Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont

Rail-Trails:NewEngland1stEDITIONJune20072ndprintingAugust2008

Copyright©2007byRails-to-TrailsConservancyFrontcoverphotographscopyright©2007byRails-to-TrailsConservancyBackcoverphotographbyBoydLovingAll interiorphotographsbyRails-to-TrailsConservancyexceptfortheonesnoted.

Maps:GeneOligandLohnes+Wright

Map data courtesy of:Environmental SystemsResearch InstituteCover design:Lisa Pletka andBarbaraRichey

Bookdesignandlayout:LisaPletkaBookeditors:JenniferKaleba,KarenStewart,SusanWeaver,andDavidLauterbornISBN:978-0-

89997-449-1

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Coverphotos:

Maine’sNewport–Dover-FoxcroftRail-Trail(mainimage);Connecticut’sHousatonicRail-Trail–Monroe(upperleft);NewHampshire’sRockinghamRecreationalTrail(lowerright);Connecticut’sHopRiverStateParkTrail(backcover)

Titlepagephoto: Connecticut’sMoosupValleyStateParkTrail

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher,exceptforbriefquotationsusedinreviews.

SAFETYNOTICE:AlthoughWildernessPressandRails-to-TrailsConservancyhavemadeeveryattempttoensurethattheinformationinthisbookisaccurateatpresstime,theyarenotresponsibleforanyloss,damage,injury,orinconveniencethatmayoccurtoanyonewhileusingthisbook.Youare responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail isdescribedinthisbookdoesnotmeanthatitwillbesafeforyou.Beawarethattrailconditionscanchangefromdaytoday.Alwayschecklocalconditionsandknowyourownlimitations.

AdeckedrailroadbridgeonConnecticut’sMoosupValleyStateParkTrail

ForewordDearReader: For those of youwho have already experienced the sheerenjoymentandfreedomofridingonarail-trail,welcomeback!You’llfindRail-Trails:NewEngland to be a useful and fun guide to your favoritetrails,aswellasanintroductiontopathwaysyouhaveyettotravel.

Forreaderswhoarediscovering,forthefirsttime,theadventuresyoucan have on a rail-trail, thank you for joining the rail-trail movement.Since1986,Rails-to-TrailsConservancyhasbeentheNo.1supporteranddefenderof thesepricelesspubliccorridors.Weareexcited tobringyouRail-Trails:NewEnglandsoyou,too,canenjoythisregion’srail-trails.

Built on unused, former railroad corridors, these hiking and bikingtrailsareanidealwaytoconnectwithyourcommunity,withnature,andwith your friends and family. I’ve found that rail-trails have a way ofbringing people together, and as you’ll see from this book, there areopportunities in every state you visit to get on a trail. Whether you’relookingforaplacetoexercise,explore,commute,orplay—thereisarail-trailinthisbookforyou.

SoIinviteyoutositback,relax,pickatrailthatpiquesyourinterest—andthengetout,getactive,andhavesomefun.I’llbeoutonthetrails,too,sobesuretowaveasyougoby.HappyTrails,KeithLaughlinPresident,Rails-to-TrailsConservancy

ContentsAboutRails-to-TrailsConservancyForewordIntroductionHowtoUseThisBook

CONNECTICUT

1 AirLineStateParkTrail–South2 FarmingtonCanalHeritageTrail3 FarmingtonRiverTrail4 HopRiverStateParkTrail5 HousatonicRailTrail–Monroe6 HousatonicRailTrail–Trumbull7 LarkinStateParkTrail8 MiddleburyGreenway9 MoosupValleyStateParkTrail10 StrattonBrookStateParkTrail11 VernonRails-to-TrailsPark

12 AroostookValleyTrail13 Bangor–AroostookTrail14 CalaisWaterfrontWalkway15 EasternPromenadeTrail16 KennebecRiverRailTrail17 KennebecValleyTrail18 LagrangeRailTrail19MountainDivisionTrail20 NarrowGaugePathway21 Newport–Dover-FoxcroftRailTrail22 SaintJohnValleyHeritageTrail23 SipayikTrail24 SouthPortlandPathway25WhistleStopRailTrail

MASSACHUSETTS

26 AlewifeLinearPark/Somerville95CommunityPath27 AmesburyRiverwalk28 AshuwillticookRailTrail29 AssabetRiverRailTrail30 BedfordNarrow-GaugeRailTrail31 CapeCodRailTrail32ManhanRailTrail33MarbleheadRailTrail34MinutemanBikeway35 NashuaRiverRailTrail36 NorthamptonBikeway37 NorwottuckRailTrail38 PhoenixRailTrail39 ReformatoryBranchTrail40 ShiningSeaBikeway41 SouthwestCorridorPark

NEWHAMPSHIRE

42 AshuelotRailTrail43 CottonValleyRailTrail44 GuineaPond&FlatMountainPondTrails45 NorthernRailTrail–GraftonCounty46 RockinghamRecreationalTrail47 SawyerRiverTrail48 SugarRiverTrail49WarrenE.HaverhillRailroadGradeTrail50WhiteMountainsRailTrails51WindhamDepottoDerryTrail

RHODEISLAND

52 BlackstoneRiverBikeway53 EastBayBicyclePath54WashingtonSecondaryTrail55WilliamC.O’NeillBikePath

VERMONT

56 Delaware&HudsonRailTrail57 IslandLineTrail58MissisquoiValleyRailTrail59 ToonervilleTrail60WestRiverTrail

AppendixI:StaffPicksAppendixII:40MoreRailTrailsAcknowledgments

Connecticut’s15.6-mileHopRiverStateParkTrail

OINTRODUCTION

f thenearly1400rail-trailsacrosstheUS,142threadthroughtheNew England states of Connecticut,Maine,Massachusetts, NewHampshire,RhodeIsland,andVermont.Theseroutesrelateatwo-

part story: The first speaks to the early years of railroading, while thesecond showcases efforts by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, other groups,andtheirsupporterstoresurrecttheseunusedrailroadcorridorsaspublic-usetrails.

Rail-Trails:NewEnglandhighlights60of theregion’sdiverse trails,each serving as awindowon the communities the railroadonce served.Some trails delve into the particular history of an area, such asMassachusetts’ Phoenix Rail Trail, named by local schoolchildren afterFortPhoenix,withinsightofwhichthefirstnavalbattleoftheAmericanRevolution was fought in 1775. Other trails reveal New England’sindustrialpast,suchasRhodeIsland’sBlackstoneRiverBikeway,whichalternately parallels or follows the towpath of an extant historic canalalongtheriverpast19thcenturytextilemillvillages.

Connecticut’ssignaturetrailandakeyinterstatelink,theFarmingtonCanalHeritageTrailtracestherouteofthelong-defunctcanal,whichoncestretchedfromNewHaventoNorthampton,Massachusetts.Morethan40miles of the planned 60-mile path are now open to trail users.Anotherfavorite, theAir Line State ParkTrail, crosses streams, brooks, and theBlackledgeRiver, aswell as a pair of dramatically engineeredviaducts,eachmorethan1000feetlong.

Rail-trails inMaineareasvariedasyoumightexpect inastate thisbroad, ranging fromPortland’s sophisticatedEasternPromenadeTrail, arail-with-trail to routes thatdelve into theAroostookCountywilderness,whereamoosemaybeyouronlycompaniononmorethan100milesoftrails.

ExpectasimilarspectrumofexperiencesonNewHampshire’strails,from the first few completed miles of the Cotton Valley Rail-Trail inWolfeboro,America’soldestsummerresort,tothedeepwoodsandbeaverbogsalongtheRockinghamRecreationalTrail.WhiteMountainNationalForestprovidesbothhikersandbikerswithchallengingandscenicroutes,includingtheEthanPondandThoreauFallstrails,honoringthenaturalistswhohelpedprotectthisonceactivelyloggedwilderness.

Windingthroughfarmlandandrollinghills,withtheGreenMountains

asaserenebackdrop,Vermont’srail-trailsinviteyoutoimmerseyourselfin the simple rural lifestyle its residents embrace. Tracing Burlington’scharming waterfront en route to views of the Adirondacks across LakeChamplain,theIslandLineTrailisthestate’smust-seetrail.

NomatterwhichrouteinRail-Trails:NewEnglandyoudecidetoply,you’llbetouchingontheheartofthecommunitythathelpedbuilditandthehistorythatfirstbroughttherailstotheregion.

Rhode Island leads the region in trail network creation, withProvidenceasitshub.CheckoutthestunningviewsofNarragansettBayalongtheEastBayBicyclePath,thestate’sfirstrail-trail.

WhatisaRail-Trail?Rail-trails are multiuse public paths built along former railroad

corridors.Mostoften flator followingagentlegrade, theyare suited towalking,running,cycling,mountainbiking, inlineskating,cross-countryskiing,horsebackriding,andwheelchairuse.Sincethe1960s,Americanshavecreatedmorethan13,000milesofrail-trailsthroughoutthecountry.

These extremely popular recreation and transportation corridorstraverse urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Many preserve historiclandmarks,whileothers serve aswildlife conservationcorridors, linkingisolatedparksandestablishinggreenways indevelopedareas.Rail-trailsalso stimulate local economies by boosting tourism and promotingtrailsidebusinesses.

WhatisaRail-with-Trail?A rail-with-trail is a public path that parallels a still-active rail line.

Some run adjacent to high-speed, scheduled trains, often linking publictransportationstations,whileothersfollowtouristroutesandslow-movingexcursion trains. Many share an easement, separated from the rails byextensivefencing.Therearemorethan115rails-with-trailsintheUS.

RHOWTOUSETHISBOOK

ail-Trails: New England provides the information you’ll need toplanarewardingrail-trailtrek.Withwordstoinspireyouandmapsto chart your path, it makes choosing the best route a breeze.

Followingaresomeofthehighlights.

MapsYou’ll find three levels of maps in this book: an overall regional

map,statelocatormaps,anddetailedtrailmaps.The New England region includes Connecticut, Maine,

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Eachchapter details a particular state’s network of trails, marked on locatormapsinthechapterintroduction.Usethesemapstofindthetrailsnearestyou, or select several neighboring trails and plan a weekend hiking orbikingexcursion.Onceyoufindatrailonastatelocatormap,simplyflipto the correspondingpage number for a full description.Accompanyingtrail maps mark each route’s access roads, trailheads, parking areas,restrooms,andotherdefiningfeatures.

TrailDescriptionsTrails are listed in alphabetical order within each chapter. Each

description leads offwith a set of summary information, including trailendpointsandmileage,a roughness index, the trail surface,andpossibleuses.

Themap and summary information list the trail endpoints (either acity,street,ormorespecific location),withsuggestedpointsfromwhichtostartandfinish.Additionalaccesspointsaremarkedon themapsandmentioned in the trail descriptions. The maps and descriptions alsohighlightavailableamenities,includingparkingandrestrooms,aswellassuch area attractions as shops, services, museums, parks, and stadiums.Traillengthislistedinmiles.

Each trail bears a roughness index rating from1 to3.A ratingof1indicatesasmooth,levelsurfacethatisaccessibletousersofallagesandabilities.A 2 ratingmeans the surfacemay be loose and/or uneven andcouldposeaproblemforroadbikesandwheelchairs.A3ratingsuggests

aroughsurfacethatisonlyrecommendedformountainbikersandhikers.Surfaces can range from asphalt or concrete to ballast, cinder, crushedstone, gravel, grass, dirt, and/or sand.Where relevant, trail descriptionsaddressalternatingsurfaceconditions.

Allrail-trailsareopentopedestrians,andmostallowbicycles,exceptwhere noted in the trail summary or description. The summary alsoindicates wheelchair access. Other possible uses include inline skating,mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and cross-countryskiing.Whilemosttrailsareoff-limitstomotorvehicles,somelocaltrailorganizationsdoallowATVsandsnowmobiles.

Traildescriptionsthemselvessuggestanidealitineraryforeachroute,including thebestparkingareasandaccesspoints,where tobegin,yourdirectionof travel,andanyhighlightsalong theway.The textnotesanyconnecting or neighboring routes,with page numbers for the respectivetrail descriptions. Following each description are directions to therecommendedtrailheads.

Eachtraildescriptionalsolistsalocalcontact(name,address,phonenumber, andwebsite) for further information.Be sure to call these trailmanagers or volunteer groups in advance for updates and currentconditions.

KeytoMapIcons

TrailUseRail-trailsarepopular routes fora rangeofuses,oftenmaking them

busyplacestoplay.Trailetiquetteapplies.Ifpassingothertrailusersonyourbicycle,alwaystrytopassontheleftwithanaudiblewarningsuchas a bike-mountedbell or a polite but firm, “Passingonyour left!”Foryour safety and that of other trail users, keep children and pets fromstraying into oncoming trail traffic. Keep dogs leashed, and supervisechildrenuntiltheycandemonstrateproperbehavior.

Cyclists and inline skaters shouldwear helmets, reflective clothing,andothersafetygear,assometrailsinvolvehazardousroadcrossings.It’s

alsobest tobringaflashlightorbike-orhelmet-mounted lightfor tunnelpassagesortwilightexcursions.

KeytoTrailuse

LearnMoreWhileRail-Trails:NewEnglandisahelpfulguidetoavailableroutes

intheregion,itwasn’tfeasibletolisteveryrail-trailinNewEngland,andnewrail-trailsspringupeachyear.Tolearnaboutadditionalrail-trailsinyourareaortoplanatriptoanareabeyondthescopeofthisbook,logonto theRailsto-TrailsConservancyhomepage (www.railstotrails.org)andclickontheFindaTraillink.RTC’sonlinedatabaselistsmorethan1400rail-trailsnationwide,searchablebystate,county,city,trailname,surfacetype,length,activity,and/orkeywordsregardingyourinterest.Anumberoflistingsincludephotosandreviewsfrompeoplewho’vealreadyvisitedthetrail.

Connecticut

CONNECTICUT

AirLineStateParkTrail–South

LocationHartford,Middlesex,NewLondon,andWindhamcountiesEndpointsEastHampton,Colchester,andWindhamMileage22.4RoughnessIndex2SurfaceCrushedstone

irLineStateParkTrailshowcasestheengineeringbehindtheAirLine Railroad, laid down through this hilly region in 1873 as adirect routebetweenBostonandNewYork.As itsname implies,

the tracks ran flat and straight, like “a line in the air.” The Air Lineemployed the finest trains of the day, featuring thePullmanPalaceCar,marketedasthe“WhiteTrain”foritsluxuriouswhite-and-golddecor.

FrequentriderRudyardKiplingoncewroteoftheline:Withoutajar,orroll,oranticWithoutastoptoWillimantic…

Rainnorsnowne’erstops its flight ItmakesNewYorkatnineeachnight The south section of the trail stretches from East Hampton toWillimantic, linking midway with a spur south to Colchester. Oncecompleted, the routewill run fromEastHampton all theway toRhodeIsland,where itwillconnectwith theBlackstoneRiverBikeway. If thisopenstretchisaglimpseofthingstocome,itwillbeapremiertrail,andWillimantic could become a trail hub, offering connections to the HopRiverandMoosupValleystateparktrails(seerespectively).

Thistrail(anditsnamesakeAirLineRailroad)getsitsnamefromthenotionthatthefastestroutebetweenBostonandNewYorkwouldbe“alineintheair.”

Round-trip riders should start inEastHampton. If you forgot to fillyourwaterbottleathome,youcandosointhefirsthalfmilefromoneofthe smallwaterfalls, createdwhen railroad crews blasted “BishopsCut”throughsolidrock.

Overthenext3miles,you’llcrosstheRapalloandLymanViaducts.Builtinthe1870s,eachspansmorethanathousandfeet,thelattersoaringmore than150feetabove thevalleyfloor. In1913,crewsreinforced theviaductswith rock and sediment to support heavier trains.Visible fromtrailsidebenches,thetopcornerofeachspanpokesoutthroughthefill.

The onward trail soars over boisterous, rushing streams, smallerbrooks, and the broad Blackledge River before crossing a causewaythroughRaymondBrookMarsh.Watchforsignsofbeaver.

AneighthofamilefromatrailheadandlargeparkingareaonStateRoute 85, the 3.4-mile Colchester Spur Rail-Trail joins the main line.Thoughatadrougher,thespuroffersanenjoyableridethroughhemlockwoods. You’ll soon cross 85 and eventually emerge at an undevelopedtrailhead anchored by the old Colchester Railroad Station and its twin

depots.While you can continue on the Air Line several miles, the trail

becomesrougherandlessdefinedandlacksaformaltrailhead.

DIRECTIONS

To reach thewestern trailhead inEastHampton, takeStateRoute2 toExit13andfollowStateRoute66southfor4miles.TurnleftonStateRoute196/LakeviewStreetanddriveahalfmile,thenturnleftonFlandersRoadanddriveaquartermile.TurnrightonSmithStreet;thetrailheadisontheleft.

Thebesteasterntrailheadisatthejunctionofstateroutes207and85inColchester.TakeRoute2toExit18,followStateRoute16forahalfmile,thenturnleftonRoute85.Theparkinglotis4milesdownontheleft.

Contact: ConnecticutDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection79ElmStreetHartford,CT06106(860)424-3200

CONNECTICUT

FarmingtonCanalHeritageTrail

LocationNewHavenandHartfordcountiesEndpointsNew Haven, Hamden to Cheshire, Southington, Farmington toMassachusettsborderMileage40RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt,crushedstone

unning north from the Yale University campus in New Haventhrough the heart of Connecticut, the Farmington Canal HeritageTrailcomprisesseveraldistinctsegmentstotaling40milesofrail-

trail.Whencompleted,thismultiusetrailwillstretch,uninterrupted,morethan 60 miles from New Haven to theMassachusetts border. A 7-milesegmentunderdevelopmentinSouthwick,Massachusetts,willeventuallylinktoanetworkoftrailsstillfarthernorthinNorthampton,creatingakeyinterstateroute.

Thetrail followsthecorridorof thedefunctFarmingtonCanal,NewEngland’s onetime longest canal. Completed in 1835, the waterwaystretched 87miles fromNewHaven toNorthampton, boasting 28 locksand three aqueducts.While itwas anengineeringmarvel, the canalwasneverprofitable,andin1848,theFarmingtonCanalRailroad(a.k.a.NewHaven&NorthamptonRailroad) acquired the right-of-way and filled in

much of the channel to make way for the tracks. (The rail line met asimilar fate in the 1980s.) Traces of the canal remain throughout theFarmington Valley. Most notable is Lock 12, a trailside museum inCheshirethatcentersontherestoredlock.Todate,therail-trailspansthefollowingfoursegments:NewHaven,HamdentoCheshire,Southington,andFarmingtontotheMassachusettsborder.

TheFarmingtonCanalHeritageTrailisbrokenintofourdistinctsegmentsoverits40-milecourse.

NewHavenSectionAnchoring the trail’s southern terminus is Yale’s new Malone

Engineering Building, designed by prominent architect Caesar Pelli. Alandscaped setting and reproduced streetlamps lend atmosphere to this1.25-mile,asphalt-paved,urbanpath.Thereisnodesignatedtrailparking,buton-streetorgarageparkingisavailable.StarrStreetmarks the trail’send.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachthesoutherntrailheadontheYalecampus,takeInterstate91toExit 3/Trumbull Street. Drive straight on Trumbull for three blocks toHillhouseAvenue and look for on-street or garage parking.Onweekendsandafter4:30p.m.onweekdays,Yale’sparkinglotsareopentothepublicforfree.

TocontinuetotheHamdentoCheshiresectionbybike,ridersneedtotravel4mileson lightly trafficked roads.Turn rightonStarr, traveloneblock,turnleftonNewhallStreet,andcontinueaboutamilethroughthePutnamAvenueintersection;NewhallbecomesLeederHillDrive.FollowLeederHilltotheroad’sendatTreadwellStreet,takearight,thentakeanimmediate leftonMartinTerrace.At theroad’send, turn leftonMatherStreet,followedbyarightonWaiteStreet.(You’llpassaseriesoflakesonwatercompanyproperty.)TakethefirstleftonCoramStreet,thenleftagain on Beverly Road. Follow Beverly around, then bear right onWoodbineStreet,skirtingthewatercompanyproperty.Makethethirdlefton Elgin Street, go one block, then continue straight on ConnollyParkway.AtWilburCrossParkway(StateRoute15),turnrighttopickuptheHamdentoCheshiresection.

HamdentoCheshireSection

AprominentsignfortheNewHaven&NorthamptonRailroad—TheCanalLinemarksthetrailheadofthispopularnorthboundsegmentattheConno lly Parkway in Hamden.Woods soon line the asphalt path, andyou’llcrossbridgeafterbridgeoverameanderingstream.Tolearnaboutthe corridor’s canal and railroad roots, pause to read trailside historicalmarkersandwatchfortheoldbrickdepotandadjacentfreighthousejustpast the second parking area. Approaching Cheshire, you’ll reach theaforementionedLock12andkeeper’shouse,nowahistoricalpark.Hereyou’llfindtrailheadparking,picnictables,toilets,adrinkingfountain,anda phone. Trail’s end lies 1.6 miles north at a parking lot on CornwallAvenueinCheshire.

DIRECTIONS

To reach theCheshire trailhead, take Interstate691 toExit3andheadsouth on State Route 10/Highland Avenue through town. Turn right onCornwallAvenueandproceedtothetrailheadandadjacentparking.Todrivetothesouthernaccesspoint,leaveRoute15(WilburCrossParkway)atExit60anddrivenorthonRoute10(DixwellAvenue)foraquartermile.Takethefirstentrancetothemallonyourrightandproceedtothelargeparkinglotonthesouthsideofthemall,whichisadjacenttothetrail.

