Trail Profile: Cutler Park

Cutler Park used to be a well-kept secret among locals. But as more and more discovered the great singletrack this place has to offer, it has become less and less that way. It is my local spot, so I know it really well. I am always discovering new singletrack trails there, and they aren't as technical as other trails in the Boston area. I made a map with unofficial trail names to show these routes. Green routes are easy, blue ones are moderate, and black ones are challenging (by Cutler Park standards). See below for trail descriptions.

Needham Trail: The most fun trail in the area in my opinion. It isn't exactly part of Cutler Park, but it is just across the highway. It is a fast, flowing singletrack with many twists and drops that seems to go on forever. Eventually, you can either go past a parking lot at what I think is an assisted living center, or you can keep going, eventually going under the train tracks.

Hill Trails: These enjoyable trails go up and down the ridges and slopes of one of Cutler Park's hilly areas. The one nearest to the highway is the most challenging. It's not quite as fast as the needham trail though, and is slightly more technical.

Lake Loop: The scenic beginner route. This trail goes around the lake and is the access route to Cutler Park's more exciting trails. It is a flat dirt road also often used by dog walkers.

Passageway: So many tree roots on the trail which makes it challenging. I tend to avoid it as there are also tree branches that close in on you which make parts of the trail flat-out annoying.

Cove Trail: The somewhat technical route that brings you to the Canyon and Marshland Trails. More scenic than other trails in the area.

Ridge Trail: The first half of this trail clings to the edge of the hill and can be a challenge. The second half is more challenging and goes on the ridge near the highway. Before you get to the fun part on the second half, there is an annoying section with muddy holes and lots of tree roots. I recccomend getting of your bike at this part. After that, the climb is long by Boston standards, but you'll be rewarded with some fun roller-coaster secctions. There's also a big up-and down section that gives you more monentum to get up the other side if you're going towards the lake rather than the boardwalk.

Canyon: This trail is in between the ridge trail and the southern part of the Cove Trail. It is really fun to ride downhill.

Marshland Trail: This trail goes along a boardwalk, past powell's Island, and then to this annoying swampy, rooty section before it goes under the train tracks. The fun sections are few in number. For me, this is an access route.

Powell's Island Loop: An easy, twisty, fun loop that's great for practicing those tight turns. It isn't technical and it's great fun. Good scenery as well. It's always over before I want it to be.

Railroad Trail: Straight and boring near the train tracks.

Dirt Track: A tiny little loop with some enjoyable jumps. There's also some trails that venture into the woods off of it.

Boardwalk Trail: This trail is mostly taken up by the longest boardwalk in the park. Other than that, it's pretty boring.

Town Trails: These trails are near the roads and are mostly flat. There's nothing special here.

Pine Island Trails: Enjoyable doubletrack through the woods. Scenic where it reaches the river.

Park Forest Trail: Route can be confusing and its pretty flat.

Northeast Trail: Just another flat doubletrack.

Dead End Trail: You have a nice flow and then suddenly, its a dead end where it reaches the marshes. Sort of annoying.

Parking Lot Trail: The trail through the woods near the parking lot. Sort of fun, but can't match the trails on the other side.

Newton Connection: Slightly more challenging than other trails in the area, but mostly boring.

As you can see, the best trails are the ones closer to the lake and Powell's Island. I only do the other stuff when I want to ride further.