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Hyannis Ponds Conservation Area - Willow Street Network
Overview: Located directly off Willow St. near the Yarmouth/Hyannis line, these trails were originally cut by local motocrossers back in the '70s. They are not very regularly maintained, but new sections have been recently added to by some Mid Cape-area trailmasters. The most distinguishing feature about this network is its mildly trials riding flavor.
Parking & Directions:

Willow St. Parking AreaGetting here is a snap, mainly due to the trailhead's immediate proximity to Route 6. From the highway, get off at Exit 7 and head north (bearing right at the offramp from either direction) onto Willow St. Then, look for a set of overpasses to your left. Parking is located directly underneath these structures in the form of a makeshift dirt lot.

Area Details: Willow St. Main TrailheadHyannis Ponds is heavily (and illegally) used by motocrossers on weekends, so be ready for lots of loose soil and rutted out climbing/descents. You can access the trails from one of two directions: directly behind the parking lot (over the railroad tracks) is a clearly marked entrance (pictured right). This is the older main trail with singletrack branching off in several direction about 3/4 of the way in.
**Update:

Willow St. Secondary TrailheadLocal authorities recently blocked off this trailhead to prevent motocrossers and ATVs from using the trail network. Mountain bikers can still legally traverse the obstacles and enter here.

Due to the extensive dirt bike abuse, we ask that you avoid riding the most eroded sections (typically rain-rutted hills) of this singletrack. The second entrance (pictured right) lies about 60-70 feet to the right of the above marked entrance on the same side of the tracks. The trail immediately forks in two directions - going left brings you up to the checkered watertower above Mary Dunn Rd.

Head right and you encounter a myriad of crisscrossing trails, most leading out towards Willow St. or Route 6. Some also border the backyards of private homes. Please be respectful of these homeowners' privacy and avoid trespassing on their property. The terrain itself consists of a combination of hard dirt, semi-hardpack and loam, with soft soil patches thrown in for good measure. There are copious roots, as well. It's a somewhat rough ride, even technical in certain spots, with many twists and turns. There are several small/medium-sized hills on the main left-hand trail, so be prepared for some strenuous burst climbing.

A distinct trials theme is found in several newer sections on both sides of this network. You'll notice trails cut in an obstacle-laden manner, which basically means that you're forced to ride over, instead of around, most anything you encounter on the singletrack.

There is one section wandering off towards the Barnstable Municipal Airport that leads you on a 7 1/2-mile trek into an area called Bushwood. It begins as an extension to the left of the main trail about 3/4 of the way through. Be ready to ride for several hours in order to complete the whole route.

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