Yes, papakeith, you do need to be MA atv registered. As long as you are registered, the Hodges Village Dam area is perfectly legal (as long as you stay on the trails designated for dirt bikes).
I have ridden here twice and from what I have seen, these trails are awesome. There is a wide variety of terrain. I came across soft sand in the middle of the woods!! The only downside to this is that there are some rocky sections too, but they are not too bad (if you normally ride a trail bike, don't even worry about it). Anyone on a MX bike sould considder this when setting up.
Also, although most of you don't have to worry about this, quads are not allowed here. This is rather strange since snowmobiles are. I just feel i should put this out there because I don't want anyone to show up and not be able to ride or get in trouble. The explanation for this that I got from an E.P. was absolutely rediculous and I feel stupider for listening to it, but I'll leave this fight up to the quad guys.
I'm thinking this might be an April ride, it all depends on the weather. I don't have a problem with riding in the cold or the rain but I would like to do this on a nice day.
Feel free to post whatever questions or ideas you have.
Thanks,
-Phil