileage taken the well marked interior trails for a casual stroll through the woods.”

“Nice hike to beat summer heat of Denver. Get there before 10 or parking lot will fill up and your day will stink.”

“Since the Wachusett shoreline can be walked for many miles, there are so many options for exploring this lovely place. There are quite a few trails overall for hiking, jogging, fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or just leisurely enjoying the beautiful views of the reservoir. Dogs and horses are not allowed, most likely to protect the drinking water as well as preserve the flora and fauna of this absolutely beautiful reservoir. Fishing is allowed from the shore, not by boat, and swimming is not allowed. We decided to enter gate # 8 across the street from Cross St on route 70. We hiked for about 2 hrs on the trails and covered around 5 miles. The trails were easy to navigate with a mix of short and steep ascents and some longer more gradual ascents and descents. There is some good bird-watching here, too, especially if you like waterfowl. I love the loons. We also saw egrets, shorebirds, wood ducks, ruddy ducks, buffleheads, grebes, coots, and moorhens.”

“This is a truly wonderful place, with multiple pools cut into the hillside. It is hidden along a winding hilly footpath, across the river from a car park. The car park itself is a long winding route off the road in a seriously potholed road, which makes it a little rough on your car and tough to get to. The hike to the springs is steep but short. When we arrived it was quiet and we got a lovely pond to ourselves, although it got busier later. The pools are separated far enough from one another that everyone can co-exist pretty comfortably. The pools vary in temperature -- some of the pools are hot, some are warm, while others are a little too cool for the weather we experienced that day. The views across the valley are stunning and the trees smell lovely. Anytime you visit the hot springs you will most likely smell a lot of weed, too. People like to smoke marijuana and get naked there, so be aware if pot and nudity are outside your comfort zone. I'm so happy we made the trip and will return to the relaxing pools when I am exploring the Umpqua National Forest again.”

“This was my first time hiking at Bear Mountain Reservation. It is a nice, chill little hike, with ample parking. Trails are pretty well-marked, dog and kid friendly (not really stroller friendly, though), and maps are available at the parking lot just before the entrance of the trails. You have options here: you can stay on relatively flat terrain or take a slightly more challenging trail down to Lake Candlewood. There are lots of trees, meadows, lake access, and just enough up and down rolling hilly parts to make you feel like you are actually on a hike instead of just a casual walk. When I was here it was evident that a recent storm created a bit of tree damage. There were some downed trees, which often blocked the trail, so you may have to crawl over or under them. I thought that was sort of fun. Part of the Red trail overlooks Lake Candlewood and the views are very pretty. Despite the proximity to homes and roads, it is quite easy to imagine yourself deep in a Connecticut forest when you go here. I also noticed a few picnic tables near the parking lot if you want to have a picnic with your family or friends. I definitely will be hiking here again. ”

“Fantastic, kid friendly bike ride from Wainwright Sports Complex in Scarborough to Bug Light Park in South Portland. 5.8 miles 1 way. Easy ride. Plenty of places to stop along the way for snacks, pictures, water and community!”

“Really great hike. If you’re looking for a way to start conditioning for a bigger hike, this is an awesome place to start.”

“Great gentle climb and generally well marked trails. Only a few spots where the markers need work to match the maps the park supplies. But overall a great hike and it was particularly fun for our dog.”