SouthingtonSectionFrom an inviting trailhead parking area on West Main Street in

downtown Southington, this 2-mile asphalt trail bridges the QuinnipiacRiver and passes through the heart of a restoredmill section starting atCenter Street. From here, turn right on Center Street to check out thedowntowneateries,orcontinuenorthtothetrail’sendonHartStreet.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheWestMainStreettrailhead,takeInterstate691toExit3andheadnorthonStateRoute10/SouthMainStreettoWestMain.TurnleftonWestMainandproceedtothetrailheadparkingarea.

FarmingtontotheMassachusettsBorderSection

Despite a few on-road detours, the 22-mile northern section of theFarmington Canal Heritage Trail is a rewarding bike ride. It shares itsTunxisMeadeParktrailheadwiththe8.5-mileFarmingtonRiverTrail.

Within the firstmile, pause to admire the view from a high bridgeover the Farmington River. At mile 3, the Thompson Road trailheadprovides restrooms.The trail first leaves the corridor5.8miles along inAvon, meandering a mile along surface streets and beneath Route 44beforerejoiningthecorridoratSperryPark.ContinuenorththroughEastGranby.

ThetrailpassescanallocksofthedefunctFarmingtonCanalandweavesitswaythroughaslewofNewEnglandcommunities.

ApproachingSimsbury,thetrailpassesrestoredbrownstonebuildingson the campusof aerospace anddefense conglomerateEnsign-Bickford,which started in 1836 as a manufacturer of William Bickford’s safetyfusesformining.ReachingasmallbridgeonRoute10,brieflyfollowthesidewalk,thenturnrightonDrakeHillRoadandlookforthetrailheadtotherightofIronHorseBoulevard;turnleftheretorejointhecorridor.

Thetrailcontinuesnorth,parallelingtheboulevardandpassingDrakeHillRoadPark.Onacrispfalldaywithayouthsoccergameinprogress,thecolorsofchangingleavescompetingwithteamuniforms,thisstretchisatreattotravel.Thetrailcontinues4milestoamajorbreakatWolcottRoad.

Fromhere,youcaneitherbacktracktotheclosesttrailheadatRoute315 or, if you’re a confident road cyclist, continue to the border. AtWolcott Road, turn right and travel a mile to a three-way intersection.Takeanother right,goabout100yards,and turn leftonRoute189.Thetrailheadliesamiledownthisroadonyourright.(Note:Thetraindepoton the left side of the road is a private home.) From here, the trail

continues4milestotheMassachusettsborder.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachthesoutherntrailheadinFarmington,takeInterstate84toExit38(fromthesouth)orExit39(fromthenorth).Onceintown,driveamilewestofRoute10onMeadowRoadtoTunxisMeadePark.(ThefirstasphalttrailtotherightofMeadowRoadisn’ttherail-trail,butawonderfulspurtothecenterofhistoricFarmington,whosemuseumsandcolonialarchitectureareworthasidetrip.)

To reach theStateRoute 315 trailhead, take I-84 toExit 38 (from thesouth)or39(fromthenorth).OnceinFarmington,headnorthonRoute10throughAvon and Simsbury. The Route 315 trailhead parking area lies 2milesbeyondtheIronHorseBoulevardtrailhead.

Contact: FarmingtonCanalRail-to-TrailAssociation940WhitneyAvenueHamden,CT06517www.farmingtoncanal.org

CONNECTICUT

FarmingtonRiverTrail

LocationHartfordCountyEndpointsFarmingtontoCollinsvilleMileage8.5RoughnessIndex2Surface

Asphalt, crushed stone, cinder, dirt work in progress, theFarmington River Trail offers an 8.5-mile excursion along theeponymous scenic river. Along its wilder stretches, you’ll spot

canoeists, kayakers, and fly-fishermen.The southern trailhead atTunxisMeadePark inFarmingtonalsoservesasa trailhead for theFarmingtonCanalHeritageTrail.Besuretofollowsignstotherivertrail.

The trail follows thebedof the formerNewHaven&NorthamptonRailroad,originallynamedtheFarmingtonCanalRailroadafterthewaterrouteitsupplanted,whichranfromNewHavennorthintoMassachusetts.Eventually, the river trailwill stretch18milesnorth and reconnectwiththeFarmingtonCanalHeritageTrail,forminga30-mileloop.

Twomilesin,beyonditsjunctionwithStateRoute177inUnionville,

the trail followsaquarter-mile road.Don’t take the largebridge leadingnorth; instead, carefully cross Route 177 at the crosswalk and headstraightonRailroadAvenue.Attheroad’send,threadtheopeningsintheguardrailandcontinuestraightonthedirtpath;don’tturnleftuphillintothenewdevelopment.The trail follows thedirtpath forahalfmileandthencrossesRiverRoad.TheonwardtrailparallelstheriverontherightandRoute4ontheleft,wellbufferedbywoods.

TheFarmingtonRiverTrailandtheFarmingtonCanalHeritageTrailwillonedayforma30-mileloop.

Overthenext3milesthetrailfollowstheremnantsofanoldroadandpassesadefuncthydroelectricdam.Pausetoreadinterpretivesignsaboutthissegmentoftheriverandhowit inspiredseveralfamouspainters.At7.5miles, a ramp climbs to a restored train bridge over the river. ThiswonderfulgatewayemergesonhistoricCollinsville,thecurrentendofthetrail.

The trail passes the historicalCollinsCompanymill en route to thevillage,whichretainstracesofthe19thcentury.Allowplentyoftimetobrowse theCantonHistoricalMuseum,which relates the town’shistory,displaysanextensivecollectionofVictorian-eraartifacts,andoperatesa

modelrailroad.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachthesoutherntrailheadinFarmington,takeInterstate84toExit38and followUSHwy.6west.Drive3milesand turn rightonRoute10north.Afteraquartermile,turnleftonMeadowRoadandcontinueamiletotheparking lot atTunxisMeadePark, on the right.From the lot, take thesidewalkalongRedOakHillRoadfor100yards,turnright,andcrossNewBritainAvenuetothetrailhead.

To reach the northern trailhead, take USHwy. 44 to State Route 179south.Collinsvilleliesamilefromthisjunction.Justbeforetown,turnrightonGildersleeveAvenue,wherethetrailfollowsaboardwalkalongtheriver.You’llfindlimitedroadsideparkinghereandadditionalparkingintown.

Contact: FarmingtonValleyTrailsCouncilPOBox576Tariffville,CT06081(860)658-4065

CONNECTICUT

HopRiverStateParkTrail

LocationHartfordandTollandcountiesEndpointsManchester/VernontownlinetoHopRiverRoadnearColumbiaMileage15.6RoughnessIndex2SurfaceCrushedstone,gravel,dirt

op River State Park Trail is one of Connecticut’s top rail-trails.Narrowcuts anda lush tree canopymake for enjoyablevisits allyear. Most of the 15.6-mile route from the Manchester/Vernon

town line to Hop River Road follows a crushed stone surface.Work isunderwaytoextendthetraileastalongStateRoute6.Severalnewbridgescarry the rail-trail over side roads, but be careful: Bridges underdevelopmentofferfewsafeguardsandlittlewarningofsteepdrop-offs.

For an almost seamless 12-mile eastward trek, begin at the VernonRails-to-TrailsParkonChurchStreet.Thefirstfewmilesclimbgraduallypast impressiverockoutcrops.BeyondtheBoltonNotchparkinglot, thetrailpassesbeneathStateRoute44andUSHwy.6,threadsanarrowrockcut, then descends several miles through thick woods. Past SteelesCrossingRoad,US6comesintoviewonyourleft,butnotsocloseastobreakthemood.KeepwatchforsmallwaterfallsliketheonenearBurnapBrookRoad.

Coolcutsintherockalongthetrailweremadewhentherailroadpassedthroughtheregion.

The bridge is out at State Route 316; keep back from the edge, asthere’snobarricade.Trailuserswithchildrenareadvisedtoturnbackatthispoint.Othersmaychoosetocircumventthegapandtakeinthenext2miles of trail. Those cycling the trail should dismount and walk downcarefullytoUS6.You’llneedtoliftyourbikeovertheguardrail—besuredriversseeyouastheynegotiatetheturnonto316.

Don’tcross theroadand try toclimb thesteepfacingbank; instead,taketheroadtotherightofthesmalltriangularpark/memorialandfollowituphill50yardstorejointhetrail.Amilelater,you’llpassbeneathUS6throughanew,100-footlightedtunnel.AnothermilebringsyoutoParkerBridgeRoad.Thisisagoodplacetoturnaroundorarrangeforpickup,asthere’snoofficialtrailparkingandthebridgetoHopRiverRoadisout.

DIRECTIONS

TheChurchStreet trailheadinVernonis just1milesouthofInterstate84, and located between Phoenix and Washington streets. To reach theChurchStreettrailheadfromHartford,takeI-84easttoExit65andfollowsignstoStateRoute30north.TurnrightatthefirsttrafficsignalonDobsonRoadandcrossbeneaththeinterstate.DobsonbecomesWashingtonStreet.Amilesouth, turnleftonChurchStreet.Trailheadparkingisaheadontheleft.

Toreach the trailheadfromExit66,bear rightonFrontageRoad, thenturnleftonTunnelRoad.Afteraquartermile,turnrightonWarrenAvenue.Driveahalfmile,takealeftonPhoenixStreet,thenanimmediaterightonChurch.Trailheadparkingisontheright.

Contact: ConnecticutDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection79ElmStreetHartford,CT06106(860)424-3200

CONNECTICUT

HousatonicRail-Trail–Monroe

LocationFairfieldCountyEndpointsMonroetoNewtowntownlineMileage4.3RoughnessIndex2SurfaceCrushedstone

onroe residents use this largely forested 4.3-mile section of theHousatonic (known locally as the Monroe Railbed Trail) as aconvenientbikeroutetoWilliamE.WolfePark.Visitingrail-trail

users also gravitate around the park, which centers on Great HollowLake’s attractive sand beach and swimming area, restrooms, and picnictables. Nonmotorized boating is permitted on the 16-acre lake, and apaved,pedestrian-onlywalkingpathcirclesitsshoreline.

The Housatonic trailhead is accessible via the entrance road to thelake, just off the left shoulder at a bend in the road. You’ll need topurchase a day-use sticker to park here. The rail-trail’s crushed stonesurfaceisgenerallycompactenoughevenforwheelchairuse.

Watch for traces of theHousatonicRailroad, oneofNewEngland’sfirstraillines,whichcarriedpassengersandfreightbetweenMonroeandBridgeport.Themostnotableremnantisastone-archbridgethatisontheConnecticut List ofHistoric Places.Also note the drill holes amid cutsblastedthroughsolidrockfortherailcorridor.

TheHousatonicRail-Trail–Monroeprovidesacanopyofleavesinthefall.

Therail-trailcrossesarearoadsseveraltimesandincludesashorton-road detour at the stone-arch bridge near the trailmidpoint.You’ll veerthrough a residential cul-de-sac, then turn left, and followPepperStreetfor a quartermile before rejoining the trail. At the 4-milemark, you’llcross Pepper Street for the last time. After another quarter mile, you’llreachtrail’sendatalargedirtpileontheNewtowntownline.

Mountain bikers looking for a little adventure can tackle anotherquartermile or so of rough riding.Another option: Leave the park andhead2milessouthtopickuptheHousatonicRail-Trail–Trumbull,a3-milesectionofthesameformerrailcorridor.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheWolfeParktrailhead,takeInterstate84toExit11andturnleftofftherampontoWassermanWay.AtthejunctionwithRoute25,turnleft(south)anddriveabout8milestoOldNewtownRoad.TurnleftonOldNewtown,rightonPurdyHillRoad,thenleftagainonDocSilverstoneRoad

intoWolfePark.Thetrailheadisofftheleftsideoftheroadjustsouthoftheparkinglot.Thereisaday-useparkingfee.

Contact:MonroeParks&RecreationDepartment7FanHillRoadMonroe,CT06468(203)452-5416

CONNECTICUT

HousatonicRail-Trail–Trumbull

LocationFairfieldCountyEndpointsTaitRoadtoOldMinePark,TrumbullMileage3.4RoughnessIndex2SurfaceCinder,crushedstone,dirt

shady respite from suburban Trumbull, this fairly flat trailoverlooksthewindingPequonnockRiverformuchofits3.4miles.Rapidsanddistinctiverockoutcropsaddinterest.Thetrailbegins

ontherailroadcorridor,straysfromit,thenreturnstoemergeatOldMinePark.Thefirst2.5milesoffereasywalkingorcyclingondirtandgravel;thefinalportionisextremelyrough.

Also known as Trumbull Old Mine Park Trail, this section of theHousatonic begins with a steep 20-foot climb from the road near theformertownhall.Onceonthetrail,youquicklyleavetrafficnoisebehindasyou tracehillsidecontoursamid lushdeciduouswoods.Earlyon, therivershootsthroughanarrowchasm.Thoughyou’llsoonlosesightofthewater,sidetrailsdescendtooverlooks.JustbeforethefirstroadcrossingatWhitneyAvenue,you’llreachabeautifulseriesofcascadingfallsandpools.

The trail crossesWhitney at a blind corner, so use caution. On theotherside,thetrailveersright,awayfromtherailcorridor.Thishalf-milestretch toOldMinePark isasingle-trackhiking trail, itssurfacebrokenby rocks and tree roots. Unless you’re an experienced mountain biker,

you’llneedtowalkyourbike.ThesilenceisbrokenonlybyStateRoute25,which spans the trail on abridgeover thePequonnock.Leaving thebusy road behind, you’ll escape once again into quiet, forestedsurroundings.

TheHousatonicRail-Trail–Trumbulloffersbothsmoothwalkingandruggedhikingonitsprettypath.

OldMineParkmarksthetrail’snorthernendpoint.Here,apicturesquefootbridge crosses the river to picnic tables and a pavilion with publicrestrooms. An interpretive sign relates the region’s mining history,beginning with the Paugussett Native American tribe, which collectedquartz fromexposedveins forarrowpoints.Lookforaphotoof theoldminebuildingsfollowingthe1855discoveryoftungsten,ametalusedforhardeningalloys.

Ifyouprefertokeepmoving,theparkoffersamultipurposefieldforturf sports, aswell as links to a variety of hiking trails and single-trackmountainbiking routes.Oryou canhead2milesnorth andpickup theHousatonicRail-Trail–Monroe,which traversesanother4milesof thisscenicrailroadcorridor.

DIRECTIONS

Toparknear theold townhall, takeStateRoute25 toExit9and turnsouthonDaniel’sFarmRoad.Atthelight,takearightonStateRoute127,followedbyan immediate rightonTaitRoad(notTait’sMillRoad) to theunsigned, six-car parking area beside the old town hall (now called theHelen PlumbBuilding). The trailhead lies 50 yards down the road on theleft.

OnlypermittedtownresidentscanparkatOldMinePark;visitorsmayparkonneighboringstreets.Toreachthepark,takeStateRoute25NorthtoStateRoute111,continuenorthon111,andtakethefirstrightturnintothepark.Thesignedtrailheadisnearthemainparkingarea.

The Whitney Avenue trailhead offers a larger parking area, but onlytown residents and state residents with fishing licenses may purchase therequiredpermit.

Contact: PequonnockRiverValleyParkc/oSherwoodIslandStateParkPOBox188GreenFarms,CT06436(203)226-6983

CONNECTICUT

LarkinStateParkTrail

LocationNewHavenCountyEndpointsWhittemoreGlenStateParktoSouthburyMileage10.4RoughnessIndex3Surface

Gravel,cinder,crushedstone,dirtanopiedwithdeciduoustreesformost of its 10.4 miles, the Larkin State Park Trail (a.k.a. LarkinBridle Path) is primarily a wilderness trail, with wooded vistas,

wetlandviews,andsparseresidentialdevelopment.Itsrailroadpastbeganin 1881 with completion of the New York & New England Railroadbetween western Connecticut and New York. Following bankruptcy in1894,theNewYork,NewHaven,&HartfordRailroadtookoverthelineuntil1939.Dr.CharlesL.Larkinpurchased thecorridorandgifted it tothestatein1943forabridletrail.

You’re likely to encounter equestrians. Particularly when cycling,remember to approach horses slowly and quietly; speak softly and takeyourcuesfromtheirriders.Youmayneedtostopanddismountuntiltheypass,ashorseshavetheright-of-way.

Typicalofrail-trailsinsouthwestConnecticut,theroutepliesagentlegrade across rolling topography, occasionally slicing through rockoutcropsoroverlookinglowlyingareas.Thetrail’scrushedstonesurfaceis typically firm, especially in the eastern andmiddle portions. Surfaceconditions are rougher along the western section, which is rockier andsomewhateroded,makingitmoresuitableformountainbikes.

ThemixedsurfaceoftheLarkinStateParkTrailmakesitsuitableforequestrianuse.

Near the trailmidpoint at LongMeadowRoad, you’ll briefly leavestate-ownedpropertyforahalf-mile,on-roaddetouralongaprivatelyheldstretch.TurnleftonLongMeadowRoadandrightonTowanticHillRoad,thenwatch for trail accesson the left sideof the road.Theonward trailofferslovelyviewsoftheboggyshorelineofTowanticPond,thenpassesoverwetlandsonacauseway.

Near thewest end, a short sectionbetweenStateRoute67andCurtSmith Road is often very wet, and washouts persist. At some of thenumerous road crossings, the trail descends or rises steeply to the road,and approaching motorists may not see you; use caution. There are nocrosswalks.

DIRECTIONS

The trail parallels Interstate 84, which makes for easy trail access,althoughparkingislimited.Toreachtheeasterntrailhead,takeI-84toExit17andheadsouthonStateRoute63.Afternearly2miles,turnrightintothe

smallparkingareaforLarkinStateBridleTrail.Followthesigntothetrail.Access from thewestern terminus isnotaviableoption,as the trail is

difficulttofindandthere’sneitherparkingnorevenroomtopulloverontheshoulder.Instead,takeI-84toExit16andhead2milessouthonStateRoute188/StrongtownRoadtoatrailheadwithlimitedparking.

Contact: SouthFallsStateParkDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection174QuakerFarmsRoadSouthbury,CT06488(860)264-5169

CONNECTICUT

MiddleburyGreenway

LocationNewHavenCountyEndpointsRoute64/63junctiontoQuassyAmusementParkinMiddleburyMileage4.4RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

his delightful asphalt pathwinds 4.4miles through the residentialcommunity of Middlebury, connecting businesses, parks, andhomes. The popular trail offers residents an off-road option for

runningerrands,andwelcomescar-wearytravelersonnearbyInterstate84who wish to stretch their legs in a convenient and comfortable setting.WhileStateRoute64parallelsthegreenwayforitsentirelength,theroadwon’tlessenyourenjoyment.

Tracing a Connecticut Company trolley line that first operated in1908,thetrailfollowsthecontoursoftheland,makingithillierandmorewindingthanatypicalrail-trail.Asyoumakeyourwayalongitsroute,tryto imagine the open-air trolley cars bringing holidaymakers fromWaterbury to Middlebury’s Lake Quassapaug resorts. Unlike rail lineswithasinglestopintown,thisstate-of-the-art trolleylinebroughtriderstotheverydoorstepoflocalhomesandbusinesses.

Ifyou’retakingthetrailoutandback,traveleasttowestforaneasierdownhill return. Parking on the east end is also more convenient. Theinitialstretchisanin-towntrailpassinglocalbusinesses.You’relikelyto

see people running errands on foot and by bicycle. Farther west you’llcomeupontwosmall,nicelylandscapedparks.Pauseonabenchtocatchyourbreathormeetafriend.

TheMiddleburyGreenwayisaformertrolleylinethattodaytakesusersthroughneighborhoodsandevenanamusementpark.

Alternatingbetweenwoodsandresidentialareas,thetrailcontinues2miles toMeadowviewPark,acommunityparkwithsports fields,picnictables, a water fountain, and public restrooms. Approaching the trail’swest end, you’ll overlook spring-fed Lake Quassapaug and its sandybeach, and pass Quassy Amusement Park, an early destination for thetrolley.Thetrolleyclosedinthe1930swhenvisitorsbegandrivingtheircars to the resort, but the park remains popular and is known for largeclambakesandfamilyfun.ItscarouselandrollerrinkpredateWorldWarII.

Thetrailendsatanaccessroadleadingtoafirst-classLittleLeaguebaseballfield.

DIRECTIONS

To reach theeastern trailhead, take Interstate84 toExit17and followStateRoute64west.AftergoingthroughonetrafficlightatStateRoute63

junction,you’ll see aparking loton the right.The trail startson theothersideof64.

ToreachthewesternterminusfromI-84,takeExit16andfollowStateRoute 188 north for almost 3miles.At the junctionwith StateRoute 64,you’llseeMeadowviewParkon the left.Youmay loadorunloadbikes inthebaseballfield’sparkinglot,butlong-termparkingisnotanoptionasthegatesaresometimeslocked.

Contact:MiddleburyParks&RecreationDepartment1212WhittemoreRoadMiddlebury,CT06762(203)758-2520

CONNECTICUT

MoosupValleyStateParkTrail

LocationWindhamCountyEndpointsMoosuptoRhodeIslandborderMileage5.8RoughnessIndex2Surface

Asphalt,ballast,crushedstone,gravel,grass,dirt,sandhis5.8-miletrail is part of the plannedEastCoastGreenway, an off-roadpaththatwill eventually run fromCalais,Maine, toKeyWest,Florida.

Already, theMoosupValley State Park Trail connectswith rail-trails inRhode Island that stretch from the state border about 20 miles east toProvidence.

The trail follows thebedof the formerNewHavenRailroad,whichoperatedthislinefrom1898until1968,whenitbeganpullinguptracks.Wideandflat, thetrail issuitableforridersofall levels,thoughit isnotpristinely manicured. Its surface is largely hard-packed dirt, but thisvaries, and the trail is not recommended for road bikes. A hybrid or amountainbikewouldbeideal.

