The adaptive-friendly trail is notable. How are accessibility and inclusivity shaping the overall trail system? For many people, the idea of adaptive mountain biking( aMTB) is still relatively new. Adaptive mountain bikes are specially designed cycles, often three- or four-wheeled, and sometimes electric-assist, that allow riders to experience true single track. While these networks exist in places like Vermont, this effort represents a first-of-its-kind for Massachusetts. By building these standards into the network from the beginning, we’ re creating a system that ensures the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors are accessible to as many people as possible.
Projects of this scale don’ t happen in a vacuum. Who has been critical in helping Shaker Ridge Trails move from vision to reality? Shaker Ridge has really only been possible because of an extraordinary network of partners. First, our landowner partners have shown an incredible level of trust and long-term commitment to ensuring this land is protected and thoughtfully open to the public. Their willingness to see outdoor recreation as a community asset has set the tone for everything that’ s followed. We’ ve also had unwavering support from the New England Mountain Bike Association( NEMBA), our professional trail builders, funders, and early donors who believed in the vision before there was anything tangible to see on the ground. We’ ve also benefited from strong collaboration with state partners, local officials, and adjacent land managers who recognize the broader economic, health, and quality of life benefits this project brings to the Berkshires.
Beyond single-track trails, what sort of infrastructure improvements are being made at Shaker Ridge? A huge amount of work has gone into improving the existing woods roads, which are essential for safely moving equipment, materials, and providing access for emergency first responders. This year will also bring major visitor-facing infrastructure. Plans are underway for a parking area for over 100 cars, and we’ ve begun design work on a mid-mountain skills park and hub. The hub offers some of the best views in Berkshire County and will be a gathering place for the community.
What can riders and the broader community expect when the trails open to the public this fall? Our goal is to have 12 to 15 miles of trail completed and officially open. The trails will be free and open to the public. We’ re also envisioning a series of soft opening events, community ride days, and guided experiences to welcome people to the network. Once open, we’ ll remain focused on fundraising and construction to complete Phase I, which includes the full thirty-mile trail network and skills park and hub.
Are there opportunities for the public to get involved, volunteer, or learn more as the project moves toward opening? Absolutely. We’ ll be announcing several volunteer trail work days throughout the season. These are a great way to learn more about sustainable trail construction and contribute to something lasting. Beyond that, we’ re always eager to connect with people who want to play an active role in outreach or stewardship. Shaker Ridge is a community-driven project, and that shared investment is what gives us confidence as we head into this next phase. n
For info, visit shakerridgetrails. com or follow @ shakerridgetrails on Instagram.
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Spring 2026 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 79