Mass Central Rail Trail:
Massachusetts
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Description:
A 104 mile rail line was shattered by hurricane in 1938. Now, over 60 years later, dedicated volunteers in 33 communities are working to reconnect it. Instead of trains there will be cross-country skiers, bicyclists, hikers, joggers and babies in baby carriages.

It won't be easy. While much of the old railway is passable to a dedicated hiker today, the ownership is less clear. The railway has faded so far from memory that many maps don't even show the former route. A number of the bridges were torn down for scrap. Some of the land was sold, and neighboring landowners in other areas took advantage of the situation to build swimming pools, backyards, parking lots and other structures.

Despite the obstacles, though, the Mass Central Rail Trail continues to be developed and several sections are now complete.

For the most up-to--date information, please see the Trail Websites.
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Parking & Trail Access:
There is plenty of free parking at the Junction of Rt 140 and Thomas street one mile south of Exit 5 on Interstate 190 in West Boylston. Other sections in Holden, Sterling, and Rutland are open to the public but not officially completed. Horse restriction applies only on rail trail sections that pass through Metropolitian District Commission-owned watershed lands.

For more information, please see the Trail Websites.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
Open all year.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Norwottuck trail update
By stewkingjr in August, 2011
Right now, the trail goes from the Belchertown line to Leeds, MA. The "old" section, Belchertown line to the CT River is pretty rough, well more than rough, a good portion is very uncomfortable to ride. The section from the CT River west past Look Park in Leeds is relatively new and in nice shape. A new trail branch also connects to the Manhan River Trail in Easthampton (though a small section along Lovefield St in Easthampton is still under construction; Lovefield St is pretty low-traffic so that shouldn't present much problem.).

Eventually it will connect to the Farmington Canal Trail starting in Southwick and ending in New Haven, CT, once Southampton and Westfield get their act together, but that's probably a different review.
Mass Central open for biking sections
By FLETCH in October, 2007
"Right now the 11 mile western paved section called the Norwottuck trail is open to the Belchertown line. A short section west from Damon Rd. to almost Rt.5 in Northampton will be open shortly. Belchertown has acquired 6 1/2 miles of the old RR bed to establish a Greenway thru this town.Right now about 4 miles between Rt.202 and Rt.181 is open and can be biked, But it is dirt and sand, but really a nice ride. East of Rt.181 the old RR bed is in privet ownership and is posted no Wheeled vehicles. So you could hike part of it. I have been exploring the old route to determine and publicize what is now open to biking and if others can provide some input on open sections would appreciate it. "
Wachusett Greenways
By FLETCH in October, 2007
From Rt.122 in Rutland to Sterling about 30 miles of the MC RR is being pieced together. 5 or 6 sections of varying length are now open and bike-able. While not following the old MCRR for the entire length it might be possible in the near future to bike it all without using roads. The best and newest section runs west from Rt.12 in West Boylston for about 5 miles. On the west end from Glenwood Rd. in Rutland to Rt.122 is another longer section and the new underpass at Charrock Rd. and the fern covered rock cut here are not to be missed.
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