AnimpressiverailwaytrestleispartoftheMoosupValleyStateParkTrail.

Headouton thisbucolic, scenic trail, andyou’ll feel as thoughyouhave left civilization far behind.Much of the trail follows theMoosupRiveronitscoursepastruralMoosupandSterlingonintoRhodeIsland.The trail begins with a large, re-decked trestle bridge. After a mile, a

secondbridge, aswell as adamand falls, come intoview, and the trailbecomesincreasinglyruralandwooded.You’llspotaquarrytotheright,aroundthe2-milepoint.

There’snoclearlineofdemarcationbetweentheendoftheMoosupValley State Park Trail and the start of the Trestle Trail, as the path isnamedonceitentersRhodeIsland.Determineyourownbestturnaroundpoint.

If youplan touse the trail in autumnor earlywinter, be aware thathunting ispopularhere. Inseason,you’readvised towearblazeorange.(Note:HuntingisnotpermittedonSundays.)

DIRECTIONS

ToreachMoosupfromRhodeIsland,followStateRoute14westfromthestate line; to reach it from Connecticut, take Interstate 395 to Exit 89 andfollow Route 14 east toward Moosup/Sterling. The trailhead lies near thejunction of Main Street/Route 14, SouthMain,Ward Avenue, and ProspectStreet(alsoRoute14).Itbeginsatthelargerailroadtrestleondead-endVillageCenterCircle,on thesamesideof thestreetas theriver.Parkat theMoosupAdultLearningLab.

Contact: EasternDivisionHeadquartersDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection209HebronRoadMarlborough,CT06447(860)295-9523

CONNECTICUT

StrattonBrookStateParkTrail

LocationHartfordCountyEndpointsStrattonBrookStateParktoSimsburyMileage2RoughnessIndex2SurfaceAsphalt,cinder,crushedstone

his 2-mile trail presents a greatway towork up an appetite for apicnic at Stratton Brook State Park, the first state park inConnecticut to be entirely wheelchair-accessible. The park also

offerspicnicareas,aswellasfishingandswimmingonitslake,createdbythe Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, when itdammedthebrook.Acoveredbridgeaccessesthetrailmidpoint.

From the covered bridge, the shaded rail-trail shoots northeast andsouthwest along the right-of-way of the former Connecticut WesternRailroad. Head northeast to take in a mile of dense evergreen forestfragrantwithpineandhemlock.Fernscarpettheforestfloor,andthetreecanopy creates a tunnel effect—especially beautiful in winter. Afterbridging Stratton Brook and rounding a gentle bend, the trail exits thepark,endingattheBushyHillRoad/StateRoute309intersection.

The trail will eventually become part of Farmington River Trail,which links upwith the longer FarmingtonCanalHeritageTrail. In themeantime,youcanaccess thecanal trailby turningrightonStateRoute309andfollowingtheshoulderahalfmile.

AcoveredbridgespansStrattonBrookatthemidpointontheStrattonBrookStateParkTrail.

For a slightly longer ride orwalk, turn southwest from the coveredbridgeandcrossStrattonBrookRoad.Fromthere,theoldrailroadgradeisapavedbutseldomusedroadfor1.7miles,whereitentersMassacoeState Forest. Crews once used this corridor to demonstrate fire-controltechniquesalongraillines.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachStrattonBrookStatePark,takeInterstate84toExit50,followUSHwy.44westfor9.5miles,thenturnrightonStateRoute10/USHwy.202 north toSimsbury. From town, head south onStateRoute 167/BushyHillRoad,thenveerwestonStateRoute309for0.9mile.Theparkentranceisontheleft.

Contact: SimsburyParks&Recreation933HopmeadowStreetSimsbury,CT06070(860)658-3255

CONNECTICUT

VernonRails-to-TrailsPark

LocationTollandCountyEndpointsManchester/Vernontownline,Rockville,andBoltontownlineMileage9.7RoughnessIndex2SurfaceCrushedstone

hankstoskilledengineerswiththeformerHartford,Providence,&Fishkill Railroad, this pretty trail network overlooks ravines andstreams and passes between rock walls verdant with ferns and

lichen.Crossingawoodedterrainofhillsandwetlands,italsoprovidesawonderful introduction toVernon’svariedneighborhoods.Youmayspotdeer,andyou’llsurelynoticethelineofrailroad-eratelephonepolesamidthetrees.TheConnecticutArmyNationalGuardlaiddownthestonedustsurfaceasatrainingexercise.

From themain trailheadhubonChurchStreet, theVernonRails-to-TrailsParkoffersthreetrailsegments.

Stretchingwestandthensouth,a1.8-milespuroftheHopRiverStateParkTrail leads to theManchester/Vernon townline.There isnoformaltrailheadattheend.Theparkalsoclaimsa3.9-mileeastboundstretchoftheHopRiverStateParkTrail.FromChurchStreet,you’llquicklypassthe turnoff for the Rockville Spur on your left. The first mile linksresidentialneighborhoods.BeyondTunnelRoad,theVernonsectionofthetrail leads through thick woods to the Bolton town line. (See for theonward trail description of the Hop River State Park Trail.)

Thistrailoffersthreeoffshoots:theVernonRails-to-TrailsPark,theHopRiverStateParkTrail,andtheRockvilleSpur.

The 4-mile Rockville Spur negotiates a varied surface, sharing asidewalkearlyonandcrossingseveralroads.Ahalfmilefromtheturnoff,you’llreachatrailhighlight:abridgecrossingoftheTankerhoosenRiver.Just shy ofVernonAvenue, the spur comes to an abrupt halt at a largeearthenmoundatopanoldbridgeabutment.

At this point, you can either backtrack or (if you’re on a bike)dismount, carefully descend a 50-foot embankment to the left of theabutment,andconsiderexploringRockville’ssurfaceroads.

DIRECTIONS

TheVernonRails-to-Trails Park is onChurch Street between PhoenixandWashingtonstreets,amilesouthofInterstate84.FromHartford,takeI-84easttoExit65andfollowsignstoStateRoute30north.TurnrightatthefirsttrafficsignalonDobsonRoadandcrossbeneaththeinterstate.Dobsonbecomes Washington Street. A mile south, turn left on Church Street.Trailheadparkingisaheadontheleft.

Toreach the trailheadfromExit66,bear rightonFrontageRoad, thenturnleftonTunnelRoad.Afteraquartermile,turnrightonWarrenAvenue.

Driveahalfmile,takealeftonPhoenixStreet,thentakeanimmediaterightonChurchStreet.Trailheadparkingisontheright.

Contact: VernonParks&Recreation120SouthStreetVernon,CT06066(860)870-3520

AroostookValleyTrail

LocationAroostookCountyEndpointsPresqueIsle,NewSweden,andCaribouMileage27RoughnessIndex3SurfaceCrushedstone,dirt

nthefarnortheastreachesofMaine, theAroostookValleyTrailrunsatopthebedofAroostookCounty’sonlyelectricrailroad,alineonceused to transportpassengers toschoolandworkand tohaulpotatoes

fromfarmlandtomarket.Todaythecountyremainsalargelyagriculturalarea, renowned for its broccoli and potatoes. The rail corridor wasabandonedin1951,andtraildevelopmentbeganin1994.

The27-mile,crushed-stonerail-trailconnectstothe58-mileBangor–AroostookTrail,soyoucanoptforashortjauntorfillupanentireday(ortwo) touring and exploring the region. The trails are part of northernMaine’s Interconnected Trail System, which comprises more than 3000milesofATVandsnowmobile track.Don’t let themotorizedusersdeteryou:AsonmanyofMaine’strails,thesnowmobilersandATVusershereminglepeacefullywithbicyclists,walkers,skiers,anddogsledders.

Whateveryourmodeoftravel,it’seasytoplanamultidayexcursion.Foodandlodgingarereadilyavailablealongtheroute,andsignspostedat

majortrailintersectionsindicatethedistancenotjusttothenexttown,buttothenextmeal.

CrossingtheAroostookRiveronthe27-mileAroostookValleyTrail.

WashburnmarksthejunctionwiththeBangor–AroostookTrail.Afewmiles north, the Aroostook Valley Trail splits; head north toward NewSwedenforasnackfromthegeneralstoreoreasttowardCaribouforfoodandlodging.

NorthofWashburn,evergreensanddeciduoustreescanopytheroute,andwild apples hang for the picking.Elsewhere, the raised trail bisectswetland bogs, including Woodland Bog Preserve, where birders haveidentified80distinctspecies.Alsokeepwatchforroamingmooseandthemud-and-stickwallsofbeaverdams.

SouthofWashburn, the landscapeopensup tovastpotato farms. Inlatesummer,thesweetaromaofpotatoblossomsfillstheair.PotatoesareharvestedinSeptemberandstoredinpotatohouses—atmajorcrossroadsand abandoned sidings—until the spuds are sent to market. Watch forfarmmachinerycrossingthetrailduringharvest.

DIRECTIONS

InWashburn, you’ll find trailheadparkingnorth of town atMill PondParkonStationRoad.InPresqueIsle,you’llfindparkingonUSHwy.1justnorth of the Aroostook CentreMall, on the south bank of the AroostookRiver.

ToreachtheNewSwedentrailheadfromCaribou,takeStateRoute161about8milesnorthtoNewSwedenandturnleftonWestmanlandRoad.ThetrailheadisattheintersectionofWestmanlandandJepsonroads.

Contact: CaribouParks&Recreation55BennettDriveCaribou,ME04736(207)493-4224www.caribourec.org

Bangor–AroostookTrail

LocationAroostookCountyEndpointsCaribou,VanBuren,Houlton,Phair,andMapletonMileage58RoughnessIndex3SurfaceCrushedstone,dirt

multiuse trail shared with ATVs and snowmobiles, the 58-mileBangor–AroostookTrail (a.k.a.BAT) is part of northernMaine’samazing, complex Interconnected Trail System. You can easily

coordinate a multiday tour on this and other area rail-trails, takingadvantageoflodgingandfoodoptionsintownsalongtheway.However,sectionsoftheBATdoleadthroughwildernessareas,soplanaccordingly.Carry a tool kit (if biking), layered clothing, and plenty of water. Alsonote that although the Bangor–Aroostook Trail map indicates distinctsegmentsof trail, there aregenerally connectionsbetween theendpointsthat are part of this greater trail system, be they on-road segments,snowmobiletrails,orless-groomedpathways.

Trains once hauled lumber and potatoes down this route todistributioncentersalongtheEastCoast.ThreadingawidercorridorthantheconnectingAroostookValleyTrail,theBATcrossesacresoffarmland,

aswell as woods andwetland bogs, and it is an excellent platform forspottingarangeofwildlife.

The58-mileBangor–AroostookTrailispartofnorthernMaine’svastinterconnectedtrailsystem.

ThebestaccesspointtothistrailsystemisCaribou,whereyou’llfindplentyoffood,lodging,andtrailinformation.

TheareanorthofStockholmislargelywildernessandisagreatplacetospotmoose.Mostactiveatdawnanddusk, theyfeedonplantsfoundprimarilyinwetlands.Ifyoudospotamoose,giveitgenerousclearance,as they can be unpredictably aggressive. Just south of town, the trailtraverses the protected Salmon Brook Bog Area, home to hundreds ofspeciesoffloraandfauna.

The southern sectionof theBAT runsnorthofHoulton, ending justshy of Presque Isle in the tiny town of Phair,where the railroad sidingonceconnectedtoacompanypotatohouse.TocontinuenorthtoPresqueIsle,you’llneedtofollowanATVtrail.

DIRECTIONS

Toreach the trailheadoffUSHwy.1 inCaribou,wherefood, lodging,andtrailinformationareavailable,takeStateRoute89eastfor0.4mileandturnleftatthesignfortrailheadparking.

Contact: CaribouParks&Recreation55BennettDriveCaribou,ME04736(207)493-4224www.caribourec.org

CalaisWaterfrontWalkway

LocationWashingtonCountyEndpointsSouthStreettoToddStreetMileage1.4RoughnessIndex2SurfaceGravel

t the heart of town, the 1.4-mile Calais Waterfront Walkwayfollows the route of the former Maine Central Line, though theoriginal bed dates to the Calais Railway, chartered in 1832—the

first charter issued by the state of Maine. Crews have transformed theright-of-wayintoapromenadethatskirtstheSt.CroixRiverfromSouthStreettoToddStreet.

The trailhead is atPikesPark, the trailmidpoint.Whetheryouheadeast or west, you’re guaranteed scenic vistas. Pause en route to peruseinterpretiveexhibitsattheDowneastMaineHeritageCenterorwatchbaldeaglesscanthewaterfromperchesjustfeetfromthetrail.Thecityhopestoexpandthewalkwayto3milesandlinkittoothertrailsintheSt.CroixValley.

OntheoppositeshoreisSt.Stephen,NewBrunswick,Canada,whichisdevelopingitsownsystemofwaterfrontparksandtrails.Ifyouwanttocheck itout, it’swithineasywalkingdistance.TheWaterfrontWalkwaypasseswithinahundredyardsoftheinternationalbridge.

TheCalaisWaterfrontWalkwayprovidesviewsoftheSt.CroixRiveralongits1.4-milepath.

DIRECTIONS

To reach the trailhead at Pikes Park, take State Route 9 east to itsjunctionwithUSHwy.1,turnright,andfollowsignstodowntownCalais.TheroadbecomesNorthStreet,andtheparkisonthewaterfront.

Contact: CityofCalaisPOBox413Calais,ME04619(207)454-2521www.calaismaine.govoffice.com

EasternPromenadeTrail

LocationCumberlandCountyEndpointsOldPorttoBackCoveLoopTrail,PortlandMileage2.1RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

ortlandisMaine’s largestcity,andthe2.1-mileEasternPromenadeTrail along Casco Bay offers an ideal introduction to this coastaltownanditstrailnetwork.The “East Prom” begins inOld Port, a charmingwaterfront district

withcobblestonestreetsandworkingpiers.Amassivebrickfoundrythatonce turned out steam engines now houses the trailsideMaine NarrowGauge Railroad Company & Museum. Outside, cheerfully restorednarrow gauge train cars—including a bright red Ocean Spray boxcar—stand ready for service. For a nostalgic lark, take an out-and-backexcursion on the slender railcars (narrow gauge rails stand just 2 feetapart).You’llskirtmostofthetrail’sroute.

Take the side path up to Fort Allen Park to search for a battleshipcannon,orstayonthetrailandlooksoutheasttospotFortGorges,whichwasarmedandactiveduringtheCivilandSpanish-Americanwars.You’llreach the trailmidpoint at East EndBeach,where all-weather kayakerslaunchintothesurf.

Fromhere,eponymousEasternPromenadeParkflanksthetrailfora

mile.Near the north end of the park, the rail-trail detours from the railcorridorupashorthill.Fromitsrise,scanthebayfortheremainsofanold swing bridge that extends a third of a mile over the water. ThismajesticspanwasoncepartoftheGrandTrunkRailwaybetweenQuebecandMaine.

Anout-and-backexcursiontrainrunsalongtheEasternPromenadeTrail.

Atthecrestofthehill,justpastthecity’swater-treatmentplantandacolorfulmural,therail-trailnearsitsend.Fromhere,youcanbacktracktoOldPortorcontinuealongtheBackCoveLoopTrail.

DIRECTIONS

To reach the India Street trailhead, take Interstate 295 to the FranklinAvenue exit and follow it until it dead-ends at Commercial Street in OldPort. Turn left and drive to the end of the street. The trailhead is at theintersectionofCommercialandIndia.

ParkingandrestroomsareavailableattheEastEndBeachboatlaunch,attheendofCutterStreetalongtheEastProm.

Contact: PortlandTrails305CommercialStreetPortland,ME04101(207)775-2411

KennebecRiverRail-Trail

LocationKennebecCountyEndpointsAugustatoHallowellMileage2RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt,crushedstone

stunninggatewaytoMaine’scapitalcity,theKennebecRiverRail-Trail follows the railroad right-of-way that once connectedPortlandtoAugusta.Thetrailparallelstheinactiverailroadtracks,

whichhavebeenmaintainedinthehopetheywillonedaybeusedagain.Granite quarter-mile markers mimic the original larger markers therailroadonceused.

The trail also follows the 120-mile Kennebec River, a historicwaterwaynamedbytheAbnakiIndiansandmeaning“long,quietwaters.”Onceextremelypolluted, the river isnowa thrivinghabitat for fishandwildlife, largely due to clean water laws and removal of the EdwardsDam, built inAugusta back in 1837.Atlantic salmon, striped bass, andAmericanshad,aswellasalewife,bluebackherring,andrainbowsmelt,visit the Kennebec, which also shelters one of the few extant breedingpopulationsoftherareAtlanticsturgeon.Don’tbesurprisedifyouspotabaldeaglesoaringtheriverinhopesofagoodcatch.

TheKennebecRiverRail-Trailcloselyfollowsitsnamesakeriverfor2milesfromAugustatoHallowell.

The trail begins beneath Augusta’s Memorial Bridge, where you’llfindparkinganda trailheadinformationkiosk.Headingsouthalongthisasphalt-pavedstretch,you’llsoonleavethecapitalcity’shustleandbustle

behind.ThepicturesqueKennebecflowstoyour left,whileahighslopeon the right shields you from the nearby capitol complex.At about thehalf-milemarker, look across the river to theKennebecArsenal,whosemassive stone buildings are to be developed and repurposed intocommercialandresidentialhousingunits.

Near the1-milemarker,asidepath leadsdown to the trail fromtheState Capitol complex. Constructed of native granite, the building’sportico and front facade, with a towering arcade, is the work of notedAmericanarchitectCharlesBulfinch.

Between the1.5-and1.75-milemarkers, the trail curves to the right.Here,thesurfacechangesfromasphalttofirmlypackedstonedust.Notethemassive stoneblocks that forma retainingwall farther southon theinlandsideofthecorridor.Asawhitechurchsteeplecomesintoview,thetrail diverges from the rail corridor and enters the town of Hallowell,whereyou’llfindavarietyofshopsandeateries.

Work is underway to complete the final 3-mile sectionof trail fromHallowelltoFarmingdale,whereitwillconnectwithanexistingmilelongsegmenttoGardiner.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheAugustatrailhead,takeInterstate95toExit30BandheadeastonStateRoute202.Follow202tothetrafficcircleandtakeStateRoute201south.Atthesecondsetoflights,turnleft,andthenturnrightintothetrailheadparkinglot.

Contact: FriendsoftheKennebecRiverRail-TrailPOBox2195Augusta,ME04338www.krrt.org

KennebecValleyTrail

LocationSomersetCountyEndpointsNorthAnsontoBinghamMileage14.6RoughnessIndex3SurfaceCrushedstone,dirt,sand

he quiet Kennebec Valley Trail (a.k.a. Anson to Bingham Trail)boastssurprisingclaimstofame:The14.6-miletrailtracestheriverandIndianpathtakenin1775byBenedictArnold,onordersfrom

GeneralGeorgeWashington, to captureQuebec from theBritish; it alsofollows a historic narrow gauge logging railroad and, at one point, isbisectedbythe45thparallel.

The surface is largely packed dirt and crushed stone. Despiteintermittent rolling dips fromATV use on the sandy stretches, the trailneverthelessdeliversagoodmountainbikeride.

WhilethetrailhasonlybeenfullydevelopedfromsouthofSolontoBingham,additionalundeveloped(read:lessmanicured)trailmilesstretchnorthfromtheNorthAnsoncemetery,nearlydoublingtheoveralllength.Thelineoriginatedasanarrowgaugeloggingrailroad,thenhauledfreight

andpassengersuparoundMooseheadLake,Maine’slargest.NorthofSolon,tremendousviewsoftheKennebecRivercompensate

foroccasionalroughgoingonthetrail.Theriverissowideinplaces,youmayhavetoremindyourselfyou’retravelingalongsideamightyriverandnotoneofMaine’sbeautifullakes.Listenforthecryofloons,especiallyarounddusk;ifyou’rereallylucky,youmayevenspotoneupclose.

TheKennebecValleyTrailoffersstunningviewsacrosstheKennebecRiver.

At an electrical generating station near Arnolds Landing (north ofSolon),thetrailspansaformerrailroadbridgeacrosstheKennebec.Northof the landing, the trail runswithin feet of the river for long expanses.Unless you’re carrying a GPS receiver, you won’t be aware when youcrossthe45thparallel—thetheoreticalmidpointbetweentheequatorandthe North Pole. You’ll eventually emerge at the Bingham trailhead onGoodrichRoad.

DIRECTIONS

To reach theNorthAnson trailhead, takeUSHwy. 201A to town and

turnwest on Fahi PondRoad. The trail starts on the right just before thecemetery.

ToreachtheBinghamtrailhead,takeUSHwy.201souththroughtownand turn left onGoodrich Road. The parking lot is on the left, with trailaccessontheright.

Contact:MaineDepartmentofConservationBureauofParks&Lands22StateHouseStation18ElkinsLane(AMHICampus)Augusta,ME04333(207)287-4957www.state.me.us/doc/parks

LagrangeRail-Trail

LocationPiscataquisandPenobscotcountiesEndpointsMedfordtoSouthLagrangeMileage11RoughnessIndex3SurfaceCrushedstone,dirt

hePiscataquisRiverbisectsthetinyvillageofMedford(population231). The north bank is known as Medford; the south bank isMedfordCenter.BeforetheBangor&AroostookRailroadopeneda

600-foot-long,60-foot-hightrestleacrosstheriverin1907,aferryhauledsupplies, produce, andpeople across thewater.Eventually, ferry serviceceased, and the freight lineprovided theonly river crossing in the area.Citizens inMedfordCenterwanting toconductmunicipalbusinesswereforced to travel a 40-mile route.When the railroad abandoned the line,moredaring townspeople resorted tocrossing theopen tiesof the trestleonfootandbycar.

