Dear Friends and Supporters,

As some of you may know, Savoy State Forest closed it's trails to all ATV users for the year 2005 season beginning April 29. We are hoping that they reconsider their decision and the trails be open soon, so, not only you can enjoy them but, keep our business and our town economic development plans alive.

We also hope that you come and stay with us despite that, we are working hard to find a way to offer our friends and customers other places to enjoy their sport.

Street legal dirt bikes and jeeps can still find places to ride in these mountains.

In the mean time, Pittsfield State Forest is open to ORV and they are about 40 minutes from us. Call us if you have any questions at (413) 662-2625

If you would like to contact anyone about the decision to close Savoy State Forest, here is a list of numbers:

Governor Romney
Office of the Governor
Room 360
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: (617) 725-4005
FAX: (617) 727-9725

State Representative Dan Bosley (617) 722-2120

Congressman John Olver (413) 442-0946

Senator Andrea Nuciforo (617) 722-1625

ATV & Off Road Vehicles Welcome to the "Ice Cream Trail"

Many of our guests are off road vehicle owners that enjoy staying with us and riding the Flat Rock Hill Trail better known as the "Ice Cream Trail" (after the ride, it has been a long standing tradition to stop at our place and have ice cream).

This is one of the few trails in Massachusetts that you can enjoy riding. This trail starts between the cabins on our property across Route 2 and goes all the way to Savoy State Forest and has been used by our guests staying at Whitcomb Summit for many years.

You can ride out from our property to the State Forest or take a 5 minute ride to the Savoy State Forest parking lot where you will find 32 more miles approximately of old logging roads and trails. There's a good mix of climbing and descending. .

Guests can use our loading dock if they need to.

The Ice Cream Trail is about 2 and half miles long to the State Forest.

We'll be happy to pack your lunch to go so you can enjoy your trip!

The Savoy Mountain State Forest is located at the top of Hoosac Mountain in the Berkshires Massachusetts. The construction of the Famous Hoosac Tunnel started in the 1851 underneath this mountain. It took several failed attempts, 200 lives and 20 years to complete this project. Many tunnel diggers claimed to have been haunted by the ghosts of two workers who died in an unexpected blast. Even today, there are many reports of ghostly activity in the Hoosac Tunnel.

In this area you can find miles of wooded trails with spectacular views and wildlife. There are several ponds and falls that you won't want to miss.

Any guests that stay at Whitcomb Summit will receive a map of the trails available in this area.

If you're looking for a place to stay with your family and ride during the riding season, Whitcomb Summit is the perfect mountain trip getaway.

Group Events & Catering

We'll be delighted to host your group events too. We can provide a broad variety of menus, ranging from a simple coffee break, lunch to go, pig roast to a sit-down dinner for your group.

Whitcomb Summit Regulations for ATVers

We love catering to ATVers however, we have a lot of guests that come to Whitcomb Summit to relax and have some quite time. Please be respectful and consider these other guests by riding at 3 miles an hour in the motel and cabins surroundings. Many atv groups prefer to rent all our facilities even if they don't use all the rooms. That way, they don't have to worry about disturbing any other guests that are not part of their group. Please inquiry about renting the whole place at a mid-week special rate or check our accommodations.

Other Trails in Massachusetts

The DCR (formerly DEM Department of Environmental Management) in partnership with several organizations has opened several State Forests and Parks in Massachusetts for the use of Off Road Vehicles.

Western Massachusetts

Savoy Mountain State Forest (Florida, Savoy, North Adams) These are 32 miles approximately of ATV and motorcycles old logging roads. These trails are remote and on top of the mountain. You could access this trail right from Whitcomb Summit or you can get to it by going west of us on Route 2, then south on Central Shaft Rd and follow the signs. For more information you can email me at carolina@whitcombsummit.com or call the offices of the Savoy State Forester at 413-663-8469.
Pittsfield State Forest (Pittsfield, Hancock) These 45 miles of trails are suitable for motorcycles and ATVs and it's located along the Massachusetts and New York border. If you're traveling on the Mass Pike, exit Route 2 and take Route 20 and follow the signs. Call the Pittsfield State Forester at 413-442-8992 for more information.
October Mountain State Forest (Lee, Lenox, Washington, Becket) In the central Berkshires you'll find 30 miles of ATV and motorcycle trails From the Mass Pike to Exit 2, take Route 20 west, make right on Center Street in Lee and then follow the signs.
For more information call the State Forester at 413-243-1778.
Beartown State Forest (Lee, Great Barrington, Monterey) The southern Berkshires offer approximately 25 miles of trails. These old logging roads are suitable for motorcycles and ATVs. Lots of tight twists & turns, short steep up and downs, plenty of rocks and roots to keep it interesting technically, some fun downhill sections. In addition to the ATV trails, the single track Bridle Trail is open to mountain bikes. It's pretty muddy in early season. From Mass Pike take exit 2 then Route 20 east, take Route 102 west, Route 7 south, Route 23 east and finally left on Blue Hill Road and follow the signs. If you get lost :) call the State Forester at 413-528-0904 for more information.
Tolland State Forest (Tolland, Sandisfield, Otis) Near the Otis Reservoir you could find 15 miles of trails that are NOT recommended for ATVs or non-road-registered motorcycles. 413-269-6002 If you still want to see it take the Mass Pike to exit 3, Route 10/202 south, Route 20 west, Route 23 west and follow the signs.

