Explore the best rated trails in Amherst Center, MA. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Common Pathway and Appel Way Trail. With more than 61 trails covering 541 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.
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The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail offers just over 2 miles of paved, tree-lined pathway through Westfield in southwestern Massachusetts. The trail runs from Main Street, across the Great River Bridge...
The Old Railroad, as its name suggests, is a multi-use trail that occupies a former Boston & Maine Railroad corridor. The trail picks up at the northern trailhead of the Common Pathway, a paved...
Appel Way Trail offers a paved route of about a mile through woodlands on the north end of Keene. Most notably, it offers a connection between Wheelock Park on the trail's west end and Ashuelot River...
The Charter Oak Greenway offers more than 16 miles of paved pathway through Hartford and its eastern suburbs. At first glance, the trail looks as if it is simply a highway side path, but the journey...
First a canal, then a railroad, and now a trail define the history of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Completed segments span Connecticut south to north, from New Haven to the Massachusetts...
The Rocky Hill Trail weaves through the tranquil greenery of the Burts Bog Greenway Conservation Area in Northampton, Hampshire County. The 121-acre peat bog is an ecologically sensitive site that's...
The Harrisville Rail Trail runs for just under two miles between the outskirts of Harrisville and Hancock in rural New Hampshire. The former railroad bed is located on lands conserved by the Harris...
The Windsor River Trail is a paved trail along the Connecticut River in Windsor Meadows State Park. The trail begins at the state park’s parking lot on E Barber St. The Captain John Bissell Trail,...
Throughout history, the Blackstone River has been an important waterway, from its use by American Indians who fished its once-abundant salmon to its role as a major artery for the transportation of...
The Air Line State Park Trail winds nearly 55 miles from the northeast corner of Connecticut, where the state borders Massachusetts, down to East Hampton in the heart of the state. The pathway is...
It’s hard to pick a favorite season to experience the Hop River State Park Trail, set amid the dense forests of Eastern Connecticut. Sections of the 20-mile rail-trail dive through steep rock cuts...
The Keene Industrial Trail links the county's Cheshire Rail-Trail in the city of Keene. The paved path is a 1-mile segment through downtown Keene, which passes among some of the city's old mill...
Jonathan Daniels Trail travels the length of Ashuelot River Park through Keene. Along the stone-dust trail, you can enjoy the park’s beautiful natural backdrop and flower garden. The trail was named...
The Hartford Riverwalk is a charming network of paved pathways for cyclists and pedestrians that runs along the banks of the Connecticut River through the state capital. The trail provides an off-road...
Built in the 1910s by the Boston and Maine Railroad (B&M) as part of the Connecticut River Division Main Line, the route introduced daily service to the B&M Fort Hill Branch in the early 1920s to meet...
The Quinebaug River Trail exists in two segments in northwest Connecticut. The northern section parallels Park Road and Tracy Road for about 2 miles in an industrial section of Putnam with few trail...
The Twin Cities Rail Trail is a 4.7-mile that will ultimately connect downtown Fitchburg and downtown Leominster, providing both recreation and an alternative commuting route for residents. As of June...
The North Central Pathway is envisioned as a trail network connecting points of interest through and between Winchendon and Gardner. Several completed sections of trail make for a lovely ride or walk...
The Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail passes such scenic and historical landmarks as covered bridges, abandoned mills, and postcard-perfect towns. Starting on asphalt in Keene, the rail-trail can be...
The Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail runs on the corridor once occupied by the Southbridge & Blackstone line of the Providence & Worcester Railroad, transforming a corridor once designed to link rural...
The Assabet River Rail Trail connects five old mill towns that owe their revitalization to present-day high-tech industries. A midpoint gap splits the 8.6-mile paved trail, though long-range plans...
The Putnam River Trail extends between Arch Street in the Putnam District and Providence Street to the south. The trail follows the east bank of the Quinebaug River between the river and Kennedy...
Visitors to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail will find the full splendor of the scenic Berkshires along this nearly 12-mile-long paved trail. The Ashuwillticook (ash-oo-will-ti-cook) follows MA 8 through...
