Attention Riders: In 2006, a large area of GRSF was harvested for lumber. More tree harvesting is planned for GRSF in the coming years.  Although it seems like a perfect opportunity to explore and develop new trails, the other (non-motorized) users have expressed concerns about any expansion of motorized trail use in the forest and want these fresh cut areas to have a chance to grow back in.

Past conversations with local DCR staff indicated a willingness to consider relocating some trail away from perpetually flooded soil and the connection of a dead end to make a loop.  The local staff cannot make or allow any changes without senior management permission and that is contingent upon the planned release of the DCR's comprehensive, new, Multi-use/ORV trail maintenance and development guidelines.  We're still waiting!

It seems that we as riders cannot move this great and cumbersome bureaucracy but we can help keep them from blaming our behavior for their inaction.

Please ride only on the marked ORV trails!

This is the only State Forest in Eastern Mass that allows ATVs.

For it's small size (1,112 acres) it is an interesting and fun little place to ride.  There is no sign to direct you there on Route 97.  From I-95 take Route 97 west.  When you see the sign that you have entered Georgetown, look for Pingree Farm Rd on your right.  This is a narrow residential road so take it easy through there.  Follow it to the end.

There is only very limited parking near the entrance. There is room for a couple more vehicles about 50 yards in from the entrance. There's no real good turn-around area past the entrance (but I managed to do it with out having to drop my trailer and turn the truck and trailer separately).

This place does not have a full time attendant sitting in a gate house but the Environmental Police do visit frequently.

 There is one small section that is often badly flooded and impassible.   Some overgrowth and blow-downs need to be cleared.  These problems could easily be addressed by an ORV club.

The local beaver population has been busy as beavers and flooded large areas.

One unique feature of this place is the abandoned overpass that gives riders a marvelous view overlooking Interstate 95.  This section of Pingree Rd. is still concrete with dirt road extending from both sides.  This is the main corridor connecting the trails here.  Please remember that ATVs are not designed for pavement so take it easy.  The other users of this multi-use trail will perceive an ATV doing wheelies as reckless behavior so don't ruin our reputation.  This subject has already been raised at a public meeting to condemn our presence.

It may not sound like it but this small out of the way place is worth checking out at least once.  When I visited I met a lot of really nice people.  ATVers, trail-bikers, mountain-bikers, and hikers were all smiling and waving at each other.  I saw evidence that horse back riders also frequent the trails there. 

With a little tender loving care for the trails and a lot of work on our public image it may be possible to save ORV access to this precious little gem of a place.

 Thumbs up for Georgetown-Rowley State Forest !!!

webmaster@massatv.org     05/01/2006