If you ever thought that the mountain biking scene in the Berkshires was lacking … well, that’s about to change.
The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation recently announced it is awarding $300,000 in grants to two groups to support the development of mountain biking trail systems in the Berkshires.
The new trails are planned on 800 acres at Berlin Mountain in Williamstown and on 565 acres near Jiminy Peak along the Hancock and Lanesborough town line.
The group Shaker Ridge Trails was awarded $250,000 to develop the Shaker Ridge Trails Network near Jiminy Peak. With the initial development of 25 miles of trails and plans to expand to over 100 miles, this world-class network will cater to riders of all skill levels, including a 10-mile adaptive loop specifically designed for riders of all abilities.
The group Purple Valley Trails was awarded $50,000 to develop a premier mountain biking trail network in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Designed for riders of all levels, this trail network will wind through the northern Berkshires, offering scenic routes that integrate the town’s natural beauty and local businesses, creating a true “town-to-trail” destination.
The New England Mountain Bike Association worked with both groups on their grants.
In addition to the grants for the Berkshires, Cape Cod mountain bikers are also benefiting from the state’s grants. Spaulding Rehab was awarded $3,929 to add new signage, kiosks, and five miles of dedicated adaptive cycling trails to mountain bike trails in the town of Sandwich.