Can anyone please share info on any public class 3+ or 4 roads in Eastern Mass for some light off-roading? Looking to do some practice and instruction with my wife. I know a bunch in Western Mass, but almost none east of worcester (don't have a full day next weekend to drive west of Conn river and back)
I know road/trail use is somewhat controversial; (i.e. if its mis-used its gone), so many may be reluctant to publicly share, but ya can't score the shots you don't take in life... To that extent PMs welcome
There's nothing legal in central or eastern Mass. (unless it's the world's best kept secret) except for a few very mild -- as in 4x4 not really required -- fire roads in the Freetown State Forest in Fall River -- a little over an hour from Cambridge. But maybe that's what your looking for? Rally roads? Be sure to stop at the office and pick up a map if you go there. There are roads in the park you are NOT allowed on and it's your responsibity to know which is which.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you're looking for roads that require 4x4 Barrington, NH is 90 mins from Cambridge and has plenty of beginner-friendly unmainted roads (these are called "Class VI" roads in NH -- not Class IV). IMHO you're much better heading north to NH versus south to Freetown if you're looking for some easy 4x4 stuff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I suspect this isn't what you were hoping to hear, but I hope it helps. PM me if you want to know more about Class VI roads in NH.
Agreed, being near Alewife I can reach some ok roads just east of the conn river in approx 90 minutes too. Was hoping to find a little gem a bit closer to coach the wife on. Anytime I get north of Manchester or west of Amherst I always seem to loose a full day of time and a hundred bux in gas.....
We'll be perusing Franklin County soon, after we get a OHV pass.....
What sort of "light off-roading" are we talking about here? I was assuming the Land Cruiser since you posted your question here.
If so, no OHV sticker required in NH as long as you stick to the Class VI roads (which you have to do anyway -- have to stay off the ATV trails and/or unlike Mass., no OHV sticker required if you're on private land (with permission).
Idea: FJNortheasters has a NH event going in the area I was suggesting the first weekend of June -- including a stock-friendly / easier run as long as we get a minimum of 4 vehicles signed up (right now there are two). Doesn't cost anything to join FJNE or participate in this event but you will have to register on the FJNortheasters website to sign up. Keep an eye on your SPAM folder for the confirmation email -- new folks sometimes miss their confirmation email depending on their SPAM settings.
Once you're registered go to the homepage and then click on the link in the homepage article about "Spring Fling 2012." FJNortheaters is primarily a FJ Cruiser crowd but we have a number of Land Cruiser owners, 4Runner owners, etc. who wheel with us. It's a very welcoming group.
What: Our poker run is a trail ride through some scenic Class VI roads with check points along the route where you will draw a playing card. The best poker hand wins half the surplus money from the days take. Score cards are $20 and any one (passengers) in the vehicle can purchase as many as they like.
We will also be grilling burger and dogs after the ride though you may want to pack some snacks or a light lunch for along the way. Any added treats to share after the ride would be greatly appreciated.
Who: Anyone who meets the vehicle requirements. Vehicles should be legally registered and insured and have a min 31" aggressive tread tire and front and rear recovery points.
