6 Best Dirt Bike Trails in CT: Connecticut

Connecticut is known for its long rivers, beautiful lakes, and large forests. It offers a wide variety of terrain perfect for dirt bike riding. So, where are some of the best dirt bike trails in Connecticut?

Connecticut has some excellent dirt bike trails and motocross clubs. Enjoy a challenge at Thomaston Dam or explore the miles of trails in Pachaug State Forest. Before heading out, register your dirt bike and check each trail’s website for conditions and hours.

Here are the 6 best dirt bike trails in Connecticut:

1. Thomaston Dam
2. Pachaug State Forest
3. Milford Riders MX Club
4. Cockaponset State Forest
5. Shenipsit State Forest
6. Central Cycle Club

You can’t go wrong picking Connecticut for your next dirt bike adventure. Whether you’re new to dirt biking or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone. Get out there and discover what the Constitution State has to offer. Let’s dive in and explore some of Connecticut’s best dirt bike trails in detail.

6 Best Dirt Bike Trails in CT

1. Thomaston Dam

Thomaston Dam is one of the top destinations in Connecticut for dirt bike riders, offering 800 acres and 12 miles of trail. The trail is relatively moderate, with some ruts, mud, and rocky terrain. Besides dirt biking, you can also enjoy activities, such as fishing. Only dirt bikes and motorcycles are permitted. Make sure you have a permit and a spark arrestor. In the winter, you can snowmobile and ski.

Enjoy Thomaston Dam’s scenery as you discover birches, maples, oaks, hemlocks, and pines. You might also spot eagles, herons, minks, foxes, and beavers.

Avoid riding when there’s heavy rain because of flooding caused by the dam itself. Not only that, you might be forced to wait for days before you can ride if the trail needs to dry out first or undergo repairs. To increase your chances of avoiding problems during your stay in the area, make sure to check conditions and weather forecast before traveling to Thomaston Dam.

You can also prepare by bringing other equipment or items if you’ll have no choice but to try different activities. In Thomaston Dam, you can go fishing in the river or smaller bodies of water like brooks.

2. Pachaug State Forest

The Pachaug State Forest is the biggest state forest in Connecticut, spanning 26,477 acres. The forest’s gigantic size covers six different towns: Preston, North Stonington, Plainfield, Sterling, Voluntown, and Griswold.

There are many dirt bike trails to explore, open year-round, except mud season. There are also many trails for hiking and horseback riding, so be sure to stay on designated dirt bike paths. You’ll come across small red arrows to navigate through the forest. Other trails will have blue markings.

Register your dirt bike, and don’t forget to bring your license. Note that only street-legal dirt bikes can be ridden on some trails in Pachaug State Forest. Find out more on the Connecticut General Assembly site.

Dirt bike sections include the Green Falls and Chapman areas. They’re suitable for all skill levels with some rocky, uneven terrain.

3. Milford Riders MX Club

One of the best dirt bike tracks in CT is the Milford Riders MX Club. It’s a private track, only available to club members only. You might have to wait a white to join, as the waiting list is quite long, but it’s worth it. Enjoy fun days of riding with food and drinks. The track is not too big nor too small, just the right size for an exciting day on your dirt bike while enjoying a wide variety of terrain. There are flat surfaces for beginners, rocky sections, and elevated areas.

You might have to walk with your dirt bike for a while if you want to reach the pits. Just like most trail systems, the location can get muddy in the rain.

As a member, you get to be a part of a friendly community where everybody shares your enthusiasm as a biker and provides a fantastic off-road experience. You can even have friendly competitions with your fellow club members by participating in annual events.

4. Cockaponset State Forest

While Pachaug State Forest is the primary state forest in Connecticut, the Cockaponset State Forest takes the second spot. It is the second-biggest state forest in Connecticut, with 17,000-acres of land. The forest is technically in Middlesex County since it only covers a small portion of New Haven County.

Nearby communities include Middlefield, Middletown, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Guilford, Durham, Killingworth, Deep River, Chester, and Haddam.

Riding your dirt bike in the Cockaponset State Forest isn’t just about exploring the trail. You can participate in a racing competition at least once a year.

When taking a break from dirt bike riding, you can go hiking or visit Pattaconk Lake for stunning views or a swim. For a challenge, you can head to the Pine Ledge for rock climbing, which features a 60-foot cliff. The Pine Ledge even has more trails for off-roading, although it’s better for ATVs, Jeeps, and other 4WD vehicles.

It’s a no-brainer that this forest is a popular destination since it’s packed with activities. However, a prominent public place is also a double-edged sword because it also means more waste and louder crowds due to the higher number of visitors. For the past few years, people have noticed a significant increase in the quantity of trash lying around.

Many bikers are also disappointed with the lack of challenge in several areas due to flat surfaces without elevation. They also don’t like consistent heavy traffic.

5. Shenipsit State Forest

Even though it’s not as big as Pachaug and Cockaponset forests, the Shenipsit State Forest still offers several outdoor activities and dirt bike trails. It’s on the northeastern side of Connecticut, with its coverage reaching Stafford, Ellington, and Somers.

What can you expect in the forest? Interestingly, you’ll see many prehistoric boulders existing since the Ice Age, perfect for photos.

The trails there aren’t just for dirt bikes. Spend a weekend skiing in the winter, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.

Just like the Cockaponset State Forest, this location holds racing events, too. You can visit the forest every year to participate as long as you register your dirt bike in Connecticut.

This destination isn’t perfect. Some of its trails are too short, forcing you to go back or look for another route. You might also lose your way because of incomplete directions and poorly marked spots.

6. Central Cycle Club

Central Cycle Club is a well-maintained motocross course open to members only. Enjoy races, practices, and other fun events. The primary track is well-maintained, providing a smooth and fast ride with some moderate tabletops. There’s also a peewee track with whoops and jumps.

Conclusion – 6 Best Dirt Bike Trails in CT

To summarize, here are the 6 best dirt bike trails in Connecticut:

1. Thomaston Dam
2. Pachaug State Forest
3. Milford Riders MX Club
4. Cockaponset State Forest
5. Shenipsit State Forest
6. Central Cycle Club

Although our list is short, it’s easier to choose a destination when you finally visit, especially if you’re going to focus on its forests.

All of them are public areas, except for the Clubs. If that’s your ideal location, register first for your membership. Before heading out to ride, make sure to visit the trail or the club website for more information on rules, conditions, and hours. Have fun exploring some of the best dirt bike trails in Connecticut!