Western Massachusetts Tacomas

Looks like we need a western mass meet with a trail running element to it.....maybe I should start planning something for next summer to get the most bang for the buck. ...

 

@crashngiggles What OME lift is looking to get installed? I've got a buddy who does a lot of work in the Holyoke area

 

@LivinLoud With 885's
3°Shims
Carrier bearing drop
And LR UCA's

 

I'll see if he's interested! If not, it shouldn't be all that hard to do in a driveway

 

Defiantly do able in a driveway. Give yourself an entire day though.

 

Checked with my buddy, he's tied up with his jeep project for a while. Sounds like that mod meet needs to happen soon

 

What's up guys. I've been watching this site for a bit and slowly getting active.

I'm in western MA about half my time for work and just bought a western MA atlas to look up undeveloped roads because I have no idea how to find places to drive my truck out here.

I've got a stock 95 access cab and I think it's the balls.

I read on a number of sites that most people join 4x4 clubs for access to trails. Are you guys involved with any of that?

James

 

@jjsul i don't belong to any, but where in wmass are you

 

I'm working in Whately Tuesday thru Friday. Then I head back to Worcester for the weekend.

I just moved back to MA from CA and still settling i.e. Living in two places.

 

I work in Hatfield, next to whately. You could always find your way down into "the meadows" which is down by the ct river. It's a lot of river silt roads that go in and out of farmers fields, plus you can head to the river itself for some fishing/hanging out. There's aLso a place in Northampton called "jeep eater" aka "mabell" trails. There's a ton of online coverage on that. YouTube videos included

 

I work at a farm, we've got a field in the meadows thats great! I'll check out this other stuff in Northampton too.

 

Welcome @jjsul
Come a bit more west James and there are some nice roads to explore too. I am in the Berkshire and am always finding great stuff in the woods and other stuff that is questionable solo.
Went into the Savoy s.f. yesterday hunting down some waterfalls. Found them!
Was a great trip in and out. Had a great morning there.

 

@DrFunker I think I read this whole thread and saw that the berkshires seem to have a lot to offer.

What's up with the state forests? Are the roads in all of them legal to drive?

 

@DrFunker would you say savoy sf is worth the trip from Easthampton for some cruising?

 

There are many dirt roads in most of the state forests here, which are open roads. The ones that are not legal to travel on are gated with very large boulders blocking any go around.
They vary in the degree of ruggedness at each place. A very vague answer, I know, but it is true. For instance, Savoy has some of the more rugged dirt road while October Mtn. (the biggest s.f. in the state) has some of the most mellow, imo.
And what I have noticed, in each forest I have been in there seems to be a few "not so traveled" roads. These I have filed away for later adventure when there is more than on rig going, with the right equipment.
Hope that helps.

 

Hey TJ. I think you would like it out here. This summer I have explored many of the s.f. and other spots and I think it is possible to do an unpaved South-North drive in the county, or close to a minimal pavement drive.
I think if you came out for a day with a nice lunch at one of the fine dining establishments in the county, it would be a good time.
I have had a great time exploring places this summer and am looking forward to fall foliage season.
If you would like, I will sit down with each map and see if the dirt road traverse is a possibility and throw in the points of interest and eating too.
Let me know if you have any other questions that I can help you with or if you are planning to come out.

 

@DrFunker

Thanks for the info on the state forests. I was browsing maps from the DCR and I'm glad to confirm that the unpaved roads are indeed open to autos.

I'm new to off reading and definitely busted my cherry yesterday out in Hatfield searching for a reservoir,I see why people go out together. I realized that while I'm comfortable tooling around on dirt roads, I'd like to be prepared with at least some recovery gear before trying anything new or big for a stock truck.

 

Easthampton checking in.

 

Yes, recovery equipment is a good idea. It can be a very long hike out to a paved road/house if you ever get into trouble.
Plan for the worst, hope for the best.

@Sloth posted up a good resource on another thread. Check out the http://delorme.com/mapstore/default.aspx. & http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10096
Going to stop by B&N today to check them out.

 

you do not need a lift.