Thisroughrail-trailfeatureswildlifeanda600-foot-longresurfacedrailroad.

As crews prepared to remove the trestle, the town stepped in topurchaseandretrofitit.Thenewlyresurfacedbridgeopenedin1981,andtodaycars,pedestrians,bicycles,ATVs,andsnowmobilessharethespan.Thisbridgekicksoffyourtriponthe11-mileLagrangeRail-Trail(a.k.a.

LagrangeRight-of-Way).Thefirstfewmilessouthoftheriverarerough,andevenalightrain

can fill the gullies, making it difficult to navigate. Cyclists must use amountainbike.Lessthanamilefromthebridge,thetrailthreadsthroughquaint Medford Center, whose few buildings cluster around a restoredbarnthatservesasthetownhall.Justpastanoldchurch,thetrailcrossesthepavedroadandthenwidens,becomingmuchmorenavigable.

Much of the trail is shaded by tree canopy, interspersedwith pondsthat reflect the vastMaine sky. The trail passes a particularly beautifulpondaboutmidwaybetweenMedfordCenterandLagrange.Thesepondsandbogsarewildlifemagnetsandopenforfishingaccess.Watchcloselyformoosetracks,asmooseusethetrailtomovefrombogtobog.Shouldyouencounteramoose,useextremecaution,astheycanbeunpredictablyaggressive.

DIRECTIONS

To access the trail fromMedford, cross the trestle and drive 0.3milealonganunsigneddirtroadtillitbendstotheleft.Parkalongtheshoulder.

Contact: Lagrange&AltonSnowmobileClub3346BennochRoadAlton,ME04468(207)394-2981

MountainDivisionTrail

LocationCumberlandCountyEndpointsStandishtoWindhamMileage4.8RoughnessIndex2.5SurfaceCrushedstone,dirt

amedfortherailroadlineitparallels,theMountainDivisionTrailprovides a gently rolling excursion in the rural Sebago LakeWatershedArea,northwestofPortland.Thetrailextends4.8miles

fromStandish toWindham.Maine’sDepartmentofTransportationownstheonwardsectionbetweenSouthWindhamandFryeburgandhasyettodevelop it. Trail advocates hope the entire route will someday connectwithPortland’swell-developedtrailnetwork.

StartfromthewesterntrailheadatJohnsonFieldinStandish.Pauseatthe trailheadkiosk to fill out a registration form foruseof theparklandwithin the watershed. From the large parking area, you’ll follow a dirtroad trafficked in summerby localYMCAcampers.The roadundulatespast stands of mixed conifer and deciduous trees for about a half mile

beforereachingthetrail.Technically,theMountainDivisionTrailisarail-with-trail(seemore

onrails-with-trails),althoughtherailisnolongeractive.Narrowinplaceswithsteepembankments,theroller-coastertrailsometimesrunslevelwiththe tracks and sometimes dips below.The soothing aromaof balsam firpermeatestheair,especiallynearthePresumpscotRiver.

Thoughnotrainsrunonthetracks,thepresenceofanadjacentraillineclassifiestheMountainDivisionTrailasarail-with-trail.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachthetrailheadatJohnsonFieldinStandish,takeStateRoute35toitsintersectionwithStateRoute114.Theparkingareaison35,aquartermileeastoftheintersection.

You’llfindlimitedroadsideparkinginWindham.

Contact:MountainDivisionAlliancePOBox532Fryeburg,ME04037

(207)935-4283www.mountaindivisiontrail.org

NarrowGaugePathway

LocationFranklinCountyEndpointsCarrabassetttoSugarloafUSAMileage6.6RoughnessIndex3SurfaceCrushedstone,dirt

he Narrow Gauge Pathway (a.k.a. Carrabassett River Trail) is astunningly beautiful 6.6-mile trail along the banks of theCarrabassett River. Its firm, crushed-stone surface is suitable for

mountainbikeorhybridtires.Thepathwayisalsopopularamonghikersandcross-countryskiers.

Fora solidworkoutonagradualbut steadyuphill climb, start fromtheCarrabassetttownofficetrailhead.ThereturntripfromtheentrancetoSugarloafUSAskiresortisdownhillallthewayandajoytoride.

Thetrailisnamedfora2-foot-widenarrowgaugelineoperatedbytheKingfield&DeadRiverRailroadaroundtheturnofthecentury.PopularthroughoutMaine,narrowgaugerailwayswereidealforroughterrain.Asloggingwastheprimaryindustry,mostofSugarloaf’strailsechologging

terms.

Thisruraltrailtakesitsnamesfromthenarrowgaugerailcarthatonceranonthecorridor.

Picnictablesdotthetrail,andinsummeryou’llfindspotstocoolyourfeet or take a dip in the river.Trailsidewildflowers bloom in profusionfrom early spring through fall, while birch, aspen, and maples offer

splashesofspectacularcolorduringthefallfoliageseason.Crossing a 400-foot boardwalk over a beaver flowage, you’ll reach

theCampbell Field trailhead, about 5miles along the pathway.A greatspottowatchforthebusydambuilders,thetrailheadprovidesacomfortstation,includingarestroomandsmallparkinglot.

DIRECTIONS

To reach the trailhead in Carrabassett, drive north on State Route 27,turnrightonCarriageRoad,andcrossthebridge.Parkatthemunicipallotontheleft.Thesignedtrailheadisontheroad.

To reach theSugarloafUSA trailhead,headnorthonRoute27 towardthe ski resort. Pass the main entrance on your left and continue 100 feetacross a concrete bridge. The trailhead will be on your right. Parking isavailable in the large lot at the Antigravity Center, just left of the mainentrancetoSugarloaf.

Contact: TownofCarrabassettValley1001CarriageRoadCarrabassettValley,ME04947(207)235-2645www.carrabassettvalley.org

Newport–Dover-FoxcroftRail-Trail

LocationPenobscotandPiscataquiscountiesEndpointsNewporttoDover-FoxcroftMileage26.5RoughnessIndex3SurfaceCrushedstone,dirt,sand

n central Maine, the Newport–Dover-Foxcroft Rail-Trail (a.k.a.MooseheadTrail)linksfivetowns,tworivers,threelakes,andarangeofpristinelandscapes.ExtendingfromStateRoute7inNewporttoits

northernterminusnearFairviewStreetinDover-Foxcroft, thecorridorisusedbyhikers,bicyclists, cross-country skiers,dogsledders, equestrians,snowmobilers,andATVusers.AnalternativeroutebetweenthetownsofNewport,Corinna,Dexter,Sangerville,andDover-Foxcroft,thetrailalsolinkstothecentralMaineInterconnectedTrailSystem.

Despitebusyweekends,thetrailaffordsaverypleasantmountainbiketrek,withplentyofsidetripsandplacestostopforprovisions.Insummer,watchforthemanyhumpsanddipsinthesoftsurface,whichpuddleafterexcessive rains. The trail borders lakes and streams and traverses

farmland,woodland,andwetlandareas.InNewport,thetrailbrieflyskirtstheshoreofSebasticookLakeand

its charming lakeside residences. Farther along, where the trail crossesStateRoute7/11inCorinna,anintriguingantiqueshop,generalstore,andcafé provide local color and a relaxing diversion. Rejoining the trail,you’llglimpsetheeastbranchoftheSebasticookRiver.

TheNewport–Dover-FoxcroftRail-TrailconnectsfivetownsandispartofMaine’sInterconnectedTrailSystem.

ThetownofDexter(oncethehomeofDextershoes)offersagroceryandsandwichshop,aswellasa trail link toLakeWassookeag.Summerwildflowerslinethetrailjustnorthoftown.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheNewporttrailhead,takeInterstate95toStateRoute7north.Trailhead parking is on the right side of Route 7, just north of the towncenter.

TheDover-Foxcroft trailhead isnear the junctionof state routes7,15,and6.Fromthejunction,travelweston6justoveramile.Trailheadparking

isontheright,byIrving’sGasStation.

SaintJohnValleyHeritageTrail

LocationAroostookCountyEndpointsFortKenttoSaintFrancisMileage16.9RoughnessIndex2SurfaceCrushedstone

heSaintJohnValleyHeritageTrailtraces16.9milesoftheformerFishRiverRailroadcorridor,whichwastakenoverbytheBangor&Aroostook Railroad, a line that transported goods and passengers

acrossnorthernMaine.SkirtingtheSaintJohnRiver,thewell-maintained,crushed-stonetrailoffersviewsoftheforests,farmlands,andwetlandsontheCanadiansideoftheriver.

Start your trail exploration in the historic town of Fort Kent. Thewoodenblockhouse is theonly remnantof theAroostookWarof1838–1839, a border dispute between Maine and New Brunswick that wassettledwithoutanyactualfighting.ThefortisonBlockhouseRoad,attheconfluenceoftheFishandSaintJohnrivers.

Yourfirststopshouldbetherestored1902trainstation,whichserved

as the Fish River Railroad terminus. Now owned by the Fort KentHistoricalSociety,ithousesamuseumdevotedtotherailroad.

Backonthetrail,you’llsooncrossapedestrianbridgeovertheFishRiver.AsthetrailcontinuesthroughFortKent,watchforroadcrossingsand spurs that lead to restaurants, service stations, andotherbusinesses.Beyond town, the trail passes through forests and wetlands along thebanksoftheSaintJohn.

TheSaintJohnValleyHeritageTrailtracestheSaintJohnRiverbetweenCanadaandtheUS.

Although the trail parallels State Route 161 for several miles, themixedforestremainsquietandserene.InthetownofWheelock,thetrailcrosses to the north side of 161. This section offers the best views ofvillagesandfarmsinNewBrunswick.WhenyoureachthetownofSaintJohn,thetrailagaincrossesRoute161,passingbehindhomesandshops.Exercisecaution,asthisisabusyroad.

Nearingthetrail’sendinSaintFrancis,you’llpassarailroadturntablerecentlyrestoredbyFortKentHighSchoolstudents,whoalsobuiltapathleadingintotown.Thetrailsoonendsatalargeparkinglotandtrailhead.

DIRECTIONS

The Fort Kent trailhead is behind the Citgo station onMarket Street,whileStateRoute161islinedwithaccesspoints.

To reach the Saint Francis trailhead, take Route 161 to Sunset Drive.Parkingisontheleft,justpastthechurch.

Contact: FortKentOfficeofEconomicDevelopment416WestMainStreetFortKent,ME04743(207)834-3136www.fortkent.org

SipayikTrail

LocationWashingtonCountyEndpointsWithinthePleasantPointIndianReservationMileage1.7RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

nthePleasantPointReservationabuttingcoastalNewBrunswick,this paved rail-trailwas built to keepPassamaquoddyyoungstersoffbusyRoute190,whichconnectsPleasantPointwithEastport

andrunsthroughthemiddleofthereservation.The1.7-mile trailmeanders through thewoods,with the tidalLittle

River andAtlanticOcean on one side and a grassymarsh on the other.Overmuch of its course, the Sipayik overlooks a spectacular coastline,highlighted by views of nearby Deer Island. Beach access is permittedfromthetrail.

TheSipayikTrailprovidesawalk-andbike-ableconnectionbetweenthePleasantPointReservationandlocalbusinesses,schools,andrecreationareas.

DIRECTIONS

ToaccesstheSipayikTrail,takeUSHwy.1toStateRoute190east.InPleasantPoint,turnleftonIndianRoad,leftonMiddleRoad,andleftagainonSideRoad.Atthebottomofthehill,followTreatmentPlantRoadtotrailparkingatroad’send.

Contact: PassamaquoddyTribeatPleasantPointPOBox343Route190Perry,ME04667(207)853-2600

www.wabanaki.com/index.html

SouthPortlandPathway

LocationCumberlandCountyEndpointsBugLightParktoMillCreekParkMileage2.1RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

n exemplary urban transportation corridor, the 5.7-mile SouthPortland Parkway (2.1 miles of which are rail-trail) makes anexcellentstartingpointforabiketourofPortland.Thetrailheadat

Bug Light Park offers easy access and plenty of free parking, and itconnectstoPortland’sextensivenetworkofwalkingandbicyclingtrails.

Smallbollardsandyellowstreetsignsmarktherouteandindicatethedistance toother parts of town.Thepathway—alsoknownas theSouthPortlandGreenbelt—linksresidentialareas,schools(bothelementaryandcollegiate),marinas,parks,reccenters,assisted-livingfacilities,andretailhubs.

Namedfor thewatchful lighthouseat the tipof thebreakwater,BugLight Park was once home to the Portland Shipyard, which producedhundredsofLibertyShips,theworkhorsesoftheUSNavyduringWorldWar II. The park opened in 1989, thanks to public contributions andsupportfromtheSouthPortland–CapeElizabethRotaryClub.Here,youcan watch for passing sailboats, tankers off-loading oil bound forMontreal,andarrivingferriesfromNewBrunswickandNovaScotia.

TheSouthPortlandPathwayoverlooksCascoBay,whereyoucanwatchferriestraveltoandfromNewBrunswickandNovaScotia.

Marking the end of the rail-trail portion is the Casco Bay Bridge,whichcurlsacrosstheForeRiver,connectingtheneighborhoodsofSouthPortland with downtown’s sophisticated shops and eateries. Awalkwayspansthebridge,affordingviewsofthebayandcityskyline.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachBugLightPark fromPortland, take Interstate295 toExit6Aand followStateRoute77across theCascoBayBridge.Continuestraight(don’t follow Route 77) on Broadway to the T-junction, turn left onBreakwater Drive, then right on Madison Street. Follow signs for thelighthousetotheparkinglot.

Contact: PortlandTrails305CommercialStreetPortland,ME04101

(207)775-2411

WhistleStopRail-Trail

LocationFranklinCountyEndpointsFarmingtontoJayMileage13RoughnessIndex3SurfaceCrushedstone,dirt,sand

heWhistleStop is a textbookexampleofhowdiversegroupscanworktogethertomaintainandpromoteatrail.Developedasaroutefor snowmobilers and off-roaders, the route also appeals to hikers

andmountainbikers.It’snowonder.The13-milecorridorspanstherangeofenvironmentsMaine’sWesternMountainregionhastooffer.Neverfarfrom small community centers, the trail meanders through residentialareas,thenplungesbackintowetlandwildernessandbeaverhabitat.Thetrail’s sandy, sometimes rutted surface and trailside pine and mixeddeciduousforestdemandyourattention.

WhilethetrailisaccessiblefromnumerouspointsinJay,Wilton,andFarmington,Farmingtonoffersthebesttrailheadparking.Justsouthofthetrailhead is another inviting feature—a warming hut that centers on awood-burningstovestockedwithareadysupplyofsplitwood.SponsoredbyFranklinMemorialHospital,theyurtalsooffersinstructionalsignsfor

fitnessexercises.Signsdirecttrailusersdownaquarter-milesidetrailtothehealthcenter’srestroomsandcafé.

TheWhistleStopRail-Trailcutsthroughwildernessareasinbetweenstopsinsmalltownsbuiltaroundthewhitegraniteindustry.

FartheralongtheWhistleStop,you’llcrossseveralbridgesredecked

byareasnowmobileandATVclubs.ThesespanscenicSevenmileStream,partofthemassiveAndroscogginwatershed.

NorthofJay,alarge,granite-blockembankmentmarksthesiteoftheold North Jay Quarry. The Maine and New Hampshire GraniteCorporationoperated along the railbed from1886until the early 1900s.Crewswouldcutandhaullargeblocksofwhitegranitealongarailsidingtoacuttingshed,where theblockswerefurthershapedandsculptedforuse in buildings across the country. Interpretive signs tell the story andincludehistoricalphotographsofthequarry.Amileshyofthetrail’sendinJay,you’llreachalargedirtparkinglotattheintersectionwithMaineInterconnectedTrailSystem84.

DIRECTIONS

To reach theFarmington trailhead, head into townonUSHwy. 2 andtakeBridgeStreettothefour-waystop.TurnlefthereonOaksStreet,thenturnrightonFarmerLanetothetrailheadparkingarea.

Trailheadparking in Jay lies just off the southeast sideofStateRoute4/17.

Massachusetts

MASSACHUSETTS

AlewifeLinearPark/SomervilleCommunityPath

LocationMiddlesexCountyEndpointsAlewifeT-stationinCambridgetoCedarStreetinSomervilleMileage2RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

lewifeLinearParkisabeautifulpavedtrailstretching2mileseastfrom the Alewife T-station in Cambridge to Cedar Street inSomerville. The park came about after the Massachusetts Bay

Transportation Authority put its Red Line underground; between theAlewifeandDavisT-stations, thesubwayrunsdirectlybeneath the trail.The trail’s urban/suburban locale and its direct link to the 11-mileMinutemanBikewaymakesthisabusycommuterandrecreationcorridor.Note thatwhiledogsarenotpermittedon the trail, local residentsoftenbreakthisrule.Watchwhereyoustep.

ThetrailstartsatRussellField,anattractive,well-designedparkwitha football gridiron and field house, baseball diamonds, water fountains,bikeracks,andaloopcyclingpath.Afewblocksbeyondthepark,you’llneedtobrieflyrideontheroadtocrossbusyMassachusettsAvenue,theone and only road crossing along this convenient walking and cyclingroute.

InthenorthwestsuburbsofBoston,severalrail-trailslinkcommunitieswithpublic

transportation.

Near the trailmidpoint, a tree-lined brick path leads directly to theDavisT-station.ThetrailhereissometimesreferredtoastheSomervilleCommunity Path. Several wind-activated structures on brick-and-steelpillarsdepictscenesofhistoricalSomerville.Cyclistsmayuseanyofthenumerousbike racks and, outsideof rushhour, youmay choose to takeyourbikeonthetrainforafurtherexplorationofmetroBoston.

Or continue past the station, through the hip Davis Squareneighborhood and back onto the Alewife Linear Park/SomervilleCommunity Path for almost anothermile toward downtownSomerville.Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of parks, including one with aplayground. Nearing trail’s end, the surface changes to woodchips forabout100feetbeforereachingthetracksandtiesoftheoldrailroad.Oneday, this trailmay extend to the endof the line inSomerville, but untilthen,itisadvisedthatyoustopattheofficialtrailend.

DIRECTIONS

Bysubway,taketheRedLinetoAlewifeorDavisSquare.Bicyclesarepermitted on subways during off-peak hours on weekdays or all day onweekends. To reach the Alewife T-station—and trail parking—takeInterstate95toExit29AandheadeastontheConcordTurnpike/StateRoute2towardArlingtonandCambridge.Attheendoftheturnpike,bearrightonAlewife Brook Parkway, then turn right on Cambridge Park Drive. Thestation is on the right, and the trailhead is behind the parking garage. Formoreinformation,visitwww.mbta.com.

Contact: CityofSomerville93HighlandAvenueSomerville,MA02143(617)625-6600

MASSACHUSETTS

AmesburyRiverwalk

LocationEssexCountyEndpointsWaterStreettoCarriagetownMarketplaceinAmesburyMileage1.3RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

lovely,albeitshortrail-trailinnortheasternMassachusetts,the1.3-mileAmesburyRiverwalk(a.k.a.PowwowRiverwalk)is thefirstcompleted section of a 30-mile network of rail-trails being

developed between the four communities of Amesbury, Salisbury,Newbury, andNewburyport.The riverwalkwill eventually connectwiththeSalisburyPointGhostTrainTrail.

The trail starts on Water Street in the Lower Mills district ofdowntownAmesbury.Approachingthetrailhead,you’llfirstseethelargeBoston & Maine Railroad Depot and then the much smaller SalisburyPointStation,whichwasbuiltinthe1870sbytherivalEasternRailroad.Inthelate1800sandearly1900s,thelocaleconomyrevolvedaroundthecarriage building, involving more than 100 businesses, including 26manufacturingcompanies.

OndisplayoutsideSalisburyPointStationarehistoricalphotographsof the mill yards, the railroad, and the 1915 Annual Town Bike Race,showing men riding through Amesbury on high-wheeled bicycles. The

trailheadalsomarks the futuresiteof theAmesburyvisitorcenterandacarriagemuseum.

TheAmesburyRiverwalkispartofaninterconnectedtrailsystembeingdevelopedinthearea.

The first third of the riverwalk follows the bank of the scenicPowwow River. Keep watch for the area’s abundant wildlife. ThePowwowjoins theMerrimackRiver inAmesbury,andbothreachto thesea,makingthemrichhabitatforavarietyofbirdsandturtles,aswellasbeaver,mink,andfishers.

The trail briefly jogs across a road bridge via a sidewalk before itreturns to themain railroad corridor and continues to parallel the river.Then the trail skirts a manufacturing company parking lot and loadingdock before returning to a more typical, straight rail-trail route. Theonward trail offers a peaceful walk through wooded areas andneighborhoods, with only two road crossings before reaching the trail’sendatCarriagetownMarketplace.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheAmesburytrailhead,takeInterstate95toExit58forStateRoute 110west. Turn right on Elm Street. In 2miles, turn left onWater

Street.Thefreemunicipalparkinglot isonthe left.Thetrailbeginsat thebottomofthehill.

To reach theCarriagetownMarketplace trailhead, take I-95 toExit 58for Route 110 west. At the second traffic light, turn right into theCarriagetownMarketplaceparkinglot.Thetrailstartsonthefarwestendofthelot.

Contact: AllianceforAmesbury5MarketSquareAmesbury,MA01913(978)388-3178

MASSACHUSETTS

AshuwillticookRailTrail

LocationBerkshireCountyEndpointsLanesboroughtoAdamsMileage11.2RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

estledintheHoosicRiverValleybetweenMountGreylockandtheHoosacMountains in Berkshire County, theAshuwillticook RailTrail takes its name fromaNativeAmericanwordmeaning “the

pleasantriverbetweenthehills.”Gorgeousviewsofthemountains,lakes,andriver,plusamplerestareas,makeforaperfectdaytripandcontributetothistrail’spopularitywithlocalsandvisitorstothescenicBerkshires.