It’s hard to pick a favorite season to experience the Hop River State Park Trail, set amid the dense forests of Eastern Connecticut. Sections of the 20-mile rail-trail dive through steep rock cuts...
The Manhan Rail Trail, well integrated into the local communities it serves, offers a pleasant ride or stroll. It conveniently weaves together parks, community points of interest, neighborhoods, and...
The Catamount Trail offers 300 miles of backcountry skiing stretching across Vermont, from the Readsboro on the Massachusetts border, to North Troy near Canada. The trails are popular for winter...
The North Central Pathway is envisioned as a trail network connecting points of interest through and between Winchendon and Gardner. Several completed sections of trail make for a lovely ride or walk...
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Formerly comprising two separate segments—one running northward from Keene to Walpole, and the other running southward from Keene to Fitzwilliam—the Cheshire Rail Trail now runs a continuous 32.9...
Coming in at just under 3 miles, the Sue Grossman Still River Greenway is anchored by the towns of Winchester to the north and Torrington to the south. It occupies the right-of-way of the Naugatuck...
This unpaved state-owned trail is open for public use from Coldbrook to Baldwinville. An on-road detour is necessary through the village of Baldwinville, but the right-of-way is open for public use on...
The Southwick Rail Trail extends from the Massachusetts–Connecticut state line north to the Westfield town line and connects to the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. Along the way, it travels through...
Throughout history, the Blackstone River has been an important waterway, from its use by American Indians who fished its once-abundant salmon to its role as a major artery for the transportation of...
The Nashua River Rail Trail stretches from southern Nashua, New Hampshire, to downtown Ayer, Massachusetts, connecting to the towns of Pepperell and Groton. The trail is built on the former rail...
The Monadnock Recreational Rail Trail is a great example of a repurposed rail route that provides safe commuting opportunities while also allowing trail users to escape into forest environments for...
The well-maintained Canalside Rail Trail provides users with a variety of trestle bridges, views of waterbirds stalking fish and frogs, and gentle grades that alternate between open sky and forested...
The Brookline Rail Trail winds through the New Hampshire woods and passes by several small bodies of water, including the Potanipo Pond. The rail-trail has two segments, known as the Brookline Rail...
The scenic Valley Trail spans 9 miles connecting Dover and Wilmington in southern Vermont along the Green Mountain National Forest. It provides a critical off-road pathway for bypassing State Route...
A part of Connecticut's first bus rapid transit line, the CTfastrak Trail serves as recreational and multi-use path for walking and bicycling between Downtown New Britain and Newington Junction. The...
The Windsor River Trail is a paved trail along the Connecticut River in Windsor Meadows State Park. The trail begins at the state park’s parking lot on E Barber St. The Captain John Bissell Trail,...
The Keene Industrial Trail links the county's Cheshire Rail-Trail in the city of Keene. The paved path is a 1-mile segment through downtown Keene, which passes among some of the city's old mill...
The Bridge of Flowers delights the senses of visitors walking among the trees and blossoms on the old trolley bridge spanning the Deerfield River, which connects two communities in northwestern...
The Redstone Rail Trail is built on the former New York, New Haven & Hartford Armory Branch, which in turn is a former branch line of the New York & New England RR. Its name comes from the numerous...
The Quinebaug River Trail exists in two segments in northwest Connecticut. The northern section parallels Park Road and Tracy Road for about 2 miles in an industrial section of Putnam with few trail...
The Stratton Brook State Park Trail presents a great way to work up an appetite for a picnic at Stratton Brook State Park, the first state park in Connecticut to be entirely wheelchair accessible. The...
The Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail passes such scenic and historical landmarks as covered bridges, abandoned mills, and postcard-perfect towns. Starting on asphalt in Keene, the rail-trail can be...
The Twin Cities Rail Trail is a 4.7-mile that will ultimately connect downtown Fitchburg and downtown Leominster, providing both recreation and an alternative commuting route for residents. As of June...
The Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway, which will one day run 21 miles along the river, currently has two open segments. The longest stretches 3.7 miles from the Chicopee town line to the South End...
The Assabet River Rail Trail connects five old mill towns that owe their revitalization to present-day high-tech industries. A midpoint gap splits the 8.6-mile paved trail, though long-range plans...
