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This paved 6.6-mile trail links the edge of Mansfield’s downtown past the city’s municipal airport and through the town of Norton. In Mansfield, the trail is called the World War II Veterans Memorial Trail and in Norton, the trail is known as the Norton Rail-Trail.
About the Route
The majority of the route is through dense groves of trees. At the northern end of the trail, a short trip on Old Colony Road—also built on the former rail corridor—leads directly to Mansfield’s MBTA commuter rail station. The southern end of the trail is near the Norton/Taunton border.
Trail History
The trail rests on an abandoned corridor once served by the Old Colony Railroad. During World War II, the railroad transported American soldiers bound for Taunton’s Camp Myles Standish along the line in immediate advance of their departure to Europe.
The World War II Veterans Memorial Trail opened in Mansfield in 2004 after several decades of advocacy by local rail-trail supporters. It was later extended through Norton.
The World War II Veterans Memorial Trail/Norton Rail-Trail runs between East St (Mansfield) and Crane St (Norton), where parking is available.
Parking is also available at:
These are not official addresses, please visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
So much of this path is great so it’s unfortunate that the portion of the path nearest Norton is in such a state of disrepair. There are quite literally blocks inserted between the path and the road to fill the gap, but only on one side of the path so if a cyclist chooses the wrong side they will take a lovely concrete spill. Not only that, it’s not always the same side. Sometimes left, sometimes right. I chose poorly and am now the bearer of some lovely watercolor designs all the way up my right side. Had this been temporary, it would be understandable, but a month after the first visit they are still present and repairs are not made. Also, the holes, or planters, or whatever they are, that split the path into right and left are dangerous. After you’ve traversed the gap (maybe you’ve chosen the side with the block and didn’t fall in!), you will then be required to navigate around a water-filled pit. If you’re teetering from choosing the side without a filler block, hope you don’t fall in! (Just fill that in. They’re dangerous and unnecessary. It’s. Bike path, not an English garden.)
Its a very nice clean and smooth bike path great for scootering rollerblading and biking. We really enjoyed it. They have some park bench and trash barrels which are always appreciated!
If you are using a manual or electric wheelchair, park at the Fruit Street entrance (airport end). If you park in the municipal lot, you will need to cross a busy street and go over a small patch of grass/gravel to get to the path. This trail is flat, smooth, and the people (and their dogs) are friendly!
Great paved trail. Perfect for strollers. It's really about 2 miles each way. Very nice scenery with trees on each side. There is a little bit of parking at the end of Cobb st. Otherwise I would say you can park near the town hall.
The trail is pretty much a straight shot with no hills. I have ridden my bike on this trail many times and there is always a good mix of joggers, bikers, and walkers, but it is never too crowded -- I do ride my bike at a nice leisurely pace but, even so, I rarely have to stop or slow down. The trail itself is paved and in very good condition. On one side of the trail there is even a strip of finely crushed stone that you can bike on when you want to take a break from the smooth asphalt. Set down in a residential area, you are never far from civilization, but there are woods on either side of you and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing.
We ride this trail a lot. Nice flat black topped surface, many benches along the way to stop and take a break. Short ride but worth it!
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