Courtesy of Bill MacEwen , Purple Valley NEMBA chapter president
B y T a y l o r
S t a u b a c h
Expanding Horizons NEW MOUNTING BIKE TRAILS ARE TAKING SHAPE IN THE BERKSHIRES
IN CENTRAL BERKSHIRES , the Shaker Ridge Trail collaborative , which includes the New England Mountain Bike Association ( NEMBA ) and Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort , aims to create a premier mountain bike trail network in the towns of Lanesborough and Hancock . Mountain bike trails are off-road paths with varying terrain and obstacles like rocks , roots , and jumps , designed for different skill levels from beginner to expert . Currently in the design phase , the project has seen significant milestones . In January , a local LLC owned by James and Alice Kocis called Cricket Trails acquired three parcels totaling 550 acres and committed $ 500,000 in start-up funds for trail design and initial construction . Passionate conservationists from Hoboken , New Jersey , the Kocises spend summers at their second home in Chatham , New York , and purchased the forested property known as Potter Mountain for $ 2 million . Pinnacle Trail Design LLC , located in Chatham , has been hired to complete the trail master plan , with construction scheduled to break ground by early 2025 . The project , distinguished by its scale and professionalism , will offer 25-plus miles of free trails adjacent to Jiminy Peak .
With an estimated $ 2.1 million needed to build out trail network construction and expand the network to the envisioned 100 miles , fundraising continues in earnest . The trails will cater to moun- tain bikers of all skill levels , with plans for a diverse range of routes that highlight the area ’ s natural beauty . Once completed , the Shaker Ridge Trails — a collaborative project of Jiminy Peak , New England Mountain Bike Association , Pinnacle Trail Design , and Cricket Trails LLC — are expected to elevate the profile of outdoor recreation in the Berkshires , drawing visitors and boosting the local economy .
In Williamstown , the Purple Valley NEMBA chapter is making strides with the Purple Valley Trails . This new network , located on over 800 acres on Berlin Mountain owned by the Town of Williamstown and Williams College , is the result of a community-driven effort involving local volunteers , businesses , and significant support from regional and national organizations .
The first trail , called “ Proof of Concept ,” is a 0.35 mile loop designed for riders of all abilities that opened in July . Beginning at the Berlin Mountain trailhead on 499 Berlin Road in Williamstown , this initial offering features a smooth flow with berms and rollers , providing a pump-track-like experience that can be enjoyed at any speed . A second loop is currently under construction , also accessible from the Berlin Mountain trailhead , and is expected to open in the fall , further expanding the trail network .
Looking ahead , the Purple Valley Trails project is set to grow substantially , thanks to a Trail
Accelerator grant from the International Mountain Bike Association ( IMBA ). This grant will bring world-class trail designers to Williamstown to de-velop a master plan for a 20-40 mile network . Construction on these new trails is slated to begin summer 2025 , with a focus on creating natural single-track trails enhanced with features to improve flow and enjoyment for all skill levels .
The project ’ s success is built on strong community involvement and partnerships . Landowners , community members , and mountain bike advocates , including the town of Williamstown and Williams College , have been supportive , while funding and resources have come from NEMBA , IMBA , and local businesses . This grass-roots initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration in creating sustainable recreational opportunities .
As the development of these new trail networks progresses , they promise to bring a fresh dimension to mountain biking in the Berkshires , offering both locals and visitors unparalleled access to the region ’ s stunning landscapes . n
For updates , visit shakerridgetrails . org and purplevalleytrails . org
66 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday Fall 20242023