The first miles of what promises to be a massive new world-class mountain bike trail network in western Massachusetts are about to open to riders.
Shaker Ridge Trails in Hancock, Massachusetts, will open its first 10 miles of trails to the public on Saturday, October 24.
Shaker Ridge officials said in a social media post that there are currently trails for all levels of riders. They said trails will be open dawn to dusk (weather permitting), and Class 1 ebikes are allowed.
The plan to bring more than 100 miles of world-class mountain bike trails to the Berkshires has been in motion for roughly two years.
It was kickstarted when Shaker Ridge received $2.5 million in funding from an anonymous donor. The private donor reportedly acquired the 570-acre parcel of land that is home to the Shaker Ridge Network for $2 million. The donor also invested another $500,000 to get the initial build off the ground.
Additionally, the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation awarded $250,000 to Shaker Ridge in December 2024.
The initial development of Shaker Ridge will reportedly include 25 to 30 miles of trails. Plans call for eventually expanding to over 100 miles. The network will reportedly cater to riders of all skill levels, including a 10-mile adaptive loop specifically designed for riders of all abilities.
The Shaker Ridge public parking lot is located at 411 Brodie Mountain Road in Hancock, Massachusetts, roughly three-quarters of a mile east of Jiminy Peak’s entrance.
