Assabet River Rail Trail :
Massachusetts
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Description:
The Assabet River Rail Trail provides a forested escape from the surrounding urban bustle. Traveling 5.6 miles (with plans to expand it to 12 miles, the trail connects the towns of Hudson and Marlborough, and parallels the scenic Assabet River. The trail crosses the Assabet River five times, the last crossing on a refurbished, historical wrought iron railroad bridge. The 12-foot-wide corridor makes an excellent cycling route-just take care maneuvering between bollards located at the intersection of trails and roads; they are closer together than most.
The trail begins along Route 62 in Hudson, marked by a trailside, restored, 1921 blue caboose across the road from an ice-cream store. Look for the trailhead parking area.
Passing through downtown Hudson, the trail weaves through the awkward three-way intersection of Villa do Porto Boulevard, Broad Street, and the South Street extension. Returning to the rail corridor, you'll cross a wooden bridge, followed by more trailhead parking on your right. The forested trail here provides a welcome buffer from the surrounding residential and urban landscape.
At mile 2.4, you'll cross the Marlborough town line through a tunnel. The onward trail skirts a main road north, passing the Boston Scientific medical research and corporate center before reaching Fitchburg Street. Be careful at this intersection, as there are no bike lanes and the traffic light cycle doesn't allow much time to cross.
Beyond the crossing, there are no bike lanes. Look for the trail sign after the intersection, and you will find yourself leaving the traffic behind. As the path diverges from the road, the adjacent, landscaped swathes on either side of the route shield trail users from the busy urban environment. Side trails connect to the Assabet along this stretch.
Eventually, the trail will extend to South Acton along the Marlborough Branch Railroad corridor, which connected the Fitchburg and Massachusetts Central railroad lines. The five communities along the corridor are working together to develop the rail-trail.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Wilkins Street trailhead in Hudson, take Interstate 495 to State Route 62 toward Hudson. Once in town, continue through the rotary to the parking lot on Wilkins Street.
To reach trailhead parking in Marlborough, take I-495 to State Route 20/Granger Boulevard toward Marlborough. Turn left on State Route 85/Bolton Street, left on Union Street, then left again on Hudson Street. The parking lot is across from Kelleher Field and Jefferson Street.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Nice Trail
By DJT1823 on April 25, 2010
Rode the trail on my bike yesterday and it was a nice ride. Parked in Hudsn in the Wilkins St lot and rode it to the end in Marlboro. It was approx 10.5 miles round trip. The trail is well marked and somewhat easy to follow except for 1 intersection when you stop and have to try to figure out which way to go. One section was under repair and had to ride in the street but not for long and you were back on the trail. It's a well kept and clean trail. Would ride it again.
Website
By nancy on October 30, 2007
"I've been trying to get to the Assabet River Rail Trail website for several days now and get a error message that the DNS server cannot be found. What's happening??

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By Nancy on October 30, 2007
"Where is the website for this trail? When I click on the link I get advertisemet? I want to see the website...
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Marlborough to Acton
Counties: Middlesex
Trail Length: 5.6 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015946

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Guidebook: Learn more about other New England rail-trails in RTC's New England Guidebook.
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