Lynn Woods - Bow Ridge HIKE / Expert Level MTB-Ride

Open in the App

Lynn, MA, US

Show 18 more photos

Route Overview

All Day Adventures

Hiking, Cyclo-Cross, MTB, Fat Bike, Road Bike: in Eastern Mass, and New England www.AllDayAdventures.org

6 mi.

509 ft.

Great 4-5 hour Hike over very rugged terrain. Amazing views and 1000's of unique geological rock formations. Also an Expert Level Mountain Bike ride.

Send to Device Advanced Export View Standard Route (with cuesheet)

Route Details

The **Bow Ridge Hike and Expert Level Mountain Bike Ride** hits the most beautifully-rugged terrain you will find in the Greater Boston Area.

[**www.AllDayAdventures.org**](https://www.alldayadventures.org)

The geological features of this park are absolutely stunning and on full display throughout this hike.  Most of the geologic features are bare granite surfaces and glacial boulders that have been deposited on the landscape. Do not let the GPS fool you. There is over 1200 feet of climbing here. There are dozens of 20-30 foot up/downs that will not get counted by the GPS.

**Expert Opinion - Riding at Lynn Woods:**   <http://reviews.mtbr.com/jeff-lenosky-trail-boss-lynn-woods-massachusetts>

The Trail **"Wicked Hard"** featured in the above *Link* is on this route, starting at **Mile 3.3**

As a **Hiker**, expect a lot of rock scrambles, climbing opportunities, and boulder hoping.  You will want real hiking boots - poles are not necessary.  Expect 3 – 5 hours hiking time for 6 miles.

As a **Mountain Biker** you will want full-suspension, full protective gear, and a riding buddy.  You do not want to ride these trails alone because of injury risks. Expect 2 – 3 hours riding time for 6 miles.

**For Either:** You want 70 oz water, and a lunch.
Starting at the Ball-Field parking lot on Great Woods Road:

**Hikers** can cut across the ball field and climb straight up the hill.

**Bikers** you can enter the same trail over at the Stone Chimney 200 yards away.

**On the Trail:** First feature you will see at the top of this hill climb is a @poi[crag](3157455).  Take a moment to scale to the top of this @photo[crag](2389478) for a nice view.  As always, any rock formation you want to climb, go for it. *You are here to explore.*

If you are on a bike, there is a huge network of trails up here, feel free to explore.  The route I selected gets you from one end of the ridge to the other. All trails are an option, be warned a few will take you down + off of the ridge, which means you will have to climb up again...

Some of this park I call the @photo[Moon-Scape](2388641), since it looks very alien in the snow. Once up top you will see for yourself.  One prominent location you must see is a rock called @poi[A-Frame](3157456).  A 30 foot tall boulder that has a large sloping surface.

Just down the trail from A-Frame is the reason why this is an expert level mountain bike ride.  Jumping from Boulder-top to @photo[Boulder-top](2388644) is the norm here.  Hike-a-bike is the norm here.

From here you head up to some hilltops where the @photo[giant boulders](2388648) are everywhere you look, and many @poi[granite rocks](3157457) for your climbing and @photo[biking pleasures](2456120).   Many path choices in a large patchwork of trails. Stay on the provided route, or pick your own path.  Eventually, you will need to re-join the original planned route.

At some hilltops you will be able to see Walden Pond through the trees.  From here you can see the East side of the park, and a few peaks of Boston along the way.  Stone Tower can be seen from many locations. If you see the @poi[Green Water Tower](3157459), that is your current destination.

After the water tower, there are some @poi[rock scrambles](3157461) to circumvent the housing development intrusions. A small 50 acre section was taken, but a big disruption to the beauty of the park.

Once past this area, you will finish the remainder of the @photo[Bow Ridge](2389484) section of this hike.  There are lots of amazing trails for hiking and biking.  It is easy to get an 8 hour hike on this side of the park. (See Lynn Woods, West Side Hike)

At the 1/2 way point you will head down to the @photo[Weetamoo Cliff](2456108) for a quick climb.  Still rugged terrain, but these trails are shrouded by the forest canopy.  This zig-zag trail has many off-shoots, but you will eventually work your way up to @poi[Weetamoo Cliff](3157464).  While the trail routes around the summit, I do recommend you go to the top for a view. It is one of the highest points of this hike.

From here is a quick hike over to @poi[Flat Rock](3157465) a meeting place for many cyclist.  The route then continues to the Overlook Trail which will have a few overlook views of the @poi[Walden Pond](3157468) from high up on cliff tops.

Crossing the **Bog Bridge**, you head over to **Sandy Beach** and onto **Ox Pasture Road**, which will take you back to your starting location. Enjoy the Hike/Bike.

Lynn Woods - Bow Ridge HIKE / Expert Level MTB-Ride

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by All Day Adventures

Sign Up

Share link

Share via email

Embedded widget

Get the Ride with GPS mobile app!