Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Cochituate Rail Trail (CRT) is a multi-use trail that will run from the Village of Saxonville in Framingham to Natick Center, a distance of 4 miles. The segment in Framingham was completed and paved first. In 2021, the Natick segment was opened for use and while it currently terminates at Whitney Field at the Navy Yard, it will be extended to the MBTA commuter rail station in Natick Center.
The trail follows the former Saxonville Branch rail line southeast from Saxonville and will meet the active Boston-to-Worcester commuter line in Natick Center. Built in 1846, the historical Saxonville Branch was used to construct the dam for Lake Cochituate, which supplied water to the City of Boston from 1848 to 1951. The line also serviced the textile mills of Saxonville until 1973.
Park at Navy Yard Field - 41 Washington Ave, Natick on the south end of the trail.
I highly recommend this trail for beginner bike riders. It’s approximately 8 miles from Natick (Washington Ave) to Framingham. The terrain is mostly flat with very few gentle inclines. There is one hill but can be avoided by going across route 30…I do not recommend this! The trail is well maintained. Nice foliage and of course the Cochituate River. You will meet friendly adults, kids and dogs along the way. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Th
My son and I decided to try out the trail as I had seen it being built. We were not disappointed - the trail was clear and had interesting historical facts along the way. We did have a little trouble finding the Natick entrance to the trail.
So wonderful to discover this beautiful trail on a recent trip back home from California. What a pleasure to walk where before we only glimpsed these views passing by in the car from Route 9 or 30. I easily found a few various entry points by using Google Maps and was delighted with the gorgeous fall views. Most of the path had some nearby water features whether it was Lake Cochituate or a smaller stream. The path was well maintained and we enjoyed the feeling of being far removed from the hustle and traffic of the rest of the busy area, What a gift to the community!
Have walked the entire trail from Saxonville to Natick, as far as it goes. It’s a great trail, but clearly a work in progress. The Framingham side has no signs, and it took us several tries before we found it (just to the right of the fire station). The Natick side is complete as far as it goes, but it stops abruptly in the woods. Also along the length there are no designated parking areas.
The Cochituate Rail Trail is complete and extends from Saxonville in Framingham going south passing Cochituate lake to Natick, a distance of four miles. Parking is available at or near Home Depot on Route 30. The southern end in Natick is just north of the Railroad station at Natick Center. Benches and bicycle racks as well as refuse containers are available along the trail.
Now the Cochituate Rail Trail has more than doubled in length stretching from Saxonville to Natick ad going past Lake Cochituate alongside North Main St (Rte 27). Railroad Whistle monuments along the way and many benches and bicycle rings for a brief respite.
I used this trail to roller skate, it was pretty short but a nice straightforward skating path
Love this trail and as soon as it is warm enough my walking group will be there at least 3x a week- that is if the parking is no longer a problem and there will be a safe place to park and walk to the trail. Right now - no designated
parking and if we park at Walgreen's there is only a 12 inch strip to walk on the street to reach the Trail- very dangerous- Have brought this to the attention of Chris Walsh but no answers
I agree with the other review on this trail...the Framingham trail is very nice and I hope that Natick completes its part soon..as the trail so far is not very long and not really enough for biking...though a walk on it is ok..and the path is really nice and scenic even though it goes through a populated area..there are marshes and a little stream ... its very well done... it will be great when its done...
Excellent trail, asphalt and concrete, perfect for walking, running, running, and biking. Nice views and convenient way to get to Saxonville center from Rte 30 in Framingham. About 1.6 miles or 2200 steps on my Fitbit. I hope it will be completed and go to Natick center soon.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
