Rick Swan Trails at Perch Pond

While this trail system was primarily designed for bikers, it can also be a nice place to walk, especially if you hike Shore Trail along Perch Pond. Also known as Mud Pond, the undeveloped pond is not terribly appealing for swimming (rocky, murky), but you could easily splash in from one of the spots where there is a break in the brush. (Note that about midway along the trail, it abruptly turns inland (on the 9 to 5 Trail) to avoid a wet section. Older maps show the trail continues along the pond.)

The trail system at times feels a bit antiquated and forgotten, especially the two trails — at the north and south ends — that are designated for hikers. Their moldering bog bridges make for atmospheric photos, though! The hiking trail called Spruce Trail, at the north end, seems especially unused — with grassy sections and a tricky stretch through a forest wetland. It’s easy to want to skip it because the nearby bike paths are more charming.

When I visited, none of the bike trails were blazed, but they were mostly easy to follow. Tagging ribbons helped in a lot of places. At each intersection, you’ll find trail signs, and also in many places, a map. The trails are mostly single track interlaced with wider dirt roads (more like grassy lanes), which help with orientation.

The trails are groomed for fat biking in the winter, according to several signs I saw. (Snowshoers and skiers are also welcome to use the groomed trails.) While there are many miles of trails, the terrain is relatively flat, so if you’re at ease on technical trails with roots and rocks, you could bike a long way.

There are three places to park, two with small lots. I recommend parking at either the south lot, on Poplar Street, or at the far northern gate off Kirkland Road, and then making your way to Perch Pond. Another highlight is the beaver pond (marked on my map).

If you like gnomes, you might see a few in various costumes guarding the trail!

Directions: Two parking areas are accessed off the unpaved section of Kirkland Road. If you’re coming from the east, the first little lot is about 2.7 miles from the junction with Poplar Road. The next parking area, at a gated entrance, is 0.6 miles farther west along Kirkland Road. There is a third small lot is off Poplar Street,