Rockland Preserve: The Mountain Biker's Paradise in Madison, Connecticut

Overview

With an impressive 25-mile network of trails, Rockland Preserve in Madison, Connecticut, is a dream come true for mountain bikers. It offers a smorgasbord of trails for intermediate riders, ranging from flowy XC to technically challenging segments. What's more, this area has seen significant improvements in recent years, making it an ever-evolving playground for cyclists.

Key Trail Features

• Distance: 25 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route type: Network
• Location: Madison, Connecticut

Trail Updates and Additions

Recent years have seen noteworthy upgrades at Rockland Preserve:

• May 2014: Introduction of the Dirt Church trail and a pump track.
• September 2015: Extension of an additional 2.5-mile trail connecting Renee's Way parking lot to Bambi, along with a technical spur for advanced riders.
• January 2016: The new trails Erratica and Beeline opened, adding more diversity to the riding experience.

Trail Characteristics

Rockland Preserve is tailored for mountain biking enthusiasts, featuring a rich assortment of berms, jumps, and log rides constructed by volunteers. While it mainly focuses on flowy XC riding, the trails are generously dotted with technical sections, and "big hits" off to the side for the free-ride aficionados. Popular segments like East Loop, Dark Side, and Dirt Church pack in a diverse range of features—berms, skinnies, rollers, and even rock gardens.

Special Features

The more adventurous riders will find no shortage of obstacles. The newly-opened Erratica and Beeline trails are particularly noteworthy, featuring an array of skinnies, see-saws, and an adrenaline-pumping jump line towards the end.

Getting There and Parking

Located on Route 79 in Madison, across from Samantha Ln, Rockland Preserve offers a dirt parking lot at the trailhead, making accessibility a breeze.

User Feedback and Trail Conditions

• Positive: The trail system is well-maintained, with several users commending the excellent condition of the trails.
• Drawbacks: Some trails suffer from beaver-related flooding and frequent tree falls. The area can get busy and is occasionally closed due to environmental reasons.

Recommendations and Tips

• For first-timers, the trail could benefit from better marking. Keep an eye on trail signs or consider volunteering for trail maintenance.
• Avoid riding after heavy rains to minimize erosion.
• While the trails cater mostly to intermediate riders, there's a unanimous call for more advanced features, making it an evolving hotspot.

Final Thoughts

Rockland Preserve sets a high standard for mountain biking in Connecticut. It may not offer the lengthy downhill sections found in other locales, but it more than compensates with its well-thought-out, ever-evolving trails. With its mix of natural beauty and man-made features, Rockland offers a fulfilling biking experience that has something for everyone—from the XC lover to the free-ride enthusiast.