I had this problem when I came to the east coast a year ago (omg it's almost been a year!). The first place I found was by word of mouth from some guys at work. It is still my favorite place to ride and I still haven't ridden all the trails, it was the perfect place for me, but it was a fluke that I got it on the first recommendation.

When I wanted to go somewhere different, I started checking out the state park system, and they have some ratings, but not much. Actually none at all. But you get a trail map and just look at it as an adventure. Prepare for the worst is what I always do when I go to somewhere that I have never been.

The next place I checked with was the local IMBA (which is NEMBA in New England) website, which had some ratings but I tell you, what is someone's intermediate can be someone else's beginner or advanced. I found this true with hiking books across the country as well as pretty much, most 'opinion' ratings. Just with opinions, I would take it on as an adventure.

Where are you from? Having ridden many of the state parks in Mass I have to say if you were anywhere close it's a good start and gives you good variety. I would also say go to your local bookstore and look at travel books on biking. Yes, there are some!

If you have other bike shops, maybe go to them. The reality of it is that the bike is selling you a bike, and I'm sure they sell bikes for all abilities. If they can't tell you where to take said bike, then why bother buying it? I found this premise out by accident- I landed here in Mass and went to four different bike shops before finding the bike shop of my dreams. Friendly, can fix my bike and has a staff that can give you trail rides for all abilities. The other bike shops were either 'too busy to deal with me' or they would tell me about a trail and say 'it might be too technical for you'. HA.

Okay that's alot of words for now...