1.
Water Tower Trail – Pine Hills loop from Manomet
16.1km
01:30
260m
260m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best MTB trails in Manomet Recreation Area
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 31, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking in Manomet Recreation Area, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. It’s tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these trails, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best mountain bike trails in Manomet Recreation Area, saving you the guesswork.
Mountain biking here is all about cruising through a beautiful mixed upland forest, with diverse tree species and the tranquil presence of Indian Brook creating pond-like features. It’s a less technical riding experience, characterized by moderate hills that offer a good workout without being overly challenging, making it suitable for a range of skill levels. Parking and trailheads are conveniently located behind the playground, making access a breeze.
If you only do one ride, we'd start with the popular Water Tower Trail – Manomet Hill loop from Manomet. At 9.9 miles (15.9 km), it’s a fantastic way to experience the varied forest and moderate climbs. For a quicker outing that’s still packed with charm, the Cleft Rock Trail Loop is an easy 3.3 miles (5.3 km) path that offers a gentle ride. More than 20 mountain bikers have already explored Manomet Recreation Area with komoot, so dive in and discover your next favorite ride!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Tower Trail – Pine Hills loop from Manomet | 16.1 km | 260 m | Easy |
| Cleft Rock Trail Loop | 5.33 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Pine Hills – Manomet Hill loop from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station | 10.5 km | 170 m | Easy |
| Miles Standish State Forest – Long & Easy Loop | 44.1 km | 210 m | Moderate |
2.
Cleft Rock Trail Loop
5.33km
00:29
70m
70m
The Cleft Rock Trail Loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through thick woodlands in Plymouth, Massachusetts. You'll navigate mostly singletrack paths that weave up and down short hills, encountering natural features like rocks and roots. The trail system is known for its blend of natural terrain and constructed elements such as berms and bridge work, providing a varied and engaging ride for all skill levels. It's a great option for a quick, fun outing.
Planning your visit to the Cleft Rock Trail Loop is straightforward, as it's located on publicly accessible land within the Pine Hills network. There are no permits or fees required to enjoy these trails. Given that some of the wooden features are not pressure-treated, it's wise to inspect them before riding. This area is a popular spot for mountain biking, so arriving earlier in the day might offer a quieter experience.
What makes the Cleft Rock Trail Loop notable is its location within the larger Pine Hills Plymouth MA mountain biking network, on land owned by the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant. This unique setting provides a publicly accessible recreational area with a mix of trail difficulties. While the loop itself is easy, the broader network includes more challenging sections like the Cleft Rock DH, which features drops and rock gardens, catering to a wide range of riders.
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3.
Pine Hills – Manomet Hill loop from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station
10.5km
00:59
170m
170m
The Pine Hills – Manomet Hill loop offers a unique mountain biking adventure through diverse woodlands and glacial terrain. You'll ride through dense mixed upland forests, encountering natural features like rocks and roots, with occasional glimpses of Shallow Pond. This 6.5-mile (10.5 km) route, with 545 feet (166 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes around 59 minutes, making it a great option for a quick, engaging ride.
Access to the Manomet Hill mountain biking trails is generally from the area near the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. While some sections are easy, the area is known for its varied difficulty, with more technical "Nuclear Trails" north of Route 3A. Riders will find a range of man-made features like skinnies and jumps, allowing you to tailor your ride to your skill level. Be aware that this is an unsanctioned riding area.
What makes this area stand out is the blend of natural singletrack and challenging man-made features, many of which are optional. The "Nuclear Trails" are particularly notable for being located behind the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and maintained by the plant, offering a distinctive riding experience. It's a fantastic spot for intermediate to expert riders seeking advanced mountain bike routes Plymouth MA, but also accommodates those looking for a less technical spin.
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4.
Miles Standish State Forest – Long & Easy Loop
44.1km
03:19
210m
210m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
mtm05005
June 18, 2024, Water Tower Trail
The Water Tower Trail is a somewhat challenging single track trail. The trail runs in both directions, and depending on where you start, you will have either a gradual climb or a fun descent.
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mtm05005
June 18, 2024, Cleft Rock Park Mountain Bike Trails
Cleft Rock Park has several miles of mountain biking trails that wind through thick woodland. There are several different levels of trails in the park, so there should be a trail for everyone.
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Alex
February 20, 2024, Boathouse at Five Mile Pond
The boathouse sits beside Five Mile Pond in Myles Standish State Forest. If you're seeking a spot for camping, swimming, and road cycling, this picturesque park is an ideal destination for you.
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LadyDi
April 5, 2022, Boathouse at Five Mile Pond
The boathouse is located at Five Mile Pond in Myles Standish State Forest. If you’re looking for a place to camp, swim, and ride your mountain bike this beautiful park the perfect place for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of mountain biking experience can I expect in Manomet Recreation Area?
Mountain biking in Manomet Recreation Area primarily offers multi-use trails through a mixed upland forest. The trails are generally less technical, featuring moderate hills and occasional views of Indian Brook and Shallow Pond. They are well-suited for leisurely rides, hybrid or gravel bikes, and those new to off-road cycling, rather than advanced technical mountain biking.
How many mountain bike trails are available in Manomet Recreation Area?
There are 4 mountain bike trails detailed in this guide for Manomet Recreation Area. These routes cater to various preferences, with 3 rated as easy and 1 as moderate.
Are there any loop trails for mountain biking in Manomet Recreation Area?
Yes, there are several loop trails available. For example, you can explore the Water Tower Trail – Manomet Hill loop from Manomet, which is 9.9 miles long, or the shorter Cleft Rock Trail Loop at 3.3 miles.
Are the mountain bike trails in Manomet Recreation Area suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The trails in Manomet Recreation Area are generally less technical and feature moderate hills, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. Many routes, like the Water Tower Trail loop from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, are rated as easy.
Can I bring my dog on the mountain bike trails?
Yes, dogs are permitted on leash within the Indian Brook Conservation Area, which is accessible from Manomet Recreation Area. Please ensure your dog remains leashed and you follow all local regulations.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see along the trails?
The trails wind through a diverse mixed upland forest with trees like white pine, pitch pine, and oak. You'll also encounter Indian Brook, which has been dammed to create a pond-like feature, and may catch distant views of Shallow Pond.
Is there parking available for mountain bikers at Manomet Recreation Area?
Manomet Recreation Area is a town-owned facility with amenities, and it serves as an access point to the Indian Brook Conservation Area. Parking is generally available at the recreation area itself. For more detailed information on local trail access and parking, you might find the Plymouth trail information page helpful.
Are e-bikes or motorized bicycles allowed on the trails?
No, motorized vehicles, including motorized bicycles and scooters (unless used by individuals with mobility impairments), are explicitly prohibited on all town walking trails within Plymouth's conservation areas, which includes the trails accessible from Manomet Recreation Area.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Manomet Recreation Area?
The trails are suitable for riding during most seasons. However, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Winter riding is possible, but trail conditions may vary with snow and ice. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Are there any more challenging mountain biking options nearby if I'm looking for something more advanced?
While Manomet Recreation Area's trails are generally less technical, for those seeking more challenging mountain biking experiences, nearby regions like Myles Standish State Forest and Pine Hills offer extensive networks of technical trails with diverse terrain. One such route is the Miles Standish State Forest – Long & Easy Loop.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Manomet Recreation Area?
Over 20 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Manomet Recreation Area's varied terrain. Riders often appreciate the area for its accessible, multi-use trails and the opportunity for leisurely rides through the mixed upland forest.
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