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Print Friendly MapThe Twin Cities Rail Trail will be a 4.7-mile multiuse trail connecting downtown Fitchburg and downtown Leominster, providing a variety of recreational opportunities and an alternative transportation route for residents and visitors alike.
In June 2022, the first segment of the trail opened to the public. From 1st St in Fitchburg to Carter Park in Leominster, this 12-foot-wide paved path runs 4 miles through residential areas and passes by multiple parks and playgrounds, local businesses, and the Fitchburg Municipal Airport.
At the trail's northern end in Fitchburg, the route briefly makes use of sidewalks running along 4th Street, Middle Street, and 1st Street.
For most of the route, the trail parallels the winding North Nashua River, even running close beside it for stretches at a time. Much of the trail is lined with trees and just before crossing the border from Fitchburg to Leominster, it passes over a small brook via a pedestrian bridge.
The completion of the trail will involve expanding it at both ends in order to connect downtown Fitchburg with downtown Leominster. The expansion into downtown Fitchburg will reach the MBTA train station and will include a bridge over the North Nashua River. Phase 2, slated for completion in 2024, will connect to the two downtowns and to the MBTA via the Fitchburg train station.
North Central Massachusetts' regional transit system (MART) provides access to the trail. Visit the MART website to use their trip planner tool and refer to the TrailLink map to find the most convenient transit stop for your adventure.
For those driving, parking is available at a number of locations along the trail. Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions. In Leominster, parking can be found by Carter Park (along Main St and Summer St) and in a parking lot by Doyle Field (100 Priest St). There are also several designated parking spots are available off Benson Street in Fitchburg.
When the full trail is complete, parking also will be available at the MBTA commuter rail station in downtown Fitchburg.
We hit this little trail on a warm afternoon when we had two hours unscheduled. The Leominster end was fine and the Fitchburg end was rather a rough neighborhood. We were riding tandem, so the many stops were slightly vexing. We spent most of the ride shifting down to dismount or shifting up from dismounting. There were plenty of dining options all along the route, and ice cream at the parking spot. Room for 6 cars, but plenty more right at the municipal Carter Park. At 0.2 miles, we smelled something really good. Ate lunch at Taqueria El Amigo 2. It was a very nice little Mexican restaurant with pineapple, mandarin, and other interesting sodas. The food was very good.
First off. . . Glad that they finally did something with that stretch of track. I use to ride my mountain bike along them. The trail itself is very nice, clean and wide. To echo, what others have stated, why too many stops and stoplights. Definitely a great walking path. Also, it just ends. . . You get to the end at Fourth St - Fitchburg and the signage tells you to take a left, then a right, onto Middle St. then a right onto First St and it just ends?! I hope the complete more.
Did the full length and back last week. I'm tainted by the fact I road this around 5:30pm during peak traffic. Compared to other Rail Trails this one has several traffic lights that are 'looooong', but that may have had to do with the time of day I was riding. Lots of stops signs as well. Probably a better walking trail than bike riding trail when reviewed against other rail trails that have longer stretches without a street intersection with lights or stop signs. It feels like every 1/4" mile or less you're at a street light or stop sign. Only a few stretches longer without a stop. I'd give this a 4 as walking trail and 3 as a riding trail. It is nice however, fully paved and worth a walk or ride if you live in the area. Happy they created it.
Love this rail trail !! Nice easy path , street crossings are easy to get thru. Great job by both cities.
An excellent trail. Not really the best choice for nature-bathing, but surely the most pleasant way to ride between Fitchburg and Leominster. Smooth, wide, and flat. Lots of street crossings but they’re all pretty well done.
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