World War II Veterans Memorial Trail/Norton Rail-Trail

Massachusetts

7 Reviews

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World War II Veterans Memorial Trail/Norton Rail-Trail Facts

States: Massachusetts
Counties: Bristol
Length: 6.6 miles
Trail end points: East St (Mansfield) and Crane St (Norton)
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
Trail category: Rail-Trail
ID: 6015975

World War II Veterans Memorial Trail/Norton Rail-Trail Description

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.

Parking and Trail Access

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:

  • Fruit St (Mansfield)

These are not official addresses, please visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.

World War II Veterans Memorial Trail/Norton Rail-Trail Reviews

almost complete

Great local path. It is all paved except for a short area near the Norton line. It has gravel for about 50 feet. Flat with lots of trees. Some finishing touches needed at the crossing but they have lights set up for safety. It’s about 13 round trip. Used by walkers, runners, bikers. Great place to teach kids how to ride a bike. Not too crowded.

Repairs Needed!!!

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!

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!

Really Accessible!

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!

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