The best gravel rides in Dead Branch State Forest

This small natural area is primarily a residential neighborhood, characterized by lush greenery and a pleasing elevation change. It presents an enjoyable and challenging ride to reach this location.

Right outside of Conway State Forest is the Roaring Brook Waterfall, which you can see from Whately Road. This is a great place to stop and snap a photo before continuing on your ride.

Just at the boundary of Poland Brook Wildlife Management Area on Main Poland Road, you ride through a small notch in a large rocky cliff band. This is a neat bit of riding on a quiet, and scenic road.

From this spot on Williamsburg Road, you can see Chapel Ledge and Chapel Falls. Chapel Ledge is a little harder to see because it's a fairly tall, peak almost directly above you in the trees. You can see, however, the trailhead for a hiking trail to the top of it here. Chapel Falls is a small, but pretty waterfall below you in Chapel Brook. This is a nice spot to pause and snap a few photos but be aware of cars coming and going from the trailhead.

When the ground is dry, this trail is a joy to ride. Fully immersed in the landscape, there is little evidence of humans whilst cycling along it. Look out for the different species of tree and wildlife.

Cycling through this forest is a real joy with views below to Westfield River. The track is generally good quality with little technical difficulty.

The Westfield River is a 78-mile-long river that is a major tributary of the Connecticut River. This spot offers views of a narrow rocky canyon that the river cuts through.

Whately Center Historic District includes the historic rural village center of Whately. There are many fine homes from the federal period, along with some of the towns civic buildings such as the town hall, school and chapel. All in all this is a delightfully quaint and charming areas.