Looking for the best trails around Athol?

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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch)

The trail needs some maintenance

April, 2026 by fssn0wsh0e7

I'm used to riding on gravel and I have ridden sections of this trail many times so I know what to expect. This last winter and spring have been pretty hard on the trail. Obviously some knuckleheads on bikes and horses have been on the trail when its been wet and soft and in spots its chewed up. There is also a need for some more driveway pack in sections as the larger stones that underlay the wear surface are poking through. The culvert under Hooksett Road is washed out and very rough, some drainage work needs to be done at this location. Not sure who is actually responsible for maintenance.

Cheshire Rail Trail (Cheshire Branch Rail Trail)

Varied Terrain, MultiUse, Lovely. Birds!

April, 2026 by susanadeleedwards

Went north out of Keene on the trail, and was quickly in a lovely wooded area, then soon at a side trail to Stonewall Farm, where visitors are welcome to wander. The birds were singing happily! We did 6.5 miles out before turning around but there was plenty more trail to explore. If you are expecting a super flat trail and a packed surface this may not be your kind of fun. If you don’t mind dismounting for a rickety bridge, or adventuring on side trails, then check this trail Out ,

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Great short trail

April, 2026 by biggsfhlax

The surface is paved, and in excellent condition.
The trail is ever so slightly down hill from north to south.
Mostly shaded, and while not amazing scenery, it is a lovely trail. In spring, when sunny, watch to LOTS of turtles on the far bank of a swampy section near the cheshire reservoir (on the west side of the trail)!

Accordion

Canalside Rail Trail

Beautiful scenery

November, 2025 by scanlon.gail

The Canalside rail trail is fully open and the paved trail is very well maintained. While it is only 7.2 miles round trip, it’s worth it! Plenty of parking at both ends and the town of Turners Falls has a nice selection of restaurants and shops.

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Great country ride, yet close to Urban life

November, 2025 by kleistikow

We’ve biked this many times. It quickly takes you from Lowell, with its National Park, etc to countryside and the center of small towns along smooth, paved, well-maintained trail. Nice to swim in Hart Pond, too, in season, on return trip to Lowell. Trail keeps getting better and better, great facilities along the way as trail is extended.

West River Trail (Windham County)

gorgeous fall ride

October, 2025 by darylmarlisa

We started at the marina restaurant at the south end of the trail and rode 3.5 miles on the rail trail section, with another 2 miles on Rice Farm & Quarries roads. Beautiful vistas of the river, rock formations, changing leaves. Esp impressive was the overhead highway bridge built with long tapering multicolored stone supports, representing tree branches. Under the arched stone supports is a picnic table & patio area. A few protruding stones/tree roots need to be managed but biking is very possible on this trail and should be included in the list of options for use.

Monadnock Recreational Rail Trail

A little rough, but good trail.

October, 2025 by toddburrparts

Well, used multiple vehicle vehicles. Maintenance vehicle working on trail . Good views. Will ride again.

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

ok

October, 2025 by deceived

Rode a portion from Milldale north to Southington. All paved in fairly decent shape. A few bumps but no broken pavement. At the point in Southington the trail just ends with no information as to where to go. No signs or arrows. The trail picks up somewhere a few miles away but I couldn’t find out how to get there. On the portion I rode it was flat and easy, but not much to see other than woods and backs of buildings.

Upper Charles Trail

lots of street crossings

September, 2025 by chleary11

This is a good trail, but if you start in Milford and do the entire checkmark there are a lot of street crossings. The pretty parts of the trail are nice and shady and wooded, but there is a fair amount of commercial areas that you have to get through. It’s nice and flat and there are lots of parking areas along the way. My gps did not take me to a parking lot but when I put the trail into AllTrails I got accurate directions.

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Great ride!!!

September, 2025 by johnbuckley62

Beautiful!

Valley Trail

Rode 2.5 miles from Wilmington north on mountain tire bikes and it is doable but rough with roots and rocks. Nice bridges but missing signage in some areas, others well marked. No washout areas close to Wilmington.

September, 2025 by dlonzo

Rode 2.5 miles from Wilmington north on mountain tire bikes and it is doable but rough with roots and rocks. Nice bridges but missing signage in some areas, others well marked. No washout areas close to Wilmington.

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch)

Worth every pedal

September, 2025 by emailforpablo

From Massabesic Lake parking lot to Raymond and back. Beautiful ride. Keep an eye on rocks on the trail. Otherwise, well marked and excellent ride in nature to pretty much all to yourself. Enjoy!

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Accordion

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