Willowdale State Forest

An amazing place to walk, hike, and mountain bike. Miles and miles of awesome singletrack. This is where I grew up mountain biking. I feel so lucky to have been given access to this park and it's amazing dirt!

Willowdale State Forest is very large and spreads from both sides of route 1 and the paths throughout the woods can take you from town to town so make sure to have a map of some sort. The side near Marini Farm in Ipswich is great for mountain biking snow, rain, or shine.

Huge reserve with tons of trails. We hike here often and almost never walk the same set of trails twice. There is always something new to see or a new entry to try. Lots of variation from wetland to old growth pine forest to riverside and open field. We see horses, bikers, hikers, and runners. Highly recommended. Most of the trails are identified by numbered intersections. The trails themselves vary in difficulty and range from singletrack to pavement. There's no good trail map at the trail heads so it's recommended to download the map to your phone before you go.

Good variety of trails and access roads, good for a beginner like me or a more advanced rider.

Nice trails, a lot of different routes to explore and maps are available at the entrance most of the time. It's very popular with bikers but also Is suitable for easy flat trail walking

One of my favorite places to run and walk in the area. It's wonderful. Anytime of the year in any weather.

Great place to explore and also connect to Bradley Palmer State Park.

Very pretty place to hike or bike riding

I go there often for mountain biking and it has everything from technical single track to wide rolling trails

Great place to walk around explore. Main trail easy to follow. There are lots of side trails. There are some places for the dogs to swim or get cool.

Great place to mtb, or trail run

Great place to hike and mountain bike. Good mix of single-track and wider fire roads. Mainly forested. A few spots it opens up, but mainly in swamp/Marsh areas and near Marini's farm. Good mix of oak/hickory, pine and a few beech groves as well.

So much space for so few people. Tucked away and accessible. My wife and I took our gravel bikes and found plenty of trails for our entry-level skills. Beautiful views along the Essex River. wpascgmchallenging

I've been walking these trails since I could walk with my dad and brothers,,, now I take my boys and an occasional bike ride with my dad who is still enjoying the peace and tranquility of this beautiful area!!! Something I hope to still be doing at his age, almost 80 years young,, I believe these woods have played a big role in my dad's health and calming ways... Truly a beautiful place and a big part of my life Wich I'm passing on to my boys!!

Nature at best! It’s calm and very beautiful!!

Mountain bike playground with gorgeous ferns everywhere. I give 5 stars because I can take my 7yr old riding there. There's solid technical stuff but nothing like so many of the other rides in the area.

My first visit to Willowdale was great. I ride the Middlesex Fells often. They are somewhat comparable in land area and beauty but Willowdale trail conditions are far superior. Great single track that is maintained. Much better riding. Willowdale is also a little less crowded though that may have just been timing.

Really good hikes, dog friendly and clean.
The trail markings could be better

Great place to go for a hike with the kids or the dog. There are popular mountain bike trails as well. In the winter there is a fair number of people who nordic ski.

Off leash dogs becoming a problem here.