BeginningattheBerkshireMallinLanesborough,the11.2-milerouteparallels StateRoute 8 throughCheshire on intoAdams. Following therailroadcorridordevelopedbythePittsfield&NorthAdamsRailroadin1845,you’llpass lovelyforestedareas interspersedwith lakesandsmallponds.

Atmile2.7,thetrailreachessomewetlandsandthe418-acreCheshireReservoir, where you’ll find no shortage of diversions. Pack a picnic,bring your binoculars for quality bird-watching, or cast a line from theside of the trail to reel in largemouth and rock bass, northern pike, andyellowperch.

TheAshuwillticookRailTrailatitsconnectiontoParkStreetinAdamsAsyouapproachAdams,thearea’smanufacturinghistoryunfolds.You’llseemillbuildingsonthefarshoreoftheHoosicRiver,reflectiveofthearea’smanufacturinghistory.Thetrailparallelsthetown’sdelightfullyrestoredmainstreet,withinteresting,quaintstoresandeateries.ArchwaysandbannersthroughoutAdamssportablackbearridingabicycle,anodtoboththetrailandtheresidentblackbearpopulation.

The trail’s northern endpoint is in Adams at the Discover theBerkshiresVisitorCenter.Ifyou’renotupforthereturntripbytrail,youcan catch aBerkshireRegionalTransitAuthority bus back toBerkshireMall;eachbuswilltransporttwobikes.Asanalternative,stopbytheoldrailroadstationbuilding—nowacharmingpub—torefuelbeforestartingback.

DIRECTIONS

To reach the Berkshire Mall trailhead, take the MassachusettsTurnpike/Interstate90,toExit2inLee,thenfollowUSHwy.20westtoUSHwy. 7 north for 11miles to downtown Pittsfield. From the Park Squarerotary,followEastStreet/MerrillRoadfor3.25miles to theintersectionofstate routes9and8.Continuestraight through the intersectiononRoute8northfor1.5milestotheLanesborough-Pittsfieldline.Turnleftatthelightforrail-trailparkingattheBerkshireMall.

ToreachthenortherntrailheadfromNorthAdams,takeStateRoute2toRoute 8 south for 5.5miles to Adams. Follow the brownAshuwillticookRailTrail signs.Take a left onHoosacStreet, then an immediate right onDepotStreet.ParkattheDiscovertheBerkshiresVisitorCenterontheleft.Thetrailheadisbehindthevisitorcenter.

Additional parking is available at FarnamsRoad andChurchStreet inCheshire,andatRussellFieldoffHarmonyStreetinAdams.

Contact:MassachusettsDepartmentofConservation&Recreation251CausewayStreet,Suite700Boston,MA02114(617)626-1250

MASSACHUSETTS

AssabetRiverRailTrail

LocationMiddlesexCountyEndpointsHudsontoMarlboroughMileage5.6RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

he Assabet River Rail Trail provides a forested escape from thesurroundingurbanbustle.Traveling5.6miles(withplanstoexpandit to 12 miles, the trail connects the towns of Hudson and

Marlborough,andparallelsthescenicAssabetRiver.ThetrailcrossestheAssabet River five times, the last crossing on a refurbished, historicalwrought iron railroad bridge. The 12-foot-wide corridor makes anexcellent cycling route—just take care maneuvering between bollardslocatedattheintersectionoftrailsandroads;theyareclosertogetherthanmost.

The trail begins along Route 62 in Hudson, marked by a trailside,restored,1921bluecabooseacrosstheroadfromanice-creamstore.Lookforthetrailheadparkingarea.

Passing through downtown Hudson, the trail weaves through theawkward three-way intersection of Villa do Porto Boulevard, Broad

Street,andtheSouthStreetextension.Returningtotherailcorridor,you’llcrossawoodenbridge,followedbymoretrailheadparkingonyourright.The forested trail here provides awelcome buffer from the surroundingresidentialandurbanlandscape.

ArestoredrailroadcarremindstrailusersoftheAssabetRiverRailTrail’shistory.

Atmile2.4,you’llcrosstheMarlboroughtownlinethroughatunnel.Theonward trail skirts amain roadnorth, passing theBostonScientificmedical research and corporate center before reaching Fitchburg Street.Be careful at this intersection, as there are no bike lanes and the trafficlightcycledoesn’tallowmuchtimetocross.

Beyond thecrossing, therearenobike lanes.Look for the trail signaftertheintersection,andyouwillfindyourselfleavingthetrafficbehind.As thepathdiverges fromtheroad, theadjacent, landscapedswathesoneithersideoftherouteshieldtrailusersfromthebusyurbanenvironment.SidetrailsconnecttotheAssabetalongthisstretch.

Eventually, the trail will extend to South Acton along theMarlborough Branch Railroad corridor, which connected the FitchburgandMassachusettsCentralrailroadlines.Thefivecommunitiesalongthecorridorareworkingtogethertodeveloptherail-trail.

DIRECTIONS

To reach theWilkinsStreet trailhead inHudson, take Interstate495 toStateRoute62towardHudson.Onceintown,continuethroughtherotarytotheparkinglotonWilkinsStreet.

To reach trailhead parking inMarlborough, take I-495 to State Route20/Granger Boulevard toward Marlborough. Turn left on State Route85/BoltonStreet,leftonUnionStreet,thenleftagainonHudsonStreet.TheparkinglotisacrossfromKelleherFieldandJeffersonStreet.

Contact: HudsonTownHall78MainStreetHudson,MA01749(978)562-9963

MASSACHUSETTS

BedfordNarrow-GaugeRailTrail

LocationMiddlesexCountyEndpointsBedfordtoBillericatownlineMileage3.1RoughnessIndex2SurfaceAsphalt,crushedstone,dirt

heBedfordNarrow-GaugeRail Trail shares its trailhead atDepotPark in Bedford with the Minuteman Bikeway and ReformatoryBranchTrail.Servingmainlyasacommuterroute,thistrailextends

just over 3miles north pastwoods and residences to theBillerica townline.ItalsomakesanicediversionforMinutemanBikewayuserslookingtopicnicattheYorkConservationArea.

The trail follows the bedof the 1877Billerica&BedfordRailroad,the nation’s first 2-foot narrow gauge railway. In 1885, the Boston &Lowell Railroad built a standard gauge extension of the line. TheLexingtonBranchservedfivepassengerstations—BedfordSprings,SouthBillerica, Turnpike,Billerica, andBennettHall. The railroad abandonedtheextensionin1962,andthetownofBedfordpurchasedittocreatethetrail.Cyclists shoulduseeitherhybridormountainbikes, asportionsoftheroutearesurfacedwithstonedust.

Narrowgaugetracksrunalongsidethetrail.

Metalgatessignalthestartoftheasphalt-pavedtrailatLoomisStreet.Along the firstmile toGreatPond,you’llpass thegardensatMemorialPark on the right, followed by a retail district. Use caution at theunmarkedGreatRoadintersection.Beyondthiscrossing,thetrailsurfacechangestostonedust.

A passenger station once stood at the intersection on SpringsRoad.Lookfortheelectromagnetic“wigwag”(arailroadgradecrossingsignal)that once warned approaching motorists. Beyond the Pine Hill Roadintersection, to the left of the trail, York Conservation Area offers awelcomestopforapicniconthegreenorastrollaroundthepond.Bikesarenotpermitted,butyoucanexploretheconservationareaonfoot.

Back on theBedfordNarrow-GaugeRail Trail, and approaching itsend, the trail becomes increasingly sandy. Metal gates at the Billericatownlinesignalwherethetrailendsabruptly.Aprivateresidentialstreetfollowstheremainderoftherailbed.

Onweekends,considerreturningtoBedfordDepotParkforatourofthe charmingly restored freight house (open seasonally), which holdsantiquephotosandrailroadmemorabilia.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheBedfordDepotParktrailheadfromBoston,takeInterstate495toStateRoute3southorI-95toRoute3north.FromRoute3,takeExit26 and follow State Route 62 west into Bedford. Trailhead parking isavailable.

Contact: FriendsofBedfordDepotPark120SouthRoadBedford,MA01730(781)687-6180www.bedforddepot.org

MASSACHUSETTS

CapeCodRailTrail

LocationBarnstableCountyEndpointsSouthDennistoSouthWellfleetMileage22RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

his 22-mile rail-trail serves up a genuine Cape Cod experience,stretching through quaint villages and along sandy beaches past adiverselandscapeofsaltmarshes,pineforests,andcranberrybogs.

The trail is paved,with few inclines, and trailheads sprinkled along therouteoffer restrooms, food,water,andswimmingareas.You’llalsofindtrailsideshopswherebicycle—andevenhandcycle—rentalsareabreeze.

The trail follows the formerOldColonyRailroad right-of-way fromSouth Dennis to South Wellfleet, via Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, andEastham. The railroad laid the tracks linking Boston and Sandwich in1848,andby1873,ithadpushedallthewaytoProvincetownatthetipofCapeCod.Asthecapegainedpopularitywithvacationers,morerailroadconnections were made to New York, Connecticut, and other parts ofMassachusetts. Passenger service ceased in 1937; transport freight hungonuntil themid-1960s.By1978, the trailwas inplace, andvacationersonceagainhitthecorridor—thistimeonfoot,inlineskates,andbicycles.

Near itswestern trailhead inSouthDennis, the trail is at itsbusiest.Thefirst4milesofferampleopportunitiestopicnic,indulgeinicecream,

ordetourtoothertrailsandtowns.Fromalarge,uniquebicyclerotaryinHarwich, theOldColonyRail Trail continues throughHarwich and theHacker Wildlife Sanctuary and ends in Chatham. The beautifullylandscapedrotarydoublesasagatewayto therestof theCapeCodRailTrail,providingapicnicareaandtrailinformationkiosks.

PopularCapeCodRailTrailfollowsacool,forestedpathwayalongtheCapeCodBay.

Headingnorthfromtherotary,you’llsoonbesailingalongbusyUSRoute 6 past glacial ponds. Along the way, you can pop into a quaintgeneralstoreforarefreshmentortakeabreakatatrailsidepicnictable.

Atthetrailmidpointnearmile11,you’llreachNickersonStatePark,whichoffersswimmingpools,picnicareas,walkingandbikingtrails,andrestrooms.Theforestedtrailheremakesforashady,coolride.

PastNickerson,thetrailbreaksandcontinuesalongtheroadforabouta half mile and crosses a bridge before rejoining the corridor into thedelightful townofOrleans.Boastingarangeofrestaurantsandspecialtystores, Orleans is a good place to stop for lunch. Also watch for thetrailsidewaterfountainandbikerentalshop.

Asyouapproachmile16alongtheCapeCodNationalSeashore,beon the lookout for theSaltPondVisitorCenter,whichhouses a bicyclerepair shop. The remainingmiles of the corridor are lightly forested in

treesandshrubsthathaveadaptedtodrier,sandierconditions.Thisstretchofferspubliccampingfacilitiesandcoastaloverlooks.

Attrail’send,theWellfleettrailheadprovidesaparkingareaandbasicrestroom.Thetownitselfoccupiesanarrowstripofthecape,flankedbytheAtlanticOceanandCapeCodBay.It’swellworthcontinuinganothermileonLongPondRoadtoMaguire’sLanding,whereyoucan lookforshellsonthelovelybeach,takeadipintheAtlantic,orsimplyenjoytherewardingoceanview.

DIRECTIONS

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is in the mid-cape area in southeasternMassachusetts.Freeparking isavailableat several locations, including thetrailhead on Route 134 in South Dennis and the trailhead on LeCountHollowRoadinSouthWellfleet.

ToreachtheSouthDennistrailhead,takeUSHwy.6toExit9andheadsouthonStateRoute134pastPatriotsSquarePlazaandCumberlandFarms.Thetrailheadparkingareaisontheleft,aboutahalfmilesouthoftheexit.

Contact: NickersonStateParkMassachusettsDepartmentofConservation&Recreation251CausewayStreet,Suite600Boston,MA02114(617)626-1250

MASSACHUSETTS

ManhanRailTrail

LocationHampshireCountyEndpointsSouthStreettoNorthStreet,EasthamptonMileage4.2RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

heManhanRailTrailwendsitswaythroughEasthampton,atypicalNew England factory town brimming with commerce andcommunity,aswellashistoricalandnaturalsitesgalore.Locatedin

thePioneerValleyofwesternMassachusetts,the4-miletrailfollowstwoformer railroad corridors: New Haven Railroad’s Canal Division, andBoston & Maine Railroad’s Mount Tom Branch. These lines used tocompete for business from the thriving textile mills, but by the 1970s,changesinenvironmentallawsandrelocationoftheindustrytosouthernstatesledtoadeclineinmanufacturingandsubsequentlytherail.

Starting from South Street, the trail is characterized by a forestedlandscape,whichmakesforacool,shadyride.Aboutahalfmilefromthetrailhead,anunderpassprovidesstudentcommutersaccess to theprivateNorthampton Williston School. This part of the Manhan trail passesbehind residential areas;entrances to the trail fromneighborhoodstreetswillgiveyouasenseoftherailtrail’spopularity.At0.9mile,you’llfind

trailheadparkingandawaterfountainonyourright,followedsoonafterby the colorful Manhan Rail Trail Millennium Mural. The colorfulexampleofpublicartstandsoppositeanoldtraindepot.

ThistrailsidemuralwaspaintedbyartistNoraValdeztocapturethespiritoftheEasthamptoncommunity.

Crossing Ferry Street in Easthampton’s business district, the trailveersdueeastontheoldBoston&Mainecorridor,soonopeninguptoaspectacularviewofaConnecticutRivertributary.Oldmillbuildingsflankthe trail to the left.On the right, a skateboard and basketball parkwithpicnic tables is under construction. Just past the park, you’ll findadditionaltrailparkingandaccess.

The trail passes more old mill buildings before reaching a scenicoverlookofanoxbowintheConnecticut.Thisstretchkeepsbirdersbusy.Off to the right is the E. Florence SmithNature Trail.Managed by thePascommuckConservationTrust,thisshortspurleadstothesiteofa1704conflictbetweensettlersandNativeAmericans.

Nearingtrail’send,you’llpassaresidentialareawithparkingandtrailaccessontheright,andlovelyopenmeadowsoneitherside.You’llsoonemergeatthesmalltrailheadparkingareaonNorthStreet/US5.

Thetrailwilleventuallyconnectwith theNorwottuckRailTrailandNorthamptonBikeway.

DIRECTIONS

To reach trailhead parking on Ferry Street from the MassachusettsTurnpike/Interstate 91, take I-91 north to Exit 18 and head south on USHwy.5toEasthampton.TurnrightonEastStreet,thenrightagainonFerryStreet. The trail crosses Ferry Street near the Pleasant Street intersection.Lookfortheparkinglotonyourleft.

Contact: CityofEasthampton50PaysonAvenueEasthampton,MA01027(413)529-1460www.manhanrailtrail.org

MASSACHUSETTS

MarbleheadRailTrail

LocationEssexCountyEndpointsMarbleheadtoSalemandSwampscottMileage4.1RoughnessIndex2.5SurfaceAsphalt,gravel,sand

haped like aY, this 4.1-mile rail-trail connects two seaside towns.Fromthe trail junctioninquaintMarblehead,onebranchmeandersthrough conservation areas and past harbor overlooks to Salem,

notoriousforits1692witchtrials.Thesecondbranchoffersalongerrouteheading toward Swampscott through Marblehead’s residential areas,offeringamorelocallookatthisseasidecommunity.

The intersection of Bessom Street and Roundhouse Road in centralMarbleheadmarkstheapexofthetrail,andagoodstartingpoint.FollowthesandypathonthewestsideofBessomStreetaquartermiletothetrailjunction beside a fenced utility yard. Time to choose: to the right liesSalem,whiletheleftbranchleadsdownthecoasttowardSwampscott.

The branch toward Salem beginswith a natural, sandy surface, andsoonentersHawthornPondConservationArea,a9.8-acrepreservewithmarshes,ponds,streams,andfour interconnectednature trails.TakecareasyouemergefromtheconservationareaonWestShoreDrive,astrafficcanbeheavy.

ArtisticgatesbarmotorizedtrafficontheMarbleheadRailTrail.

Up next is Wyman Woods Conservation area, a 33.5-acre mix ofwetlands andmature forests that givesway to beautiful viewsofSalemHarbor. On warm days, trail users can hike down a sandy path to thewater’sedgeforarefreshingdiporstopalongthewoodenrailroadbridge

foraparticularlyinspiringviewoftheharbor.EnteringSalem,thetrailcrossesRoute114;usecautionatthismajor

artery. Beyond, artistic gatesmodeled after antique high-wheel bicyclesmark the path, and the surface switches to smooth asphalt. You’ll soonpassSalemStateCollege,thenenteracommercialarea.ThetrailendsatCanalStreet.

ThealternativebranchofthetrailtowardSwampscottalsobeginsonanaturalsandandgravelsurface.CrossingPleasantStreet,you’llpassthepublic high school,where ball fields and playgrounds offer ample openspaceforaquickstretchorarelaxingbreak.Studentsuse therouteasacommutercorridor.

From the high school, the asphalt trail continues along a raisedcorridor through residential areas, with plenty of paved access roads toMarbleheadbeaches.ThetrailendsattheTempleEmanu-Elparkinglot.

DIRECTIONS

To reach themain trailhead, takeStateRoute128 toExit25andheadsouth on State Route 114 south to Marblehead. In town, 114 becomesLafayetteStreetandthenPleasantStreet.FollowPleasantStreetintotown,then turn leftonBessomStreet.Justpast theshoppingcenteron theright,takeyourfirstrightturnontoRoundhouseRoad.Thetrailheadisacrossthestreet.

Contact:MarbleheadDepartmentofRecreation10HumphreyStreetMarblehead,MA01945-1906(781)631-3350

MASSACHUSETTS

MinutemanBikeway

LocationMiddlesexCountyEndpointsAlewifeTstationinCambridgetoBedfordMileage10.4RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

ouwon’tgetlonelyontheMinutemanBikeway.The11-milerail-trail through suburban Boston is one of New England’s mostpopulartrails.Warmsummerweekendsinparticularbringfolksof

allagesandabilitieselbowtoelbowalongtheasphaltbikeway.Thecorridorboastsmorethanavibrantpresent.Ithasastoriedpast

thatincludes,asthenameimplies,aroleinRevolutionaryWartimes.ThetrailtravelsthroughtheareawheretheRevolutionaryWarbeganinApril1775. In 1846, the Lexington & West Cambridge Railroad built andstartedserviceontheline.Theblizzardof1977haltedpassengerserviceforgood,andthedemiseoffreightservicefollowedin1981.In1991,thelinewas“railbanked”byfederallaw,makingitpossibletotransformtheline intoa rail-trailwhilepreserving future railroadopportunities. Just ayear later, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the communities along theroutecelebratedtheopeningoftheMinutemanBikewayasthecountry’s500th rail-trail. By 1998, the Minuteman Bikeway was extended fromdowntownArlington to theAlewifeTstation inCambridge. In2000, theWhiteHouserecognizedthetrailasaMillenniumTrail(aprogramoftheClinton Administration that noted outstanding trails in honor of the

millennium), solidifying its reputation as a premier recreation andtransportationroute.

TheBedfordDepotParkmarksthetrail’snortherntrailhead,whereyoucancontinueontotheReformatoryBranchTrail.

AlthoughmostusersknowtheentirerouteassimplytheMinutemanBikeway, there are actually several connecting trails that can lead youfromSomervilletodowntownConcord.

Coming from Boston, you have the option to hop the Red Linesubway to Alewife Tstation, where the Minuteman begins. To add 1.5milestoyourroute,jumpoffatDavisSquareStationandtaketheAlewifeLinearParktotheMinuteman.

On the Minuteman Bikeway traveling north into Arlington, you’llbegin to understand why this trail is popular with pleasure-seekers andcommuters alike. Heading northeast from Cambridge, the bikewayconnects Arlington, Lexington, and Bedford, easing access toneighborhoods, schools, and such natural areas as Spy Pond and GreatMeadows. Its paved, flat surface is a bicycle commuter’s dream cometrue.

Atmile1.5, the trail seems todead-endatSwanPlace inArlington.Here, you’ll take a very short on-road jog; sidewalks are available forthose uneasy with road cycling. Turn right on Swan Place, proceed to

MassachusettsAvenue,thenturnleftandlookfortheCyrusE.DallinArtMuseum on your right. A set of old train tracks crosses in front of themuseum.Followthesetrackswithyoureyes,andyou’llspottheonwardbikeway,acrossMysticStreet.

Back on the trail, you’ll soon reach the Lexington Visitor Center,whichprovidesinformationaboutlocalattractionsandhistoricalsites.

Farther north, the wooded corridor grows more peaceful beforereachingthetrail’sendatBedfordDepotPark.Youcanendyourjourneyhere or push on to the ReformatoryBranch Trail by following LoomisStreettowhereitcurvesandthe4.5-miletrailpicksup.TheReformatoryBranch Trail will lead you on a natural surface path through severalprotectedwetlandstoitswesterntrailheadinConcord.

DIRECTIONS

Toreach theCambridge trailheadbysubway, take theRedLine to theAlewifeTstation.Bicyclesarepermittedonsubwaysduringoff-peakhoursonweekdaysoralldayonweekends.

ToreachtheCambridgetrailheadbycar,takeInterstate95toExit29AandheadeastontheConcordTurnpike/StateRoute2towardArlingtonandCambridge. At the end of the turnpike, bear right on Alewife BrookParkway, then turn right on Cambridge Park Drive to the station. Thetrailhead is west of the station; park in the adjacent garage. For moreinformationvisitwww.mbta.com.