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The Rockville Spur, a section of Vernon Rails-to-Trails, is a stone-dust rail-trail stretching 4.2 miles into the heart of historical Rockville. The trail begins on Warren Avenue in Vernon, but you’ll...
The Cheney Rail Trail follows part of the corridor of the South Manchester Railroad, built by the Cheney brothers in 1869. The line was a 2.5-mile spur from the main Hartford, Providence, and Fishkill...
The Catamount Trail offers 300 miles of backcountry skiing stretching across Vermont, from the Readsboro on the Massachusetts border, to North Troy near Canada. The trails are popular for winter...
It’s hard to pick a favorite season to experience the Hop River State Park Trail, set amid the dense forests of Eastern Connecticut. Sections of the 20-mile rail-trail dive through steep rock cuts...
Throughout history, the Blackstone River has been an important waterway, from its use by American Indians who fished its once-abundant salmon to its role as a major artery for the transportation of...
The scenic Valley Trail spans 9 miles connecting Dover and Wilmington in southern Vermont along the Green Mountain National Forest. It provides a critical off-road pathway for bypassing State Route...
Coming in at just under 3 miles, the Sue Grossman Still River Greenway is anchored by the towns of Winchester to the north and Torrington to the south. It occupies the right-of-way of the Naugatuck...
A dozen miles west of Connecticut’s capital of Hartford, the Farmington River Trail forms a 16.5-mile arc that connects to the larger Farmington Canal Heritage Trail on both ends. The rail-trail was...
The Massachusetts Central Railroad was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938, but the 104-mile corridor is being reborn as a cross-state rail-trail. Currently, nearly 50 miles from Boston to Northampton...
The Southwick Rail Trail extends from the Massachusetts–Connecticut state line north to the Westfield town line and connects to the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. Along the way, it travels through...
The Charter Oak Greenway offers more than 16 miles of paved pathway through Hartford and its eastern suburbs. At first glance, the trail looks as if it is simply a highway side path, but the journey...
A part of Connecticut's first bus rapid transit line, the CTfastrak Trail serves as recreational and multi-use path for walking and bicycling between Downtown New Britain and Newington Junction. The...
Great trail with smooth paved paths and picturesque scenery. path is a bit narrow for side by riding so be careful.
The trail is so boring only 1 biker in the entire trail
This is a lovely, easy , quiet walk. Much improved from a few years ago, based on the reviews. Great for families, dogs and their humans.
Fantastic trail. I started at in Marlboro (at Lincoln St). Serene and peaceful. Great combination of shaded and sunny areas. The surface is flat and mostly downhill for the majority of the route. However…on the way back was when it turned into a workout. Gentle and moderate inclines. If you aren’t used to this, there are plenty of benches to take a rest along the way.
I went to ride this trail for the first time from New York State. It was fair at best. It’s probably fine for folks who live there and know where to go when the actual trail ends. Being it was my first ride there, I could have used a couple of signs to direct me in the right direction. I got to Collinsville and had no idea where I was going. Finally gave up and went back. It could use a little maintenance along the River where the tree roots break through the pavement. Not impressed.
It took me 3 hours from Nashua NH to drive to this trail and it was completely worth it!!! As of 2022 I rode this trail from beginning to end and did not find a single bump, frost heave or pot hole, the smoothest paved trail I have ever been on. Then there is the scenery which is just spectacular and when fall comes the foliage in the Berkshires is going to be just great. The only issue I had was there was no parking at the trail terminus in North Adams, I parked on a city street there is parking directly on the other end in Pittsfield.
I want to take stars away from other trails to give this one an 8 out of 5, that's how nice it is! We rode this end-to-end and every inch of it is wide and smooth, with beautiful wooded surroundings, lakeside vistas, or quaint small town vibe (the Adams end.) If I had to find something to nitpick, it would have to be that we found the public restrooms on the north end to be closed when we desperately needed them. It was about 6pm on a Saturday at the time. But the fact that there are true restrooms (not porta-potties) on the north and south ends of the trail is a vast improvement over other trails we've been on.
