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Print Friendly MapThe Railroad Ramble occupies a corridor abandoned by the Central New England Railroad, which provided service from 1871 through 1967. In Lakeville, the trail can be found just off of Route 41 behind the recreational complex. You'll have to climb up an embankment to get to the trail, however.
The trail's south end is dirt and grass, and can be overgrown with vegetation in summer. Between Walton Street and the Walton Street Extension, the road and the trail are one and the same for a couple of blocks before the trail becomes dirt and grass to its end at Library Street in Salisbury.
The passes through a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, open fields, wetlands and neighborhoods. Along the way you'll find numbered observation locations, which correspond to a guide describing the significance of each location. Get a copy of the guide from businesses in both Lakeville and Salisbury.
The Railroad Ramble parallels US Route 44 in Lakeville and Salibury, CT. Trail users can access the trail from the ballfield at Route 41 and Main Street across from the fire station or Walton Street in Lakeville, Salmon Kill Road in Salisbury or via Libray Street and Railroad Street in Salisbury.
There is limited trail user parking in Lakeville and in Salisbury.
Walked this trail on 10/22/2022 and while it is a nice bike able trail, there are a few problems. I noticed that a few of the bridges are a couple of inches higher than the trail surface, and I'm not saying a little bump, I'm saying stop and walk it or fall off your bike bumps. Other than that this was a really nice trail and I would bike it with caution, or a mountain bike. Fall colors were amazing while I was there.
I was coming north from CT on a rainy fall day - didn't know what to expect after crossing the CT/MA line, but what a pleasant surprise! New surface with very nice scenic views. I highly recommend this trail - just wish there wasn't the abrupt end in Westfield.
"The Railroad Ramble is located just off of US Route 44 in Salisbury, CT, not too far from the extremely popular Harlem Valley Rail Trail’s (HVRT) Millerton trailhead in Dutchess County, NY.
Like the HVRT, this trail occupies an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The similarities between the two trails end there though. The 12-mile long paved HVRT is a magnet for bicyclists and in-line skaters. However, the “Ramble” is an unpaved, 2-mile long dirt & gravel path best suited for hiking/walking.
I visited the trail during a peak fall foliage period and found the views absolutely breathtaking along selected segments. The trail meanders through some heavily wooded areas, crosses over an active stream, by a serene pond, and behind some local homes and businesses. There are two (2) street crossings along the route.
There is no dedicated trail user parking facility, but on-street parking is plentiful in the vicinity of Salisbury Town Hall. The trail parallels US Route 44 and can be found about 0.2-mile due south of the Highway. Best access is at the corner of Library Street & Railroad Avenue.
The only activity I noted during my end-to-end trip was this trail use by several local dog walkers. This looks like a wonderful route to walk if you’re trying to take a break from the hustle & bustle during busy times in downtown Salisbury."
"This railtrail is only a mile long, but it is very attractive. It is wide with a mostly mowed grass surface with some packed earth. It passes over a couple of brooks and through some picturesque wetlands. Today there were a couple of people planting ferns on an embankment next to a pond.
There is very limited parking at the trail, but there is parking in Salisbury proper a block or two away. It is too short to travel a distance for, but if you are in the area, check it out!
Rates a 6 out of 10!
Fred"
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