Overview
Maple Swamp Conservation Area is 500 acres of land composed of 25 different parcels and features some of the most diverse topography on Cape Cod. Reaching from 40 to 250 feet above sea level, It offers spectacular views all the way from Cape Cod Bay to Vineyard Sound. Tree species present here include oaks, pines, holly, hickory, and maples.
Note: Mountain bikers must remain on designated trails only – riding is prohibited on Jacob’s Ladder Trail, Ridgeway Trail and West South Hill Trail.
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Area Details
Maple Swamp is located near East Sandwich, MA at the Barnstable town line. Generally considered a intermediate to advanced level network, it contains roughly 18 miles of trails, covering two distinct areas: Maple Swamp to the northeast and Oak Ridge to the southwest.
Most of the newer trails in Maple Swamp can be best described as fast flowy singletrack with short, punchy climbs and minimal technical sections. The terrain here is mainly packed dirt and loam with hardpack berms in various sections to promote extra momentum. Many of these trails were bench cut into the area’s existing hilly topography and, thus, have a distinctly ridgeline pattern to their routing.
Maple Swamp’s original trail system began on both sides of the powerlines at Chase Rd. in Sandwich off Exit 4. They were simply an extension of the West Barnstable Conservation Area motocross trails cut back in the 1970s. Most of these older trails have been retired (and new singletrack cut around them) due to advanced erosion and lack of proper maintenance.
All of the newer NEMBA sanctioned sections within the network are well-marked with simple clear signage. Many of these trails were designed for intermediate mountain bikers with some degree of riding skills. There are also several black (more technical) rated trails, mainly concentrated at the north (upper) end of the system. Those sections are designated for advanced to expert level riders only.