To reach the Bedford trailhead, take I-95 to Exit 31B and head northtoward Bedford on State Route 4/225. Drive 1.1 miles, then turn left onLoomis Street. The trailhead is at the South Road intersection, besideBedfordDepotPark.

Contact: ArlingtonBicycleAdvisoryCommitteeTownHallAnnex730MassachusettsAvenueArlington,MA02476(781)316-3090www.minutemanbikeway.org

MASSACHUSETTS

NashuaRiverRailTrail

LocationMiddlesexCountyEndpointsAyertoNashua,NewHampshireMileage12.3RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

he Nashua River Rail Trail is a beautiful, peaceful, rural trailextendingthroughtheMassachusettscommunitiesofAyer,Groton,Pepperell, and Dunstable on into Nashua, New Hampshire. In

autumn it provides a spectacular platform for viewing the colorfulchangingleaves.Overthe7milesbetweenGrotonCenterandDunstable,a5-foot-widegravelequestrianpathparallelsthetrail.

The 12.3-mile trail begins in downtown Ayer, across from thecommuterrailstation,whereparkingandrestroomsareavailable.Leadingnorth through residentialAyer, the route soon follows a rural, tree-linedcorridor.Twomiles intoyour journey,you’ll reachGrotonSchoolPond.Pause here at charming granite seating areas to watch for wildlife,particularlytheindustriousbeaversthathavebuilttheirlodgeonthepond.

At the trailmidpoint, you’ll reach a small parking lot atNodRoad.Beyond,thetrailskirtsJ.HarryRichStateForestandtheNashuaRiver,thelattervisibletothewestenroutetoNewHampshire.

AsmallretailandrestaurantdistricthailsyourarrivalinPepperell.Ona hot summer day, stop for an ice cream before continuing north toDunstable,whereyou’llcrosstheborderintoNewHampshire.

TheNashauRiverRailTrailisoneofseveralNewEnglandtrailsthatcrossstateborders.

ThetrailcontinuesashortwayintoNashua,endingatalargetrailheadparking lot. Residential development on the corridor has severed theconnectionbetweentheNashuaRiverRailTrailandthe1.3-mileNashuaHeritageRailTrail,whichstretcheseasttoNashuaCityHall.Toreachthewestern trailhead from theparking lot,gostraightonCountrysideDriveandturnrightonStateRoute111/WestHollisStreet.TurnleftatthelightonRiversideStreetandfollowittotheNashuaHighSchoolSouthplayingfields. A trail here leads through Mine Falls Park to the park exit atWhippleRoad.FollowWhippletoSimonStreet,turnright,andcontinuetoWillStreet,whereyou’llturnleft.Thetrailheadlieshalfwaydownthisstreetontheright.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheAyertrailhead,takeInterstate495toExit29andheadweston StateRoute 2 to Exit 38B for StateRoute 111 north. From the rotary,continue on 111 north through Ayer Center and the downtown shoppingdistrict till you see the trail from the road (still 111 north). For trailheadparking,takethefirstrightpastthetrail,followedbyanotherrightintothelot.

ToreachtheNashua,NewHampshire,trailhead,takeUSHwy.3northtoExit5WtowardStateRoute111AwesttowardPepperell,Massachusetts.FollowittoRoute111west.TurnleftontoCountrysideDrive.Followittotheendtoreachthetrailhead.Trailparkingisacrossthestreetintheparkinglot.

Contact:WillowBrookStateForest599MainStreetWestTownsend,MA01474(978)597-8802www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/nash.htm

MASSACHUSETTS

NorthamptonBikeway

LocationHampshireCountyEndpointsNorthamptontoFlorenceMileage2.6RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

n central Massachusetts, the Northampton Bikeway runs 2.6 milesbetween Northampton and the Look Memorial Park in Florence.Whether you start your trip from either trailhead or fromone of the

manyinformalaccesspointsalongtheroute,thiswell-maintainedrail-trailisperfectforafresh-airoutinginarelaxedsetting.Italsoservesasavitalcommuterroute,offeringaconvenientconnectionbetweentheresidentialareasofFlorenceanddowntownNorthampton.

From theendofStateStreet invibrantdowntownNorthampton, thetrail leads west through residential and light commercial areas, passingseveral bed-and-breakfasts. If time permits, check out Main Street’sarchitectural jewels, such as the Academy of Music and the countycourthouse, aswell as itsmany boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and coffeeshops.

En route to Florence, forested stretches add to the trail’s attractive,tranquil nature. You’ll emerge at 150-acre LookMemorial Park, whichprovidesamplepaidparking.You’llalso findpicnic tables,a swimmingpool, a playground, restrooms, tennis courts, and paddleboat rentals. To

use one of the picnic tables, you’ll need to purchase a permit from thevisitorcenter.

Despitepassingthroughsomeneighborhoodsandlightcommercialareas,theNorthamptonBikewaymakesforatranquiltrip.

Crewsareconstructingaconnectingspur to the10-mileNorwottuckRailTrail,whichstretchesfromElwellStateParkeastthroughHadleytoAmherst.

DIRECTIONS

To reach theNorthampton trailhead, take Interstate 91 to Exit 19 andhead west on Damon Road. After about a block, turn left on US Hwy.5/KingStreet.ThetrailintersectswithKing,justofftheendofStateStreet.

To reach theLookMemorialPark trailhead from I-91north, takeExit19/Damon Road and follow signs to attractions. Cross State Route 9 onDamon Road and continue to the next light. Continue straight on BridgeRoadforabout2milestothepark.FromI-91south,takeExit20,turnrightatthelight,andcontinueabout2milestothepark.

Contact: NorthamptonOfficeofPlanning&Development

210MainStreetNorthampton,MA01060(413)587-1266www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/nwrt.htm

MASSACHUSETTS

NorwottuckRailTrail

LocationHampshireCountyEndpointsNorthamptontoAmherstMileage10RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

tretchingeast fromElwellStatePark, the10-mileNorwottuckRailTrailconnectsthetownsofNorthampton,Hadley,andAmherst.Partof theConnecticutRiverGreenwayStatePark, theroute takes ina

variety of landscapes, from rural farmland to residential neighborhoodsandlightindustrialdistricts.

You’llsetoutacrossNewEngland’slongestriver,theConnecticut,onamagnificent1492-footironbridge.ThisspanparallelsCalvinCoolidgeBridge, named for the mayor of Northampton who would become thecountry’s30thpresident.

Thistrailtravelsthroughasylvansettingandcrossesa1492-footironbridgeoverthe

ConnecticutRiver.

Once you’re across the river, look forMountHolyoke rising in thedistance. Approaching Hadley, the trail parallels State Route 9 throughfarmland.Intown,you’llpasstheformerHadleyrailroadstationandwindthroughhistoricHadleyCommons,wherefarmanimalsoncegrazed.

About 3 miles along, you’ll reach a bicycle and inline skate rentalshopbesideanice-creamandsmoothiebar.Ahalfmilefarther, justpastthe Route 9 underpass, is Pete’s Drive-In, which offers a rest area andanother chance for ice cream.Beyond it liesHampshireMall; shopperswilldelightindirectbicycleaccesstothestores.

After themall, the trail continuesuntil theBelchertown trailhead,atwhichpointyoucometoStateRoute116.At116,thereisanopportunityto hop off the trail for a short trek north into Amherst, home to theUniversityofMassachusettsandAmherstCollege.Justshyofdowntown,aconnectortrailleadstothe2-mileUMassbikeway,astudentcommuterpath.

TheonwardNorwottuckRailTrailcrossesbeneath116totheStationRoad trailhead and Amherst College on the left. Station Road used tomark the end of the trail, but today an extension stretches anothermileeastalonganactiverailcorridor.Alongtheway,twotrestlebridgescarryyou over Mill River and East Street, respectively, and you will findconnecting trails to theSoutheastStreet accesspoint andparking lot, aswellastohikingtrails.Thetrail’sfinalstretchskirtswetlandsandpondsthat promise excellent bird-watching. Along this section, the CarolineArnoldWalkingTrail,whichhasaabird-blind,canbeaccessedfromthetrail.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheNorthamptontrailheadatElwellStatePark,takeInterstate91toExit19andcontinuestraightfromtherampontoDamonRoad.Afteraboutablock,turnrightintothetrailheadparkinglotatElwellStatePark.

Amherstoffersachoiceofparking locations.Parking isavailablenearthe town common and town hall, within easy reach of the BelchertowntrailheadatStateRoute116.ToreachtrailheadparkingatSoutheastStreetand Mill Lane, follow State Route 9 to Southeast Street. Turn right andproceed about amile. The Station Road trailhead lies amile farther east;followSoutheastStreettoStationRoadandturnleftintotheparkinglot.

Contact:MassachusettsDepartmentofConservation&Recreation136DamonRoadNorthampton,MA01060(413)586-8706,Ext.12www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/nwrt.htm

MASSACHUSETTS

PhoenixRailTrail

LocationBristolCountyEndpointsFairhaventoMattapoisetttownlineMileage3.1RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

penedin1999,thePhoenixRailTrailpacksasurprisingdiversityin its 3.1miles, passing throughwoodlands, saltmarshes, farms,and commercial and residential areas. Tree-lined formuch of its

length,thepathprovidesplentyofshadeforapleasantrideonhot,sunnydays. Schoolchildren named the trail after nearby Fort Phoenix, withinsight of which the first naval battle of the American Revolution wasfoughtin1775.

ThetrailbeginsinhistoricaldowntownFairhaven,acrossfromtheoldferry terminal, where steamship passengers embarked for NewBedfordbefore the bridgewas built. The trail follows the path of the FairhavenBranch Railroad, built in 1854, which stemmed off of the Cape CodBranch Railroad. The Phoenix Rail Trail is the first section of a largerregional trail network that will eventually stretch from the Cape CodCanaltoRhodeIsland.

ThefirsthalfofthetrailleadsthroughFairhaven’spleasantresidentialneighborhoods. Soon after setting out, you’ll pass areas underredevelopment, including the site of the old Atlas Tack Company. Therail-trail’s only major road crossing is the intersection with Route 240.From this point, the trail takes you through less populated areas, pastfarmswith cornfields, and anoutstandingvista of a saltmarsh—agreatplacetospotbirdsandotherwildlife.There,atapproximatelythehalfwaypoint on the trail, you’ll note a short,marked spur trail called theLittleBayLoopTrailthattakesofftotheright.Ifyouwanttoextendyourride,youcantakethespur1miletoBuzzardsBay.Atthejunctionofthespurtrail,akioskdisplaysamapofthetrailandlocalarea.

AviewofasaltmarshfromthePhoenixRailTrail.

The trail currently ends at the Mattapoisett town line.While fairlyshort, the trail is quite popular among pedestrians and cyclists, andequestrianswhoutilizethegrassyshoulder.

DIRECTIONS

To reach the Fairhaven trailhead, from Interstate195, take Exit 18 tofollowStateRoute240southtoUSHwy.6west.FollowsignstoFairhavenCenterviaWashingtonStreet.FollowWashingtonStreeteastuntilyoureachMainStreet,turnleftandcontinueafewblockstothetrailheadattheFerryStreetintersection.

Contact: BoardofPublicWorks5ArseneStreetFairhaven,MA02719(508)979-4030www.millicentlibrary.org/biketrail/bike1.htm

MASSACHUSETTS

ReformatoryBranchTrail

LocationMiddlesexCountyEndpointsBedfordtoConcordMileage4.5RoughnessIndex2SurfaceDirt

he ruggedandbeautifulReformatoryBranchTrailmeandersmorethan4miles through threenatural areas:ElmBrookConservationArea,MaryPutnamWebberWildlifePreserve,andGreatMeadows

NationalWildlifeRefuge. It is theperfect route for escaping the city torediscovernature.

Westbound from the Bedford Depot Park trailhead on RailroadAvenue,you’llfirstreachElmBrookConservationArea.Its19.3acresofprotectedwetlandsandfloodplainofferadditionalbikingandhikingtrailsthroughanenchantingredmapleforest.

Almost immediately after leaving the conservation area, you’ll seesignsforMaryPutnamWebberWildlifePreserve.This20-acreparcel isalsomostlywetlandandactsasawildlifecorridor for themanyspeciesthatlivewithinthesurroundingwetlandandwoodlandhabitats.

At Concord Turnpike, the trail crosses a gravel parking lot andcontinues across the street behind the guardrail; it’s a very narrow pathhere,butonceyoudescend the smallhill, it opensupagain to aproperrail-trail. Regrettably, the wooden bridge that carried traffic over therailroad was removed in 1967. Be careful when crossing the busyturnpike,asdriversarenotgivenwarningofthetrailcrossing.

Linkedtotwootherrail-trails,theReformatoryBranchTrailpassesthroughseveraldesignatednaturalareaswherewildlifesightingsarecommon.

YouwillquicklyarriveatGreatMeadowsNationalWildlifeRefuge.This massive freshwater wetland covers more than 3600 acres andstretches 12 miles along the Concord and Sudbury rivers. Birders takenote: The National Fish andWildlife Service, which manages the site,offers an annotated list of the area’s 220 avian species.The refuge alsoshelterswhite-taileddeer,muskrats, red fox, raccoons,cottontail rabbits,weasels, amphibians, and several nonpoisonous snake species. Bicyclesarenotpermittedontrailswithintherefuge;toexplore,lockyourbiketooneofseveraltrailsidebenchesandtakeoffonfoot.

Backonthemaintrail,you’llleavenaturaltranquilitybehindasyoudrawclosertoConcord.Forapproximatelythelastmileoftrail,youwillcrossseveralroads;thetrailendsshortlyaftercrossingLowellRoadattheConcord River. The railroad corridor continues for another 2.5 miles,passing thereformatoryforwhich itwasnamed,but thebridgeover theriverisnowgone.

DIRECTIONS

To reach the Bedford Depot Park trailhead, from Interstate 95/State

Route 128, take Exit 31B for State Routes 4/225 north toward Bedford.After1.1mileson225,turnleftonLoomisStreet.LoomisStreetturnsintoRailroadAvenue;where the roadbends to the right, look for the trailheadparkinglot.YoumayparkhereorinthepavedparkinglotattheMinutemanBikewaytrailheadbackonLoomisStreet.

ToaccessthetrailheadinConcord,takeInterstate495toStateRoute2east towardConcord.In town, turnleftonStateRoute2Aeast/ElmStreet,whichsoonbecomesMainStreet.ParkinthelotbehindtheConcordVisitorCenter (64 Main Street), then follow the road directly behind the visitorcentertothetrailheadatLowellStreet.

Contact: FriendsoftheBedfordDepotPark120SouthRoadBedford,MA01730(781)687-6180

MASSACHUSETTS

ShiningSeaBikeway

LocationBarnstableCountyEndpointsFalmouthtoWoodsHoleMileage4.5RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

urlingmore than4milespastwoodlands,marshes,andsaltpondsand seascape, the Shining Sea Bikeway is the only bikeway onCapeCodtoskirttheshore.AlsocalledtheShiningSeaBikePath,

thepavedtrailextendsfromSkatingLaneinFalmouthtotheWoodsHoleSteamship Authority’s site inWoods Hole, an historical seaside fishingvillageandhometoaninternationallyknownscientificcommunity.

Rich in history, the bikeway follows prehistoricWampanoag Indiantrails.Membersof theAlgonquinnation, thepeacefulWampanoagwerenotable seafarers who thrived here on a plentiful diet of shellfish, fish,game, wildfowl, berries, roots, and nuts. In 1620, Wampanoag ChiefMassasoit greeted Pilgrims, the first substantial wave of Europeanimmigrants. By the 1850s, Falmouth had become a destination forsummer tourists, and the Penn Central Railroad soon stretched fromMonumentVillagetoWoodsHole,tracingtheancientWampanoagtrails.

The railroad stopped service in 1957, and within 20 years, thebikeway was built and dedicated as part of Falmouth’s bicentennialcelebrations. Today it serves as an inter-modal transportation link,connecting automobile, bus, ferry, and bicycle routes. Its name comesfrom“AmericatheBeautiful,”thefamouspoembyKatherineLeeBates,aFalmouthnative.

TheShiningSeaBikewayisaptlynamed—theviewsofVineyardSoundaresparkling.

The route begins in Falmouth on Skating Lane in a residential andcommercial district. As you follow the shaded path toward the water,you’ll soon reach an information kiosk and spur path to the left for theSalt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuary. This 60-acre preserve between thebikewayandoceanoffersanetworkoffootpathsfromwhichyoucanspotmanyspeciesofshorebirds,aswellasriverottersandmuskrats.

Soon after the sanctuary, the trail leaves the woods to reveal anexpansive oceanview.This is truly the scenic highlight of the bikeway.Between the trailand theocean liesTrunkRiverBeach,abarrier strandconsistingofpebbles,cobbles,andsand.PauseheretobreatheintheseaairorwatchospreysandheronsglideoverVineyardSound.

Continuingalongtheshore,thebikewaysooncrossestheWoodsHoleSteamshipAuthorityparkinglot.ThetrailendsinWoodsHole,affordingyouplentyofplacestoeatorshop.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheFalmouthtrailheadfromBoston,takeInterstate93toStateRoute24south.TakeExit14forInterstate495south.TakeI-495toitsendand continueonStateRoute25.Follow signs forStateRoute28 south toBuzzardsBay/Falmouth.Route28turnsintoalocalroadandleadsyouintoFalmouth. Just before the ferry parking, turn right on Skating Lane. Thetrailheadisatthefarendoftheparkinglot.

To reach the Woods Hole trailhead, follow the directions above, butcontinuetofollowRoute28pasttheferryparking.FollowsignsforWoodsHole(alongWoodsHoleRoad),thenfollowsignstotheMartha’sVineyardFerry. Parking is available here, and the trail begins at the far end of theparkinglot.

Contact: FalmouthBikewayCommittee59TownHallSquareFalmouth,MA02540(508)548-7611www.falmouthmass.us/bike/

MASSACHUSETTS

SouthwestCorridorPark

LocationSuffolkCountyEndpointsBackBayT-stationtoJamaicaPlain,BostonMileage3.9RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

outhwestCorridorParkisa3.9-milelinearparkthroughtheBostonneighborhoods of South End, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain. Arecreation and commuter route popular withwalkers, runners, and

cyclists, thecorridor isa triumphof itssurroundingcommunities,whichralliedinthe1960stopreventa12-lanehighwayfromflankingasubwayline and instead created this 52-acre green space.Thepark parallels theOrange Line between the Back Bay and Forest Hills T-stations. ForestHills connects to theNeedhamcommuter rail line,whileBackBay is astopontheFramingham/Worcester,Providence/Stoughton,andNeedhamcommuterraillines,aswellastheAmtrakline.

The northern trailhead is across from the Back Bay T-station onDartmouth Street, only blocks from Copley Square, the Boston PublicLibrary, and commercial Newbury Street. Beginning between NeimanMarcus and Firefly Bistro, the trail winds its way between smallresidential South End side streets lined with historic brownstones. Thisskillfullydesignedsectionincludesdogparks,playgrounds,neighborhoodvegetablegardens,andbasketballandtenniscourts.

TheSouthwestCorridorParkisanimportantrecreationandcommutingrouteforlocalsuburbanneighborhoods.

As the trail crossesWest Newton Street, look up at the PrudentialCenter and John Hancock buildings, highlights of the Boston skyline.Where the trail crosses Massachusetts Avenue, glance right to spotSymphony Hall, home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. As youapproachNortheasternUniversity’s tenniscourts, turn leftandthenrighttoremainonthepathasitparallelsColumbusAvenueforashortstretchtoRuggles Station. Scattered along the corridor aremore tennis courts,basketballcourts,spraypools,streethockeyrinks,andamphitheaters.

ThepathcontinuesalongColumbusAvenue,thencutsbehindJacksonSquareStation,wheremuralslinethecorridortoCenterStreet.Ifyou’rehungry, consider stopping in Jamaica Plain at City Feed & Supply, anexcellentgroceryandsandwichshoplessthanablockupBoylstonStreetfromStonyBrookStation.

ThetrailendsjustacrossWashingtonStreetfromForestHillsStation,thoughyoucanextendyourwalkor ride intoArnoldArboretum,acrossSouthStreettotherightofthestation.Thearboretumispartoflandscapearchitect Frederick LawOlmstead’s famous Emerald Necklace, a 1100-acre chain of parks that offers an alternate walking or bike route backdowntown.

DIRECTIONS

Avoid driving in Boston by taking the T: Bicycles are permitted onsubwaysduringoff-peakhoursonweekdaysoralldayonweekends.

BackBayT-stationisonDartmouthStreetinBostonbetweenColumbusAvenue and Stuart Street. There is no designated trail parking, but you’llfindstreetandgarageparkinginthearea.

Forest Hills station is just off the Arborway in Jamaica Plain, at theintersectionofWashingtonStreet,SouthStreet,andHydeParkAvenue.

Contact: DepartmentofConservation&Recreation136DamonRoadNorthampton,MA01060(617)727-0057www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/southwestCorr.htm

WithconnectionstomasstransitT-stations,theSouthwestCorridorParkservesasanimportantlinkforBoston-areapedestriansandbicyclists.

NewHampshire

NEWHAMPSHIRE

AshuelotRail-Trail

LocationCheshireEndpointsKeenetoHinsdaleMileage21.2RoughnessIndex3SurfaceCinder,ballast,dirt,sand

ivenitscoveredbridges,historicalaura,andabundantwildlife,theAshuelotRail-Trail (a.k.a.AshuelotRiverTrail)hasplenty lot tooffer—aslongyoudon’tmindroughingitabit.Thetrailsurfaceof

packedcinder,ballast,anddirttakesapoundingunderheavyrains,whichgiverisetosandy,muddy,andevenfloodedtrailsections.

The 21.2-mile route follows the corridor of the Ashuelot Railroad,whichoperated from1851 to 1983, fostering thedevelopment of textilemills,woodenboxfactories,andleathertanneriesintheregion.Watchforthe original granite mile markers, which pop up periodically along thetrail.

