104 Miles Northampton to Boston

It's time to Finish the Rail Trail

The Mass Central Rail Trail is the longest developing rail trail in New England, joining 26 communities through shared-use paths.

Over 60 miles of the MCRT are now open, with additional miles opening every year through the hard work of dedicated volunteers, municipalities, state agencies and local land trusts. By fostering a cooperative agreement between state and local governments, local landowners, and land trusts, we can help preserve and open the remaining miles.

The MCRT will provide Economic, Environmental and Health benefits

Shared use paths contribute significant economic benefits to the communities they intersect by providing access to businesses within walking and biking distance. A recent economic study shows that a completed MCRT could bring in 4-5 million users a year, as well as 400,000 overnight visitors per year - totaling $200 million in economic impacts.

In more populated areas, shared use paths lessen the number of vehicles on the road, reducing the amount of harmful pollutants going into the air.

Conveniently available rail trails increase the likelihood that residents will walk or bike to work, school and business areas. Safe, regular exercise promotes mental and physical health.

... and rail trails are accessible!

Rail trails greatly enhance easy access to healthy activities for all people, including those who use assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and e-bikes.

Accessible bicycle rider in Northampton on the Mass Central Rail Trail

Signage for the Mass Central Rail Trail in Northampton

MCRT POTENTIAL

It would be a vital commuter path, and would drive tourism throughout the Commonwealth. We are so close to having
a world class path.

Belmont, MA Resident

Building out the longest rail trail in New England

The MCRT is the longest shared-use rail trail corridor in New England. This East-West trail linking 26 Massachusetts communities is a counterpart to the existing Appalachian Trail. The MCRT also provides connections between existing North-South trails like the New England Scenic Trail, the Mid-state Trail and the Bay Circuit Trail. Nearer to Boston, the MCRT connects to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, the Assabet River Rail Trail, and the Minuteman Rail Trail. Overall, 18 multi-use trails will connect directly to the MCRT. And the MCRT also connects to CT via the New Haven and Northampton Canal Greenway.

Explore trails near you on Google Maps

MCRT supporters partnered with Google Street View to begin to plot all of the currently open sections of the Mass Central Rail Trail. From Boston to Northampton, experience the beauty of the rail trail in your own back yard.