The Cochituate Rail Trail (CRT) is a developing, multi-use trail that will run from the Village of Saxonville in Framingham to Natick Center, a distance of 4 miles. Currently, its northernmost mile in Framingham is complete.
Due to its close proximity to office buildings, shopping centers, schools, and residential areas, it provides residents with an attractive alternative to driving. A future connection to the MBTA commuter rail station at Natick Center will provide even greater transportation use.
Much of the trail is quite scenic. Passing near streams and wetlands in Framingham (and, in the future, along the shores of Lake Cochituate in Natick), the trail is a beautiful linear park providing valuable open space through heavily developed sections of both towns.
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.
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.
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