Explore the best rated trails in Holden, MA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Heritage Trail (NH) and Common Pathway . With more than 117 trails covering 800 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Just did this trail today with my wife and 2 friends. We're all in our 70s. We had fun but were taken by surprise when we hit the end... the trail just ends and it's necessary to ride back a hundred yards to a road to get off the trail.
We plodded along the Lynnway to the traffic circle at Nahant Road then rode south along Nahant Beach to the Tides restaurant for beer, fried clams, and mussels. On the way back after lunch we rode on the hard-packed beach back to the traffic circle then worked our way back to the Northern Strand Community Trail back to where we parked at Rivergreen Park in Everett. We had too much sun and the rush hour was approaching so we skipped the ride over to the Encore Boston Harbor Casino.
The marshes were an unexpected surprise in this densely-populated area. We visited America's largest model train store. And the aroma of coffee and baked bread was so welcome.
Watch out for the electric scooters. The people riding them go too fast (and they don't wear helmets).
The reason I gave four stars and not five is the many road crossings and traffic lights. We found it helps to press the button to cross.
At the end of the trail, you'll be treated to a stunning view!
Not too busy, was a little buggy but was nice and pretty smooth. We rollerbladed on it with no issues. Also very pretty scenery!
This was a very short trail which was completely paved. It was nice and shaded due to the trees. It would be an easy walk with grandparents (there are benches) or young children. I recommend setting your gps to find something like 134 Sandy Hill Road in Florence. From there, you can easily find the trail beginning. To get my 10,000 steps I had to go back and forth on the trail a lot. But I still appreciated it fully paved! Seems like more of a neighborhood morning walk trail.
Just finished the whole trail, plus the Charter Oak Trail, from Columbia to Manchester, and back. 44 miles at 12.5 mph. A very gentle steady climb of about 500 feet to Bolton Notch, from the east. Also about 500 feet up the South end of Manchester. With the exception of a short stretch leaving Columbia, the trail is very rideable, in fine shape. Highly recommended!
A lot of work has been done to this trail in the spring of 2024. Although most trails in this area took a hit due to bad weather, people have stepped up and cleaned and improved this trail considerably. Several washouts were repaired and the Mason section of the trail was graded and ruts were filled in. This is an easy trail with lots of things to see and explore. An old quarry with a great history is just off the main trail and worth exploring. The trail is well marked and easily assessable. There is ample parking at several spots along the trail.
A very nice paved 10 mile (one way) trip with plenty of birds & turtles. Park at Rivers Edge Parking to get started. Along the way the posted history is interesting, there are 3 large dams to check out and on this beautiful sunny day lots of wildlife. Once you get to Valley Falls area the trail ends and on-street begins. We continued on for maybe 2 miles but the signs were not consistent and the traffic was troublesome enough we turned back. Our rating only applies to the paved 10 mile section.
Smooth paved rail trail, from start to finish. Park at Walmart, for ez access. Saw some turtles, squirrels, and big fat bunny ¿. Friendly people walking, bike riding, and an elderly lady on a mobility scooter. FUN!!!
Trail is well maintained and great for walking/running or biking. It’s all paved and cuts across residential areas of Rockland and Abington. The trail is mostly shaded by trees. Very pleasant
I took my bike over the Canalside Rail Trail while my wife shopped at BJ's, and it was a perfect opportunity to check out this lovely short trail. For the 22nd April 2024, the weather was really good yet there were only few other walkers on the trail at the same time. I was able to park at the southern, McClelland Farm Road, end of the trail where there are only half a dozen spots, but there are many more parking spaces at the northern end.
The trail was in more than satisfactory condition and the signage was also nicely in place, not that it was really needed. I didn't have time to stop in at the Discovery Centre Museum but I did return to BJ's in plenty of time to pay for my wife's shopping that day. I had a lovely time so much so that I plan to take my wife on the same trail whenever I get my old tandem up and running.
It's a nice path, don't get me wrong, but people are trashy as hell. First of all, if this is labelled as a bike path, don't tell walkers to walk against bikers. Also, there's trash everywhere and dog crap on the actual path. Whoever lived in that area takes this path for granted and it shows. I would be thrilled to have a path like that near me. Pick up after yourselves - JC!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!