FromthetrailheadonEmeraldStreetnearKeeneStateCollege,you’llhead south, tracing theAshuelotRiver.ApproachingWestSwanzey, thetrail passes near Sawyer’sCrossing covered bridge,where you’ll find asmall parking area and a trailmap.You’ll soon reach a railroad trestle,marking your arrival inmoose territory.Watch formoose tracks on the

trail—similar to those of deer but twice the size—and if you do spot amoose, do not under any circumstances approach it, as they can beaggressiveanimals.

TheAshuelotRail-TrailpassesnearSawyer’sCrossingcoveredbridge,oneoftwoalongthetrail.

TheAshuelotcoveredbridgeisconsideredoneofNewEngland’smostsophisticatedbridgedesigns.

NextupisthehistoricaltownofWinchester,whoseearlysettlerswererepeatedlyattackedandkilledor takencaptiveby Indians.Following itsburningin1747, the townwasrebuiltarounditsagricultural roots.Overtheyears,severalsmallindustrieswereestablishedinWinchester.Graves&Company,oneofAmerica’sfirstmanufacturersofmusicalinstruments,opened its doors here in the 1830s. The coming of the railroad broughtstillmoreindustriesandjobstotheregion.

Youcan’tmissAshuelot’sdistinctivecoveredbridge,builtin1864tobringwoodacrosstheAshuelotRivertofueltheburnersoftherailroad’ssteam engines. Considered one of New England’s most sophisticatedcoveredbridges, thespanis169feet long,with intricate latticeworkandflankingsidewalks.Asignateachendofthebridgewarnsofa$5fineforanyoneridingordrivingfasterthanawalk.Don’toverlooktheSheratonHouseMuseumontheothersideofthetrail.

The trail continues south, past old mills and rusting boxcars onsidings,toahighridgewithpicturesqueriverviews.Alongthewayyou’llpassarailroaddepotthat’sbeenrestoredandconvertedintoaresidence,complete with train cars on a siding. Near Hinsdale, the trail parallelsStateRoute 63past farmland.You’ll emerge at a trailhead that linksupwiththeFortHillRail-Trail.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheKeenetrailheadfromAshuelotRiverPark,turnleftonWestStreet,rightonSchoolStreet,thenrightagainonEmeraldStreet.Parkingisavailableintheshoppingcenterlotdirectlyacrossfromthetrailhead.

To reach the Hinsdale trailhead, follow State Route 63 for 2.1 milessouthoutofHinsdale.Thetrailheadisontheright.

Contact: NewHampshireBureauofTrailsPOBox1856Concord,NH03302(603)271-3254www.nhtrails.org

NEWHAMPSHIRE

CottonValleyRail-Trail

LocationCarrollCountyEndpointsRailroadAvenuetoFernaldStation,WolfeboroMileage3.2RoughnessIndex2SurfaceCrushedstone,sand

n the banks of LakeWinnipesaukee in central New Hampshire,Wolfeboro bills itself as “America’s Oldest Summer Resort.”Vacationers have been escaping to this quaint village since

passenger rail service began in 1872. By the early 1900s, seven trainstationsdottedthe12-milecorridoreasttoSanbornville.

Today, 3 miles of that route (with 3 more planned) serve as themultiuse Cotton Valley Rail-Trail (a.k.a. Wolfeboro–Sanbornville Rail-Trail).Volunteers froman associationof railwaymotorcar ownersworkwithacommitteeof local trailenthusiasts toplanandmaintain the trail,withaneyetopreservingtherailroad’slegacy.Andinauniquerail-trailtwist,sectionsofthetrailactuallyrunbetweentheoldrails,whicharestillinplaceandvisible,thoughyoucannotseetheties.

FromthetrailheadattherestoredtraindepotonRailroadAvenue,thecrushed stone Russell C. Chase Bridge Falls Path leads to the rail-trailproper.Be sure to pick up a copy of the trail brochure,which lists keypointsofinterestmarkedalongtheway.

Causeways that lead across Crescent Lake, then along LakeWentworth are another stunning feature on this trail—at times you’resurrounded bywater on either side, and the views are nothing short ofspectacular.Wolfeboro’scitizensusethetrailforavarietyofreasons:forcommuting,forhighschoolstudentstowalktoschool,andforrecreationtravel from the residential neighborhoods to the Allan H. Albee PublicBeachonLakeWentworth,whereyou,too,canpausetosoakyourfeetortakeadip.

ThequaintsummerresortcommunityofWolfeborowasonceservicedbytherailroadonwhichtheCottonValleyRail-Trailwasbuilt.

The onward trail skirts the lake for a little more than a mile to itscurrent endpoint at Fernald Station. Leave time to take inWolfeboro’swiderangeofshopsandrestaurants.WorkisunderwayontheremainingfewmilestoCottonValleyDepot.

DIRECTIONS

The Wolfeboro trailhead is at the restored train depot on RailroadAvenue, justwest of theStateRoute 109 andStateRoute 28 intersection.

Parkingisavailableattherestoreddepot.To reach the Fernald Station trailhead fromWolfeboro, head 3 miles

northonStateRoute28north.TurnrightonStateRoute109.Thetrailheadisaquartermileaheadontherightsideoftheroad;parkontheleft.

Contact: CottonValleyRail-TrailClubPOBox417WolfeboroFalls,NH03896www.cottonvalley.org

NEWHAMPSHIRE

GuineaPond&FlatMountainPondTrails

LocationCarrollCountyEndpointsWithinWhiteMountainNationalForestMileage7.7RoughnessIndex3SurfaceGrass,dirt

hese connecting trails follow the bed of the old Beebe RiverRailroaduptoFlatMountainPond,alarge,remotepoolhighintheSandwich Range Wilderness. This is a great trip for advanced

mountain bikers; novice/intermediate bikers should expect a challenge.Hikersenjoyarelativelyeasytrek,asthere’slittlegaininelevation.

GuineaPondTrailbeginsatametalForestServicegateandclimbsadirtroad0.2miletotherailroadbed.Whilethetrailkeepstotherailbedasbestitcan,attimesyoumustdetouraroundsectionsreclaimedbybeaverponds.

Just over amile in, you’ll pass a secondmetal Forest Service gate.TurnrightattheY-junctionontothewell-troddenbutunmarkedpathandascend.Aftercrossingthreewoodenbridges,thetrailbendsrighttorejointherailroadbed.

You’llsoonreachthejunctionoftheMeadandBlackMountainPondtrails.ContinuestraightontheGuineaPondTrail.Followingseveralwidestreamcrossings,you’llreachthemarked0.2-milespuronthelefttotheponditself.

ThesetwotrailsinWhiteMountainNationalForestformacontinuouspathgoodforseriousmountainbikersandcasualhikers.

The onward trail continues along the railbed to the 2.5-mile mark,whereitdetoursagaintoavoidwater(followtheyellowarrowtotheleft).Thissectioniswindingandrough,traversinglargerocksandgnarlyroots.

The route finally rejoins the corridor after 0.2 mile and offers mostlysmoothgoingtotheFlatMountainPondTrailjunction.

The 4-mile FlatMountain Pond Trail quickly gains elevation, soonpassingtheGleasonTrailjunction.Watchforasignontheleftthatmarksthe boundary of the Sandwich RangeWilderness; from here up to FlatMountainPond,therailbeddoublesasthatboundary.Notethatbikeridingisnotpermittedinthewilderness,sobesuretostayonthetrail.

Drawing closer to the trail’s end, you’ll reach theGreatHorseshoe,thesharpestturnonanyofNewHampshire’soldloggingrailroads.Afternavigatingboulders,trickystreams,andotherobstaclesforabout2miles,turn right at the trail junction and head toward the pond for beautifulviewsofFlatMountainandWhitefaceIntervale.

A shelter is available for those interested in overnight camping.Otherwise,retracetheFlatMountainPondandGuineaPondtrails tothetrailhead.

DIRECTIONS

ThetrailheadisalongSandwichNotchRoad,whichisclosedinwinter.Onlyvehicleswithgoodclearanceshouldattemptthisroad.FromInterstate93,takeExit28toStateRoute49easttowardWatervilleValley.Afterabout4miles,turnrightonSandwichNotchRoadandcontinue5milesuntilyouseeparkingsignsfortheGuineaPondTrail.Parkdownthedirtroadontheright.Fromtheparkingarea,walkorrideback to theroad, turnright,andheaddownhill;thetrailheadisontheleftjustoverthebridge.

Contact:WhiteMountainNationalForestPemigewassettRangerDistrict1171Route175Holderness,NH03245(603)536-1315

NEWHAMPSHIRE

NorthernRail-Trail–GraftCounty

LocationGraftonandMerrimackcountiesEndpointsLebanontoGraftonMileage23.8RoughnessIndex2Surface

Crushedstone,cinder,grass,dirt,sandpanningthescenicMascomaValleyofcentralNewHampshire, theNorthernRail-Trailstretchesfrom Lebanon to the Concord town line. Local snowmobile clubs

havedeckedthebridgesandremovedobstaclesforwinteruse,andmostofthe23.8-milesectionbetweenLebanonandGraftonisnowbikeable.

Plansareunderway tobuilda four-season trail along thecorridor intheMerrimackCountytownsofDanbury,Wilmot,Andover,Franklin,andBoscawen.Crewshavealreadyimprovedthe3.4milesfromPotterPlacetoSwitchRoad inEastAndover,while improvementsalongan8.3-milesection from Danbury to Potter Place are planned for 2010. Trailadvocates will address Merrimack’s remaining 23 trail miles as fundsbecomeavailable.

ThemeanderingpathofSmithRivercharacterizesthemajorityoftheNorthernRail-Trail–GraftonCounty.

FromLebanon,thetrailfollowstheMascomaRiver,crossingitseventimes in just the first fewmiles.Benches are provided at several lovelyoverlooks. While this stretch is easily navigable in dry weather, heavy

rainsdrenchcertainsectionsandputotherswhollyunderwater.PassingbeneathInterstate89,you’llenterawoodedrivervalley.Mill

Roadprovides trail access, parking, and a small picnic areawith tables.BeyondIceHouseRoad,theroadparallelsMascomaLake.Pauseatoneofthelakeshorebenchestotakeintheviews.

You’llsoonencounterexposedrockalongadramaticcut—areminderoftheconsiderableeffortexpendedtoconstructthisline.In1847,nativesonDanielWebstergavethekeynoteaddressinLebanonattherailroad’sgrandopening.

ApproachingCanaan,you’llcrossahighbridgeovertheIndianRiver.Note theolddepot,whichhasyet tobe restored.Beyond town, the trailpasses through two culverts. These are narrow with little headroom;cyclistsshoulddismountandwalkthrough.

Toward trail’send inGrafton, thegeneralstorebeckonsfromacrossRoute4.Thismarksthelastavailableparkingontheimprovedsectionofthecorridor,whichendsatZaccariaRoadontheMerrimackCountyline.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheLebanontrailheadneartheLebanonCollegecampus,takeInterstate89toExit18andheadsouthonStateRoute120towardLebanon.The trailhead is at the intersection of Taylor and Spencer streets. If thetrailheadparkinglotisfull,streetparkingisavailable.

Toreach theGrafton trailhead, takeStateRoute4east into town.Trailaccessliesoppositethegeneralstore.Parkinthedirtpulloutonthetrailsideofthehighway.

Additional trailheadparkingisavailablealongMainStreetoffRoute4inEnfieldandattheendofDepotStreetoffRoute4inCanaan.

NEWHAMPSHIRE

RockinghamRecreationalTrail

LocationHillsboroughandRockinghamcountiesEndpointsManchestertoNewfieldsMileage26RoughnessIndex3SurfaceDirt,sand

ew Hampshire’s largest city, Manchester, boasts relatively quickaccess to one of the state’s longest rail-trails: the 26-mileRockingham Recreational Trail (a.k.a. Portsmouth Branch). The

rustic trail is rich in railroad structures, left over from a timewhen theextensiveBoston&MaineRailroadnetworkflourishedwiththegrowthofNewEnglandmilltowns.TheRockinghamRecreationalTrailfollowsthePortsmouth Branch. Hurt by the mid-20th century decline in localmanufacturing, the railroad faltered, and in 1988, the New HampshireDepartment of Transportation purchased the Portsmouth Branch forconversionintoarail-trail.

ThewesterntrailheadliesjustoutsidetheManchestercitylimits,rightontheshoreofMassabesicLake,Manchester’spublicwatersupply.Muchof the trail stretches through hardwood and conifer forests. In manyplaces, standing water and bogs on either side of the railbed provide abreeding ground formosquitoes. Bring insect repellent if you’re on thetrailbetweenlatespringandfall.Ifyou’reherewhenthesnowflies,callout thanks to a passing snowmobiler: As with most trails in New

Hampshire,themaintenanceofthistrailistakenonbylocalsnowmobileclubs.

Nearthetrail’smidpoint,railroadrelicsstandoutsidetheRaymondHistoricalSociety,whichishousedinarestoredtraindepot.

About6mileseastofthetrailhead,you’llencounteranarrowculvertbeneath a road, with limited overhead clearance; consider dismountingandwalkingyourbike.

InEastCandia,ahistoricalmarkerdenotesthesiteofthedemolishedrailroad depot. From this point, the trail again plunges into secludedwoodland.The railbed risesabove the forest flooratpoints,whileotherstretches thread through high-walled cuts blasted through NewHampshire’sfamousgraniteduringtherailroad’sconstruction.

InRaymond,thelocalhistoricalsocietyhasrestoredthetrainstation.Youcan’tmissthelocomotive,caboose,boxcar,andworkcaronasidingbetween the trail and the station. Just beyond town, you’ll cross animpressive railroadbridge and return to thewooded setting that typifiesmostoftheroute.

TheNewfieldsrailroaddepotmarksthetrail’send.

DIRECTIONS

To reach the Massabesic Lake trailhead from Manchester, take StateRoute 101 north and east, then take State Route 28 south. After passingthrougharotary,lookfortheMassabesicLakeboatlaunchontheleft.Thetrailheadisattheboatlaunch.

ToreachthetrailheadinNewfieldsfromthejunctionofstateroutes108and85,headnorthon108,crosstheactiverailline,andtakethefirstleftonAshSwampRoad.Gototheendoftheroadandparkattheolddepot(donotparkneartheactiverailline).

NEWHAMPSHIRE

SawyerRiverTrail

LocationCarrollCountyEndpointsWithinWhiteMountainNationalForestMileage7.5RoughnessIndex3SurfaceBallast,grass,dirt,sand

heSawyerRiverTrailoffersamemorable7.5-milejourneythroughapristinemountainvalley.FollowingtheoldSawyerRiverRailroadloggingline,thetrailispopularwithmountainbikersandhikersfor

itscombinationofchallengingsingle-trackanddirtroadsections.Thereareanumberofways toattack the trail.Thesouthernhalfof

the 7.5-mile corridor, off the Kancamagus Hwy., is single-track. Thenorthernhalf,nearUSRoute302,sharesthecorridorwithSawyerRiverRoad,aquietdirtroadthatclosesinwinter.

AtitsjunctionwithUS302,SawyerRiverRoadascendssteadilyatamanageablegradefor4miles,followingtheSawyerRiver.Onyourleftatthe start, watch for the abandoned sawmill village of Livermore, once-thrivinghuboftheSawyerRiverRailroad.

The single-track section of the trail begins shortly after the metalForestServicegateattheendofSawyerRiverRoad.Ifyou’relookingforashorter,less-challengingtrip,youcandrivetothispointofthetrailandparkin theparkingarealocatednearby.Beyondthegate, turnleftat theforkandfollowsignstowardMeadowBrook.Thetrailheadwillbeontheright,aroundthebend.

Thistrailhasseveralrivercrossings,someofwhichhaveattractivespansliketheoneabove—othersyouhavetobravebyboulder-hopping.

The trail mostly sticks to the old railroad grade, detouring only tobypass sections flooded by beaver dams. While a generally flat gradeaffords hikers an easy walk through this stunning valley, the trail stillprovidescyclistssometechnicalchallenges.Watchforoldtraintiesstillinplace,bridgesupportsforwoodenrailroadbridges,andotherhintstothecorridor’spast.

Approachingthetrail’send,youmustcrosstheSwiftRiver.Thereisnobridge,butbouldersintheusuallyshallowriverfacilitatecrossing.Usecaution,particularly in thespringorafterheavyrains,ashighwatercanmakethecrossingdifficultanddangerous.Thisisagreatspotforlunch,however,andoneofthebestswimmingholesaround.

Beyondtheriver,you’llsoonreachtheKancamagusHwy.trailhead.

DIRECTIONS

Toreachthenortherntrailhead,takeInterstate93toExit35andfollowUS Route 3 north to its junction with US Route 302. Take US 302 east

throughCrawfordNotch.SawyerRiverRoadison therightabout3milesbefore the townofBartlett. If you reach theFourth IronTentsite, onyourleft, you’ve justmissed the turn forSawyerRiverRoad.Park by the gatealongUS302oratpulloutsfartherupSawyerRiverRoad.

ToreachtheKancamagusHwy./Route112trailhead,takeI-93toExit32toLincolnandfollowRoute112east.JustbeyondKancamagusPass,watchforatrailheadsignontheleft.Parkatthetrailheadoralongtheroad.

Contact: WhiteMountainNationalForestPemigewassettRangerDistrict1171Route175Holderness,NH03245(603)536-1315

NEWHAMPSHIRE

SugarRiverTrail

LocationSullivanCountyEndpointsNewporttoClaremontMileage9.8RoughnessIndex2SurfaceBallast,cinder,sand

lsoknownas theSugarRiverRecreationalTrail, thispicturesque9.8-mile path stretches from Newport to Claremont along thebanksof theSugarRiver.Wildlife isabundantamid thesecluded

woodlands. Stay alert to spot deer, rabbit, beaver, raccoon, fox, wildturkey,orevenanoccasionalmoosearoundthenextbend.

The trail’s surface varies from firm cinder/ballast to soft sand.Traveling west from the Newport trailhead, the first 2 miles areparticularlysoft.

River crossings add to the Sugar River Trail’s scenic allure, andcoveredbridgeaficionadoscananticipateaspecialbonus—twospansthatonce carried trains over the Sugar River: Pier Bridge (east of ChandlerStation)andWright’sBridge(namedforS.K.Wright,whosoldtheright-of-way to the Sugar River Railroad). Bothwere built by the Boston&

Maine Railroad and are on the National Register of Historic Places.Unlike covered bridges on New England roadways, these are muchnarrowerandtaller,with21feetofverticalclearance.

TheSugarRiverTrailboaststwohistoriccoveredbridgesbuiltbytheBoston&MaineRailroad.

Additionally,thetrailhasnearlyadozenotherbridges,rangingfromsmallwoodenplank structures to steel trussbridges that span theSugarRiveranditssidestreams.

Ifthetrailinspiresyoutoseemoreoftheregion,finishyourdaybyhiking, fishing, boating, camping, or just relaxing in one of two nearbystate parks. The beach atMt. Sunapee State Park is a great place for a

swim after you get off of the trail, and you can take rented kayaks andcanoes fora spinonLakeSunapee. InWashington,PillsburyStateParkoffers heavily wooded hiking and mountain biking trails. Seasonalcampingisavailable inbothparks.Callforreservations,fees,andhoursofoperation.

TheSugarRiverTrailisoneofjustsixrail-trailsinNewHampshirethatpermitmotorizeduseyear-round;beprepared toshare the trailwithATVusersandsnowmobilers.Alsokeepwatchforequestrians.

DIRECTIONS

To reach theNewport trailhead, take Interstate 89 to State Route 103west. InNewport, followStateRoute 10 north for a quartermile past thetown green, then turn left onBelknapAvenue. Thewell-marked trailheadparkinglotisontheright.

To reach the Claremont trailhead, follow the above directions toNewport, then follow State Route 11/103 toward Claremont. Where thehighway becomes localWashington Street, look for the trailhead parkingsign.

NEWHAMPSHIRE

WarrenE.HaverhillRailroadGradeTrail

LocationGraftonCountyEndpointsWarrentoEastHaverhillMileage9.4RoughnessIndex2SurfaceDirt

his popular trail starts from an interesting landmark: a RedstonemissilebroughttoWarrenbyaresidentwhoservedintheArmyinAlabama in 1970.He found someobsoletemissiles in a field and

arrangedwiththeArmytotransportonebacktoWarren,aimingtobringsomethingofAmerica’sthriving(andfar-removed)spaceprogramclosertolocalyouth.Placedinthetowncenterin1971,itremainsaprominentfixture.

The rail-trail (a.k.a. the Jesse E. Bushaw Memorial Trail or NewHampshireSnowmobileCorridorNo.5)isapleasantandpicturesque9.4-milemultipurposeroute.Thehard-packeddirtsurface isgenerallywide,smooth,andflat,andmotorizeduseispermitted,makingitpopularamongATV riders in summer and snowmobilers in winter. The trail alsowelcomeswalkers,bikers,equestrians,andanglerseagertotrytheirluckintrailsidebrooksandponds.

Thistrailheadhasauniquelandmark—aRedstonemissile.

While most of the route is straight with few technical obstacles,betweenmiles6and7,thetraildipsandclimbssteeplyasitdivergesfromthe railbed to follow State Route 25.Where it rejoins the corridor, therouteagainrunsstraightandflat.

Aroundmile8, justafteryoupass theconcretecubesprotectingthissectionof the trail frommotorizeduse,you’llenter theOliverianValleyWildlife Preserve’s Habitat Management Demonstration Area. Viewingplatformsoneithersideofthepathhelpyoukeepaneyeoutforbirdsandotherwildlife.