The Berkshire Trails Council assist with the management and maintenance of the above trails.

Southeastern Massachusetts

Pilgrim Sands Trail Riders and King Philip Trail Riders assist with the management and maintenance of the trails in the Southeastern Massachusetts.

Freetown-Fall River State Forest (Freetown, Fall River) These 25 miles of single track trail is good for motorcycles only (no ATVs). A lot of the trails are very rocky and require "expert" level riding. From Route 24 south take exit 10, bear left onto South Main Street, take your first right onto High Street. For more information call 508-644-5522
F. Gilbert Hills State Forest (Foxboro, Wrentham, Franklin) This is an 8 mile loop. It's mostly rocky singletrack for motorcycles (no ATVs). Other trails are available at the Wrentham and Franklin State Forest areas. Take I-95 south, Route 140 north, 3/4 around Foxboro common, bear right on South Street take a right on Mill Street and follow the signs. Call the State Forester at 508-543-5850 for more information.

Unfortunately Myles Standish State Forest is currently closed to all Off Road Vehicle use.

Northeastern Massachusetts

Minuteman Trail Riders assists with the management and maintenance of the Georgetown-Rowley State Forest.

Georgetown-Rowley State Forest (Georgetown, Rowley) This is a very small trail, approximately 5 miles of abandoned roads near I-95. Take Route 95 north, Route 97 west and look for a sign. For more information call 508-887-5931

Regulations for the use of State Forests and Parks in Massachusetts

OHV users of the State Forests must display a valid Mass. ATV registration plate or any states’ Motorcycle plate (for highway-registered trailbikes and dual-sport bikes) or risk tickets from the Fish & Game Police. Please be advise of these facts and avoid any unpleasant experiences from failure to operate within the law. Also, out-of-season or non-registered use jeopardizes the ability of the clubs responsible for the contract required for the maintenance of the State Forest trails.

These are the DCR (formerly DEM) regulations:

Off Road Vehicle (ORV) use is permitted only within the eight State Forest management mentioned above;
ORV use is permitted only on specifically marked and designated ORV trails within the 8 state forests. Designated ORV trails will be marked with trailhead signage and/or orange or yellow trail blazes;
ORV use is permitted only during a riding season beginning no earlier than May 1 and ending no later than the last Sunday of November each year;
All ORVs must be currently registered in Massachusetts per MGL c. 90 or c. 90B. The non-resident ATV registration fee is $30 for a year and $40 for MA residents for two years. You will need the following documents: Bill of Sale, Sales tax form ST-6 or ST-6E, Serial Number, Fee, Completed and Signed Application .For more information on atv registration visit Registration & Titling Bureau or email allen.millner@state.ma.us You could mail your registration to any of these offices:

251 Causeway Street, Boston, 02114 (617) 626-1610

165 Liberty Street, Springfield, 01103 (413) 733-1642

40 Southbridge Street, Worcester, 01608 (508) 753-0603

218 South Main Street, Fall River, 02721 (508) 679-8287

1019 Iyanough Rd. (Rte 132), Hyannis, 02601 (508) 771-8382

Vehicles over 1000 lbs. are prohibited from all trails at all times. Unfortunately the State Forests have been closed recently for bigger vehicles.
No person under 12 years of age may operate an ORV at any time. 12 and 13 year olds may operate, but must be directly supervised by an adult at all times.

Click here to learn more about ATV Safety Laws .

Trail's Legislations

We are aware of the hard times that off road fans are having finding trails to ride and we are active supporters to keep those trails open in Massachusetts.

If you would like more information about trails legislation or want to support the cause write us an email at carolina@whitcombsummit.com

Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We hope to count you as one of the many people who now consider Whitcomb Summit their "home" in the Berkshires.

Links

The Western Massachusetts ATV Association The Western Massachusetts ATV Association, a group member of the Berkshire Trails Council, is dedicated to Trail Maintenance, Resource Preservation, Emergency Response, and the responsible use of Trail Systems and off road motorized trail use throughout the Western Massachusetts area......and when all the works done, we enjoy an occasional ride :-)

New England All Terrain Vehicle Association

New England Trail Riders Association includes contacts, news, and events

National Trails Training Partnership!

Promote your trail through the National Recreation Trails Program

Find out which National Trails Day events are taking place in your area

Massachusetts State Forests and Parks

Statewide trail map in GIS format.

If you would like to exchange links or you have information that will help improve this site send us an email at carolina@whitcombsummit.com