Gloucester, Massachusetts is located on the Cape Ann peninsula, which was created by glaciers roughly 21,000 years ago. With a rich past and a reputation for fishing, seafood, whale watching, art culture, historical structures, and beaches, it is a great place to explore on a bike.
Here is a list of paths you can choose from to start that memorable ride:
Trails and Terrain
You will find trails ranging between 0.1 miles up to 48.4 miles. There are various types of terrain available, including dirt, pebbles, and pavement. One important thing to keep in mind while riding is that most of these trails are multi-use. There is a good chance you will encounter fishermen, skaters, equestrians, walkers, hikers, and possibly their dogs.
Depending on the trail you choose, your vista will vary from open meadows to forests and waterscapes. Rest assured that regardless of your choice, Gloucester has something to please every rider.
Bike Paths for Cyclists
For cyclists looking for a short ride between 5 and 11 miles, your best options are the following paths: Border to Boston Trail, Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway, Independence Greenway, Manhan Rail Trail, Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, Neponset River Greenway, North Central Pathway, Northern Strand Community Trail, Old Colony Rail Trail, Province Lands Bike Trail, Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail, Shining Sea Bikeway, Southwick Rail Trail, and the Tri-Community Greenway.
For those seeking a cycling journey that’s over 11 miles but less than 25, you have several options as well. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, Charles River Bike Path, Nashua River Rail Trail, and the Upper Charles Trail all offer a longer ride.
Anyone who wants to push their endurance skills should try out the 27.5-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, 29.9-mile Blackstone River Greenway, or the 48.4-mile Mass Central Rail Trail.
Trails for Mountain Bikers
Mountain bikers seeking to conquer challenging terrain have fewer options than road cyclists, but you do have your choice of the following trails: Goffstown Rail Trail, Mine Falls Park, Border to Boston Trail, Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Fremont Branch), Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch), or the Mass Central Rail Trail. These trails range from a 5.5-mile trek up to 48.4 miles.
Other Popular Biking Options
For an active and fun day out, the following trails are great for families and groups of riders of all levels: Babson Boulder, Babson Reservoir Dogtown Loop Trail, Goose Cove Reservoir, Gloucester Biking Loop, Whales Jaw Trail, Dykes Meadow Reservoir Loop, Haskell’s Pond Loop, Good Harbor Beach, as well as the Pipe Line, Fire Tower, and Morse Hill. These trails differ greatly in length, views, and terrain.
Out of the routes mentioned above, the Gloucester Biking Loop will be your longest ride at 24.8 miles. Remember, you can make any lengthy trail ride as long or as short as you’d like. It’s your ride, enjoy it!
Gear Matters
To prevent things like chafing, skin burns, over-exhaustion, or just plain discomfort, dress appropriately and adjust your bike to fit you. Your gear should include a bike lock, bike lights, water bottle cage, bike repair kit, helmet, shoes suited to the bike’s pedals, breathable and weatherproof attire, jacket, gloves, eye protection, sunscreen, performance food, cell phone, and a water bottle. If you have space in your backpack or bike pouch, it’s never a bad idea to carry a small first-aid kit with you.
The type of bike you ride is contingent upon budget, terrain, and style. It is recommended that you choose wisely. If you plan on riding for many years, it is best to purchase reliable and sturdy equipment to avoid replacing it too often.
Caution and Safety
There’s nothing more disappointing than a moment that turns your ride from marvelous to a nightmare. All it takes is one second of not paying attention to regret a riding decision. For everyone’s safety and comfort, the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition has set some rules and regulations in place that all bikers must abide by.
– Obey all traffic rules
– Use hand signals for turning and stopping
– Pedestrians have the right of way
– Use audible signals before passing pedestrians and other riders
– Two (side by side) riders are allowed but not near traffic or while passing
– Seat must be permanently attached to your bicycle
– Keep one hand on your handlebars at all times
– Anyone 16 years of age or older must wear a helmet
– Use a white headlight and red tailgate (or ankle) reflector after sunset
– Notify police of any accidents, injuries, or damages over $100
Other safety measures to consider are to always check your equipment before riding, limit your distractions, ride as if you’re a car, stay off the sidewalks, stay in your lane, and stay aware at all times.
Heading out
Now you have gathered some important information on biking in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Part of the reward of riding is being able to ride in one of the most beautiful locations on the east coast. With more than 77 trails covering 365 miles, finding a trail that suits you should be easy. The only challenge you will face is which one to start with.
