Explore the best rated trails in Athol, MA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Air Line State Park Trail and Blackstone River Greenway . With more than 74 trails covering 667 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.
I haven't been on this trail for a few years so was disappointed to find there is still an issue with bumps from tree roots and small sink holes. I did not do the entire trail because of this. It is too bad because it is a nice trail.
The Northampton part, which is reallly the NORWATTUCK RAIL TRAIL is really 2 stars bc it's so confusing. Needs fundraising and signage. But the rest, Manhan Rail Trail, is really nice. 5 stars. We took photos to illustrate but I unfortunately deleted them by accident.
We had stayed at the Hotel Northampton & nobody could tell us for certain how to find the trail other than to mention the railroad tracks. We found a paved path by the tracks & headed left. We passed a stone that said <- BOS/NHV --> and that's all. (Couldn't imagine how Boston could be to the left or straight ahead.) Within about 20 minutes, that path ended by some really rundown stores. On an aerial Google map, it reads as NORWATTUCK RAIL TRAIL (& shows it as a hiking &rail trail on the east side of the railroad tracks) but there is no signage anywhere to guide you. So when we got to the end, we turned around & headed in the other direction (south). THIS NORWSTTUCK TRAIL definitely needs some help. (Or maybe some day to be extended.)
Back to where we started out & this time heading in the other direction the trail actually becomes nice & very well marked. It seems to become the NEWHAVEN AND NORTH CANAL RAIL TRAIL (BUT there are no signs to this effect).
Where you meet the MANHAN RAIL TRAIL the signage is very clear, even as you are going through a village center or crossing a street or road, & the trail is very nice. You're following the reservoir & get some nice riding in.
We just kept going until we reached Easthampton. There you can even pick up trail maps! Ride on, and by the Municipal Bldg there's a nice park & large pond where you can see Mt. Tom behind it. Lovely, relaxing, scenic.
Then the ride back to Northampton but this time we knew the trail well & just enjoyed it.
North of Ferry St., at Lower Mill Pond, the Manhan Trail branches off and follows the river, eventually reaching the Connecticut River & Mt. Tom State Reservation. Should be a lovely ride! (You can also turn off here when you're riding south from Northampton.
2.5 stars. Entered the trail a the far western end on Hancock Rd. near Skatutakee Lake. Biked eastward for several miles. Mixed surface (dirt, cinder, sand & forest floor). This trail is rough and best suited for fat-tire or full-suspension mountain bikes. You could do it with a gravel bike but be ready for a very bumpy ride. Partially buried track ties and roots cover roughly over a 3rd of this segment of the trail. The swamps and brook are absolutely beautiful. There are a few benches for a peaceful stop. The trail has a gentle decline most of the way so be prepared for the uphill on the return trip. Mostly shaded so sunscreen isn't needed but bug spray might be a good idea if stopping for prolonged periods. The bridges are beautiful & well maintained. The signage is discreet & informative. This is a wonderful all season trail that I plan to return to in foliage season. It has a lot of potential but in its current condition it has a LONG way to go to become a destination that will attract tourists & generate $$$ for the local economy.
Pleasant ride on this crushed stone surface, using my hybrid. Very short section that still has rails and ties and requests that bikes go around on the sidewalk, but easily joins back up to the actual trail after about 100 yards. The eastern end terminates in the Squannacook wildlife management area, with walking trails to follow down toward the river. If you are looking for a nice short ride that's under 10 miles total, this is a good one to choose. Stop for a bite at the local diner in Townsend center, or an ice cream.
0.8 miles of this trail now consists of crushed gravel
I parked at Lexington lot & took my atb after reading how rough the path is. Pleasantly surprised. I'll take my road bike next time.
Rode Simsbury down to Plainville. Simsbury to Avon was full of tree root bumps, and lots of branches & trail debris. It's almost as if Simsbury wants to keep cyclists out. ¿ However, Avon and Farmington were great rides, as was Plainville.
As of June 1, 2026, the first half of this trail starting in Bedford, MA is nice, but due to construction, it stops about halfway - I believe somewhere in Lexington. You can choose to exit the trail and go onto Massachusetts Avenue to ride in the bike lane, but that involves riding right alongside traffic and can be very stressful and dangerous. My husband and I did this today and I don't think I will do this again. At any point, someone in a parked car adjacent to where you are riding can open up their door right into you. Also, the bike lane often shares a lane with cars and is pretty scary for people not used to this. I hope the rest of the Minuteman bike path opens up to bikers again soon!
I started in Acton and went up to Chelmsford. Plenty of parking and clean bathrooms—bonus! I really enjoyed this trail and look forward to doing the southern half soon.
I parked at the Delta Dental stadium and proceeded south in this trail. I was alone. I saw some unhoused people’s tents by the water. At first I felt fine, I saw another woman walking her dog, but there wee very few people on the path. The a person passed me on a bike and then circled back to me, following me. I felt unsafe. I wanted to keep going, but it was clear to me this person would following me. I had to quickly retreat to my car. I don’t usually feel vulnerable, and I was terrified. Later I told a local friend about my experience and she told me that recently a person had abandoned their baby on this trail, aka it’s not a safe place to walk by yourself, especially as a wow man.
Lot's of stops along the way to enjoy the sites. It's a very well maintained small trail
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