We spent two days on the trail doing an out and back loop each day as we only had one car. I used a mountain bike; my wife had a Townie Go, with electric assist (both 2" wide tires). The first day we started at East Hampton, road 18 miles north and turned around. Great ride. The surface was cinders, maintained and smooth. There are no bathroom or water facilities. You really feel out in the woods and away from civilization - we saw no sandwich store or stops of any kind. But, a Super day in any case. Don't miss the covered bridge which is at the end of a down hill road adjacent to the trail (about 1.5 miles)
We stayed at the Daniel Rust B&B (cottage) which is well worth it. Very nice garden like yard. Room was clean, bright and good sized. Owners were very friendly. Unbelievable breakfast - better than home. Bikes were very safe kept outside our cottage.
Good food nearby - we went to the Hill top restaurant which was reasonable and offered good choices. It faces west for a very nice sunset.
Next day we started in Lebanon and parked near Kingsley road. Note the route from here has been changed. As you near the Willimantic river you cross a pedestrian bridge. At the end of the bridge the trail splits with the Hop river trail going left and the airline going right. No more dramatic drop off at the river or the remains of a bridge you can't cross.
Taking the Airline trail follow the river till you come to a rail yard. Go straight ahead riding on public streets behind old buildings. Follow Bike Trail signs and painted bike signs on the road (River road I think) till you get to the FROG bridge on Jackson St. Make a left, following the bike trail signs into a parking lot (referred to in the itinerary for day 2 parking) on the right side just past the bridge. Ride along the path away from the Frog bridge, the airline trail picks up at the far end of this parking area (it may be called a Green way on signs - not Airline. For a few miles the path is paved asphalt but then changes back to cinder.
We rode the next part of this trail for about 10 miles till we got to a road crossing with Parker Road. From here the trail became very narrow - single track and was very rough. Basically a combination of dirt with natural stones. It seemed unimproved - no sign of cinders or any serious trail work. We rode this for a mile or so then decided to turn around. Perhaps this was only a short section of nasty trail because the itinerary makes no mention of it.
This was a fun trail with the exception of the last section. The surrounding country side is beautiful and easy to navigate with your car. Food is plentiful and there are lots of antique stores and other neat things to see. This could be a really good ride during the fall foliage season. I'll be back.
An excellent trail. Not really the best choice for nature-bathing, but surely the most pleasant way to ride between Fitchburg and Leominster. Smooth, wide, and flat. Lots of street crossings but they’re all pretty well done.
Brutal…started at the trailhead in Douglas State Forest en route to the finish in Franklin…combo of compacted gravel, sand, asphalt, and river stone….
This trail is listed at 22 miles but my gps had it at 23.9 due to not taking into account the unconnected parts where you need to navigate main roads and streets(Millville 0.6 miles not on the map and Blackstone 1.0 miles not on the map). Start to finish back to start a 48 mile day.
Absolutely NO gain on this trail…you will be peddling for 99% of the ride due to little elevation changes…many erupted stones, fallen trees, and ‘porpoising’ swells along the track…oh and mud…
And there are only 3 locations to egress off if you have any problems along the way(Millville on rte 146a / downtown Blackstone / Bellingham near the Ri border near downtown Woonsocket)…other than that your in no man’s land…
Good point is that the paved greenway in Uxbridge is new and in excellent condition with great views and bridge trusses to cross…however there are trail sections with plenty of gnarly - one bike width only - narrow points to navigate(ie. Bellingham)
My son and I completed this end to end recently. You need plenty of patience as the directions and published maps are a joke…there are 2 areas that are “under construction” and say do not enter - feel free to ignore those…as this part of the trail is rideable but just awaiting a coat of asphalt on top of compacts clay/sand…to bypass would add another 5 miles to the voyage.
The best riders would be hard pressed to finish this coast to coast under 4hrs…you can make up time on the greenway but you will be constantly peddling on this beast of a trail if you wish to complete it…looking for a challenge and punishment this delivers…hydrate and stretch!
From end to end, about a 12.5 mile paved trail. A few bumps for cyclists who have an aversion to such, but are most often marked with white paint. The trail runs along the Nashua River and just south of Groton, MA has a few pretty swamps and a small lake. A very pretty ride. Not crowded early on weekdays but is very well used on weekends by other riders, walkers, runners and the occasional horse. All in all, a very good experience.
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