Gloucester, Massachusetts is located on the Cape Ann peninsula, which was created by glaciers roughly 21,000 years ago. With a rich past and a reputation for fishing, seafood, whale watching, art culture, historical structures, and beaches, it is a great place to explore on a bike.
Here is a list of paths you can choose from to start that memorable ride:
Trails and Terrain
You will find trails ranging between 0.1 miles up to 48.4 miles. There are various types of terrain available, including dirt, pebbles, and pavement. One important thing to keep in mind while riding is that most of these trails are multi-use. There is a good chance you will encounter fishermen, skaters, equestrians, walkers, hikers, and possibly their dogs.
Depending on the trail you choose, your vista will vary from open meadows to forests and waterscapes. Rest assured that regardless of your choice, Gloucester has something to please every rider.
Bike Paths for Cyclists
For cyclists looking for a short ride between 5 and 11 miles, your best options are the following paths: Border to Boston Trail, Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway, Independence Greenway, Manhan Rail Trail, Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, Neponset River Greenway, North Central Pathway, Northern Strand Community Trail, Old Colony Rail Trail, Province Lands Bike Trail, Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail, Shining Sea Bikeway, Southwick Rail Trail, and the Tri-Community Greenway.
For those seeking a cycling journey that’s over 11 miles but less than 25, you have several options as well. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, Charles River Bike Path, Nashua River Rail Trail, and the Upper Charles Trail all offer a longer ride.
Anyone who wants to push their endurance skills should try out the 27.5-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, 29.9-mile Blackstone River Greenway, or the 48.4-mile Mass Central Rail Trail.
Trails for Mountain Bikers
Mountain bikers seeking to conquer challenging terrain have fewer options than road cyclists, but you do have your choice of the following trails: Goffstown Rail Trail, Mine Falls Park, Border to Boston Trail, Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Fremont Branch), Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch), or the Mass Central Rail Trail. These trails range from a 5.5-mile trek up to 48.4 miles.
Other Popular Biking Options
For an active and fun day out, the following trails are great for families and groups of riders of all levels: Babson Boulder, Babson Reservoir Dogtown Loop Trail, Goose Cove Reservoir, Gloucester Biking Loop, Whales Jaw Trail, Dykes Meadow Reservoir Loop, Haskell’s Pond Loop, Good Harbor Beach, as well as the Pipe Line, Fire Tower, and Morse Hill. These trails differ greatly in length, views, and terrain.
Out of the routes mentioned above, the Gloucester Biking Loop will be your longest ride at 24.8 miles. Remember, you can make any lengthy trail ride as long or as short as you’d like. It’s your ride, enjoy it!
Gear Matters
To prevent things like chafing, skin burns, over-exhaustion, or just plain discomfort, dress appropriately and adjust your bike to fit you. Your gear should include a bike lock, bike lights, water bottle cage, bike repair kit, helmet, shoes suited to the bike’s pedals, breathable and weatherproof attire, jacket, gloves, eye protection, sunscreen, performance food, cell phone, and a water bottle. If you have space in your backpack or bike pouch, it’s never a bad idea to carry a small first-aid kit with you.
The type of bike you ride is contingent upon budget, terrain, and style. It is recommended that you choose wisely. If you plan on riding for many years, it is best to purchase reliable and sturdy equipment to avoid replacing it too often.
Caution and Safety
There’s nothing more disappointing than a moment that turns your ride from marvelous to a nightmare. All it takes is one second of not paying attention to regret a riding decision. For everyone’s safety and comfort, the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition has set some rules and regulations in place that all bikers must abide by.
– Obey all traffic rules
– Use hand signals for turning and stopping
– Pedestrians have the right of way
– Use audible signals before passing pedestrians and other riders
– Two (side by side) riders are allowed but not near traffic or while passing
– Seat must be permanently attached to your bicycle
– Keep one hand on your handlebars at all times
– Anyone 16 years of age or older must wear a helmet
– Use a white headlight and red tailgate (or ankle) reflector after sunset
– Notify police of any accidents, injuries, or damages over $100
Other safety measures to consider are to always check your equipment before riding, limit your distractions, ride as if you’re a car, stay off the sidewalks, stay in your lane, and stay aware at all times.
Heading out
Now you have gathered some important information on biking in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Part of the reward of riding is being able to ride in one of the most beautiful locations on the east coast. With more than 77 trails covering 365 miles, finding a trail that suits you should be easy. The only challenge you will face is which one to start with.