Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro Route

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

This loop covers some of the best trails that the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest has to offer. From the parking area, this ride explores the singletrack, rocks, and some roads throughout the network. The difficulty ranges from easy to challenging and not every feature encountered has a ride-around. Plan on spending a couple hours exploring and having fun!

Trails are not always well marked, but navigating is still relatively easy. The trails at LDT are generally uncrowded and if you visit on a mid-week morning, you'll likely have the place to yourself.

From the parking lot, head north past the gate to the start of Zipper (also know as Hidden). Zipper is mostly flowing singletrack, but there are a few short climbs and drops mixed in before you reach the intersection with AmeriCorps Trail. Head right along this short but fun trail that skirts the water's edge. You'll also get to check out the famous "Y" log ride.

Cross over the road to enter Deerhunter. This trail is a mix of moderately rocky and mellower sections as it coils along the edge of the Spruce Swamp. A couple of the wetter sections are rock armored to minimize the mud. The exit to Carney Road is a little root-laden, but nothing unmanageable.

Head left on the road for a short distance until reaching the bench next to maker D3. Turn right and look for the start of B-Town about 25 yards to the southeast.

B-Town gets more playful with fun rock features mixed in with the smooth, twisty singletrack. Most of the big features are pretty straightforward, but they are worth scoping out first, or just use one of the frequent ride-arounds. At the next service road, cross over onto Upper Valley Trail. Expect many short elevation changes as the trail meanders along a ridge. There are plenty of natural rock features to play on, but not all have a ride-around.

Keep going past the intersections with either end of the Lower Valley Loop trail, soon Upper Valley Trail ends at another road. On the other side, head into the Gumpus Trail for the best singletrack in LDT.

Gumpus Trail ties together choice rock features as riders wind their way north. This enjoyable trail serves up plenty of tight turns, rolling terrain, and rocky singletrack. Most of the bigger features also have ride-arounds. Gumpus Trail ends back on Carney Road. This time, head left on the road past the swamp until taking a left on the D1 to D7 Connector.

Follow this south to the start of Claypit Brook (next to a rusty gate post). The trail is pretty well stocked with interesting rock features as it continues southwest near the water. After passing the beaver dam, the trail drops into a wet section with some rock armoring, a rock bridge, and a tricky pinch-point. Take a right at the intersection onto the doubletrack and then a right on the Carney to Trotting Connector. Pretty soon, you'll see the L7 to L1 Connector heading to the left for a short return trip back to the parking area.