In the final mile, the trail passes under power lines, swings to theright, and crosses a brook. You’ll emerge on State Route 25 in EastHaverhillbetweentheOliverianValleyCampgroundandabaseballfield.Thistrailheadisdifficulttofind,sobeginyourjourneyinWarren.

DIRECTIONS

Toreach theWarren trailhead, take Interstate93 toExit26and followStateRoute25westabout20milestoWarren.InWarren,headtowardtheRedstonemissileprominentlydisplayed in the towncenter.TheWarrenE.HaverhillRailroadGradeTrailbeginsalongthedirtroadthatleadsintothewoodsdirectlybehindthemissile.

NEWHAMPSHIRE

WhiteMountainsRail-Trails

LocationGraftonCountyEndpointsWithinWhiteMountainNationalForestMileage18RoughnessIndex3Surface

Ballast,gravel,grass,woodchips,dirt,sandhis18-mileroutelinksthe Lincoln Woods, Wilderness, Thoreau Falls, Ethan Pond, andZealand trails, promising multiday hikes into the pristine White

Mountains backcountry. At themidpoint, the nearest road is 7miles ineither direction.That isolationmakes for a quiet, reflectivewalk besiderivers, over hills, and through woods. For most of its length, the routefollows thebedsof theLincolnRailroad’sEastBranchand theZealandValleyRailroad.Both lines carried lumber out of thesemountains fromthelate1800stotheearly1900s.

The hike begins atop the steps beside the Lincoln Woods VisitorCenter.Fromhere,you’llfollowtheLincolnWoodsTrail2.8milestotheWildernessTrail.Watchforoldrailroadtiesandloggingcampclearings.ThisstretchusedtobepartoftheWildernessTrailbutwasrenamed,asitdoesn’t actually fall within the Pemigewasset Wilderness. You’llencounter many backcountry hikers along this corridor, but the crowdsdrop off the deeper you venture. The first designated campsite is at theintersectionofthesetwotrails.

Ahandfulofinterconnectedrail-trailswerebuiltonformerloggingcorridorswithintheWhiteMountains.

AruggedpathcutsthroughthewoodsintheWhiteMountainsononeofseveralrail-trailsinthevicinity.

TheWildernessTraillargelykeepstotheoldrailbed.About4.8miles

fromthetrailhead,you’llreachastunningrailroadtrestleacrosstheEastBranch.Ahalfmile farther, the trail crosses a suspension bridgewithinsightofanotherdilapidatedspan,offtotheright.

Atabout6.2miles,you’llconnectwiththeThoreauFallsTrail,whichforks to the left. Deviating from the railbed, this trail offers a windingroute that risesandplungesamid thick forest along theunspoiledNorthFork.Thescenicstrollfeaturesseveralinterestingstreamcrossingsonold,uneven footbridges, aswell asplaces to stop for a swim. Ifyoudo,usecaution,asthecurrentcanbeswift.FollowthetrailtothetopofThoreauFalls, find a safe crossing, and pause to enjoy the beautiful mountainviews.

The onward route soon meets the bed of the old Zealand ValleyRailroadattheEthanPondTrail.Thiscorridorencompassestwotrails:theEthanPond(partoftheAppalachianTrail)andtheZealand.

TheEthanPondTrailkeepstotherailbed.TurnleftunlessyouplantostayateitheroftwocampsitesalongtherightbranchtoUS302.Leadingthroughatunneloftreesalongtherailbed,theleftbranchsoonopensonanoutcropatZealandNotch,withbreathtakingviews,ofMt.Bondandotherpeaks.Thisisaperfectplacetostopforlunchorarest.

Beyond several rockslides and a series of uneven sections, you’llreach the junction with the Zealand Trail and a spur up to the AMCZealandHut.TheZealandcontinuesstraightalongtherailbed,while thespur veers left and climbs steeply 0.2mile to the hut. Crossing severalmountain ponds over wooden footbridges, the Zealand Trail eventuallydescendstoatrailheadparkingareaonZealandRoad.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheLincolnWoodstrailhead,takeInterstate93toExit32andfollowStateRoute112 towardLincoln.Continue5.5miles to theLincolnWoodsparkingarea.Thetrailheadisadjacenttothevisitorcenter.

NEWHAMPSHIRE

WindhamDepottoDerryTrail

LocationRockinghamCountyEndpointsWindhamtoDerryMileage4.1RoughnessIndex2Surface

Asphalt, gravel, cinder, sand tretching 4.1 miles north fromWindham through woodlands to Derry, the trail runs on the sameformer rail bed network on which the Rockingham Recreational

Trailisbuilt.Partofaplanned29-milerail-trailsystemthatwillgofromSalem,NewHampshire,ontheMassachusettsbordertothestatecapitalinConcord.

This section of trail, which extends from the Windham Rail Trail,begins600feetnorthoftherestoredWindhamDepot.Exceptforashort,pavedstretchinDerry,thesurfaceisgravel,cinder,andsand.Thecorridorpasses throughdeciduouswoods,wetlands,andswamps.Beaveractivityisresponsibleforsomeofthewetlands,andyoumightspotabeaverlodgeorperhapsabeaveritselfatworkonadam.

Near itsmidpoint, the trail passes beneath a road through a narrowculvertwith lowoverheadclearance;cyclistsmaywant todismountandwalk through.Toavoid theculvertaltogether, followthewell-wornpathuptotheroadandcarefullycrosstotheothersidetopickuptherail-trail.

Wetlandslinepartsofthistrail.

ApproachingDerry, the surface changes to asphalt. The town hoststwoofAmerica’soldestprivateschools:PinkertonAcademy,foundedin1814andstilloperating,andthedefunct1824AdamsFemaleSeminary.Another claim to fame: Astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American inspace,wasbornandraisedinDerry.Arestoredtraindepotnowhousesarestaurantwith outdoor seating.Consider pausing for a breakhere or atoneofDerry’sothereateries.

Back on the trail, you’ll soon cross StateRoute 102.Here, the trailtemporarily leaves the old rail bed on a pathway marked by red brickpavers.Northoftown,HoodParksignalsthetrail’send,thoughtheright-of-waycontinuesseveralhundredfeetbeyondHoodPark,beforeitdead-endsataresidentialcomplex.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachthetrailheadinWindham,takeInterstate93toExit3andheadwestonStateRoute111towardWindham.Afteraboutamile,turnrighton

North Lowell Road. Just beyond the interstate underpass, North Lowellintersects with Windham Depot Road, where you bear right. Park at therestoredWindhamDepot,about150yardsupontheright.

ToreachtheHoodParktrailheadinDerry,takeI-93toExit4andheadeastonStateRoute102.Intown,turnleftonManningStreet,whichendsattheHoodParktrailhead.Parkingisavailable.

RhodeIsland

RHODEISLAND

BlackstoneRiverBikeway

LocationProvidenceCountyEndpointsLonsdaletoManvilleMileage6.8RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

heBlackstoneRiverBikeway represents a big undertaking in thistinystate:The6.8-miletrailisthelargestopensegmentonanearly50-mileformerrailcorridorthatwilleventuallyconnectProvidence

toWorcester,Massachusetts.A restored drive-in movie theater sign “featuring” the Blackstone

RiverBikewaygreetsyouatthetrail’scurrentsouthendonJohnStreetinLonsdale.Fromthestart,you’llbetreatedtomanypicturesquescenesofthewide,churningBlackstoneRiverandtheplacid,historiccanal.Afteramile,you’llcrossoverthePrattDamontheasix-spanbridge,whichsitsatoptheoriginalrailroadpiersandabutment.

Beyondthedam,thebikewayturnsrightandcontinuesnorth(thepathleading straight ends at a parking lot). Note: You may run intoconstruction at the Martin Street road bridge, which has temporarilydividedthetrailintotwosegments.

NorthboundtowardthevillageofAshton,thetrailalternatelyfollowsandparallelsthehistoriccanaltowpath.Keepaneyeoutforalargebricktextilemill;thecanalwasbuilttotransportcottongoodsfromthemilltoWorcesterandProvidenceinthe1800s.

ThetrailcrossestheBlackstoneRiver,forwhichitisnamed.

Ashtonmarkstheapproximatetrailmidpoint.YoucouldbeginorendyourjourneyherebyparkingonRoute116orat thevisitorcenteralongInterstate 295,which provides restrooms and information. Each parkinglotoffersaconnectingspuronaslightinclinetothetrail.

HistorybuffsmaychoosetovisitthehistoricKelleyHouseMuseum,former home ofWilbur Kelley, a ship captain and mill owner. Nestledbetween the river and canal, the museum relates the transportation andindustrialhistoryofeachwaterway.

Continuingnorth,thetrailparallelstheactiveProvidence&WorcesterRailroadallthewaytotheend,evensharingabridgeacrosstheriverinAlbion. The building materials for this stretch of the rail-trail wereshippedbyandunloadedrightoffthetrain.

While the trail currentlyends inManville, sectionscontinuingnorthareunderconstruction.

DIRECTIONS

Toreach theLonsdale trailhead, takeInterstate295 toStateRoute146south.ExitontoStateRoute123eastandfollowittoJohnStreet.Lookfortherestoreddrive-inmovietheatersignthatmarksthetrailhead.

ToreachtheManvilletrailhead,alsotakeI-295toRoute146southandexitontoRoute123east.TurnleftonRoute122northtowardManville.Intown,turnleftonManvilleHillRoad,crosstheriver,thenturnleftonMainStreet. You’ll see the trail on the left. Turn left, downhill, and cross therailroadtracksandthetrailtoreachtheparkinglot.

Contact: RhodeIslandDivisionofParks&Recreation2321HartfordAvenueJohnston,RI02919(401)222-2632www.riparks.com

TheBlackstoneRiverBikewaycutsthroughforestedareas,oftenbetweentheBlackstoneRiverandanadjacentcanal.

RHODEISLAND

EastBayBicyclePath

LocationBristolCountyEndpointsIndependenceParkinBristoltoIndiaPointparkinProvidenceMileage14RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

hodeIsland’sbest-knownrail-trail,theEastBayBicyclePath,hugstheshoresofNarragansettBay,fromBristol in thesouth,northtoIndia Point Park in Providence. The 14-mile paved path

accommodatesawidevarietyofuses.Markersonthepavementeveryhalfmilehelpyoukeeptrackofyourprogress.

The trail takes you through an alternating landscape of stunningnaturalareas,aswellasmoreurbanenclaves.Spur trails lead toseveralparksandconservationareas,includingColtStateParkinBristol,Burr’sHillPark inWarren, andVeteransMemorialPark andHainesMemorialStateParkinBarrington.

Thissmoothtrailallowsyoutoglidethroughseveralnaturalareas.

InBristol,watchforanintersectiononthepathmarkedbybikeracks.Here,apathleadstotheRhodeIslandAudubonSociety’sEnvironmentalEducationCenter. The center features a state-of-the art, fully accessiblenaturalhistorymuseumandaquarium,aswellasall-seasonguidedtours,

naturewalks,andspecialfamilyprograms.Approaching Providence, you’ll cross the Interstate 195 bridge to

IndiaPointPark,thepath’snorthernterminus.Thepark,builtontherailbedandscrapmetalyardsin1974,wasoriginallyaportfortradingshipsbound for the East andWest Indies in the 1700s. After 1850, with thearrivaloftherailline,itbecameadebarkationpointfornewimmigrantstoAmerica.Trainserviceonthisrouteoperatedfrom1855until1974.In1900, the New Haven Railroad, which owned the line at the time,convertedittoelectriccarserviceusingoverheadlines.

Ahalf-miledetourfromthe trail inRiverside leads toCrescentParkand theLooffCarousel.Toget to thepark,headeastonCrescentViewAvenuewhereitintersectsthetrail.Asculpturalmasterpieceofwood,thecarouselfeatures62exquisitelycarvedfiguresandfourchariots.Datingto1895,it’slistedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.

DIRECTIONS

To reach theColtStatePark trailhead inBristol, take Interstate195 toStateRoute114southtowardBristol.InBristol,turnrightonAsylumRoad.

ToreachtheProvidencetrailhead,takeInterstate95toI-195easttotheGano Street exit. Turn left into India Point Park. The trailhead is on theright; ramps lead up to the bridge where the path begins as a separatedcorridoralongsidetraffic.

Therearemanyotherplacestoparkalongthetrail.Theclosestparkinglots to the northern terminus are on Veterans Memorial Parkway in EastProvidence. Traveling east on I-195 from Providence, take the Riversideexit.You’llfindtwoparkinglotsontheright.

Contact: ColtStateParkBristol,RI02809(401)253-7482www.riparks.com/eastbay.htm

RHODEISLAND

WashingtonSecondaryTrail

LocationProvidenceandKentcountiesEndpointsCranstontoCoventryMileage12.7RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

he Washington Secondary Trail (a.k.a. Cranston–Warwick BikePath) actually comprises four completed, but not yet connectedtrails along an old Hartford, Providence, & Fishkill Railroad

corridor. Together, the Cranston Bikeway, Warwick Bike Path, WestWarwickGreenway, and CoventryGreenway create 12.7miles of opentrail.Whencompleted,theoveralltrailwillrun25milesfromProvidencetotheMoosupValleyStateParkTrailinConnecticut.

The rail line was used primarily to carry goods to manufacturers,lumberyards, grain distributors, and the old Narragansett Brewery inCranston.Fromthepath,you’llseeevidenceofmillsthefreightcarsonceserviced.

Fromthetrail,youcanviewoldmillbuildingsthatdotthebanksofthePawtuxetRiver.

The first 10 miles of continuous trail begin at Depot Street inCranston.You’llstartoutontheCranstonBikeway,aneighborhoodtrail

that passes through commercial and residential areas before reaching aquiet, wooded section flanked by split-rail fencing. Before leavingCranston,youwillpass throughOaklawnVillageCenter,withaparkinglotandgazebo,andcrossMeshanticutBrook.

The trail then takes a quick, 1.5-mile spin throughWarwick on theWarwickBikepathand intoWestWarwick.Along this section, the routenegotiatestwocurves,quiteunusualforarail-trail.

At West Warwick, the trail becomes known locally as the WestWarwick Greenway. You’ll travel through an old mill area along thePawtuxet River. This area is a center of redevelopment activity, withconversions of old mill buildings. A red New York, New Haven, &HartfordRailroadcaboosestandsproudlybythetrail.

SoonafterthevillageofArctic,theWestWarwickGreenwayendsattheCoventrytownline,wherea2.3-milegapiscurrentlybeingdevelopedasatrail.

Toreachthenextsectionofopentrail,headwestalongRoute117toStationStreetinCoventry.Here,youcanhopontheCoventryGreenwayforapeaceful2.7-miletrekthrougharural,woodedareawithviewsoftheFlatRiverReservoir.Thetrailsurfaceispavedrightuptotrail’sendnearHill FarmRoad. Eventually, this sectionwill linkwith theTrestle Trail(still under development) and extend the Washington Secondary TrailstraightthroughtoConnecticut.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheCranstontrailhead,takeInterstate95toExit16andfollowStateRoute10north.TaketheCranstonStreet/NianticAvenueexitandturnleftatthebottomoftheexitontoNianticAvenue.Atthelight,turnleftonCranstonStreet.Atthenextlight,turnleftonGarfieldAvenueandlookfortheLowe’sontherightatCranstonParkade.ThetrailheadandparkingareaarebehindLowe’s.

To reach trailhead parking inCoventry, take I-95 to Exit 10 and headwest on Route 117 toward Coventry. The trail parallels 117 as you entertown.Justpastthefirehouse,turnrightonStationStreet.Theparkinglotisontheleft.

Contact: TownofCoventryParks&Recreation1670FlatRiverRoad

Coventry,RI02816(401)822-9107

RHODEISLAND

WilliamC.O’NeillBikePath

LocationWashingtonCountyEndpointsWestKingstontoWakefieldMileage6.1RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

amed for the late state senatorwho spearheaded development ofthe trail, theWilliamC.O’Neill Bike Path (a.k.a. South CountyBike Path) follows the route of the former Narragansett Pier

Railroad,whichconnectedthecoastalvillageofSouthKingstonwiththeNarragansettPier.Builtin1876,therailroadcarriedpassengerstothepier,wheretheycaughttheferrytoNewport.Italsodeliveredcoalandlumberfromthebaytoinlandvillages.In1921,railbuses—actualbusesadaptedto ride the rails—replaced regular passenger cars on the line. Localsaffectionately called these unique busesMickey-Dinks, after two of thedrivers.

StartingfromthenewlyrestoredKingstonStation(hometotheRhodeIsland Railroad Museum; open weekends), this 6.1-mile bike pathtraversestheGreatSwampWildlifeManagementArea.Particularlyinthe

spring and fall, you’ll encounter flocks ofmigratory birds. Just beyondCurtisCornerMiddleSchool,footpathsoneithersideofthetrail leadtoTri-Ponds Park, which features three ponds, streams, 2 miles of naturetrails,residentwildlife,andanaturecenter.Continuingonthebikepath,you’llwindthroughthequainttownsofPeaceDaleandWakefield,bothrichinhistoricallandmarks.ThepathabruptlyendsatKingstownRoad.

TherestoredKingstonStationisatthetrailheadoftheWilliamC.O’NeillBikePath.

Plansareunderway to extend the trail another2miles to theocean.Untilthen,ifyouwanttotraveltothebeach,turnrightattheendofthebike path ontoKingstownRoad and follow it through the rotary all theway to its end. The ocean is straight ahead;Narragansett Pier is on theleft. Stop in at a restaurant along the water to savor ocean views andsampletheOceanState’sfamousquahogs,clamcakes,andRhodeIslandclamchowder.

DIRECTIONS

KingstonStationisaccessiblebycar,train,andbus.

By car fromProvidence, take Interstate 95 south toExit 9 and followState Route 4 south toUSHwy. 1 south. FromUS 1, headwest about 7miles on Route 138, which becomes Mooresfield Road, then KingstownRoad.TurnleftonRailroadAvenueintothestation.Thetrailbeginsatthesouthendofthemainparkinglot.

ThestationisanactivestoponAmtrak’sNortheastlinebetweenBostonand Washington, DC. RIPTA (Rhode Island Public TransportationAuthority)busesalsoservethestation.

ThereisnoparkingattheWakefieldterminus,butparkingisavailableatCurtisCornerMiddleSchoolinPeaceDale.FromKingstownRoad,followRoute108southintotownandturnrightonCurtisCornerRoad.Theschoolisat301CurtisCorner.

Contact: FriendsofWilliamC.O’NeillBikePath481PostRoadWakefield,RI02879(401)783-8886

RhodeIsland’sWilliamC.O’NeillBikePathwasnamedforthelatestatesenatorwhochampionedthetrail.Streamsandpondsalongtheroutealreadyprovideapeacefulsetting,andplansarebeingmadetoextendittotheocean.

Vermont

VERMONT

Delaware&HudsonRail-Trail

LocationRutlandandBenningtoncountiesEndpointsCastletontoWestRupertMileage22.3RoughnessIndex2SurfaceBallast,gravel,sand

hilehugging theNewYork state line, theDelaware&HudsonRail-Trailquietlyramblesovertherollinghillsandfarmlandofwestern Vermont. The 22.3-mile D&H actually comprises two

trailssplitinnearlyequalsections,eachprovidingquintessentialVermontsolitude.

ThetrailtracesanoldDelaware&HudsonlinethatoperatedbetweenRutlandandAlbany,NewYork,playingavitalroleintheslateindustryinthelate1800sandearly1900s.Wheretheright-of-waycrossestheborderintoNewYork, thecorridorhasnotbeendevelopedasa trail,hence thegap.

Toexplorethenorthernsection,beginattheCastletontrailhead.FromthecampusofCastletonStateCollege,thetraildelvesintolushpocketsofnorthern hardwood trees and provides a glimpse of Vermont farmland.Sevenmilesalong,you’llreachPoultney,whereatemporarydetourveersfrom the defined corridor onto the town’s sleepy, downtown streets.Rejoiningthetrailonthesouthendof town,you’llcontinueanother2.5miles before ending abruptly at the New York state line, where a sign

markstheendofthetrial.

ThistrailoffersapeacefulmeanderthroughVermontcountryside.

Thesouthernsectionof the trailbeginsat thestate line justnorthofWest Pawlet. The best spot to access the trail is at the West Pawlettrailhead,whichisapproximately2.5milessouthofthenorthernterminus.This2.5-mile stretch into town is densely forested and ends at trailheadparking near an industrial site. South of town, the trail opens up a bit,offering sweepingviewsof the surroundinghills andcountryside.Don’tbe surprised to seedeerall along this trail.Afterpassingaparkingareaoutside the small village ofWestRupert, the trail continues only a halfmile farther before reaching its southern terminus, ending at the stateborder.

DIRECTIONS

NorthernSection:ToreachtheCastletontrailheadfromRutland, takeUSRoute4west toExit5,headwest ahalfmileonStateRoute4A,andturn left into the entrance of Castleton State College on Seminary Street.

Turn right into the visitor parking area.At the end of the lot are rows ofdesignatedtrailparkingspaces.

To reach the Poultney trailhead from Rutland, take US 7 south toWallingford, thenheadwestonRoute140intoPoultney.Intown,turnleftonGroveStreet,thenrightonBentleyStreet.Thetrailheadisontheleft.

SouthernSection: To access theWest Pawlet trailhead fromRutland,takeUS4west toExit4,headsouthonRoute30about9miles, thenturnsouthonRoute153intoWestPawlet.AttheT-junctionwithEggStreet,turnright.Thetrailheadisontheright.

ToreachtheWestRuperttrailhead,followStateRoute153southtothevillage ofWestRupert.Make a right turn onHebronRoad, and follow ituntilyouseethetrail.

Contact: VermontDepartmentofForests,Parks,&Recreation271NorthMainStreet,Suite215Rutland,VT05701(802)786-3857www.vtfpr.org

VERMONT

IslandLineTrail

LocationChittendenCountyEndpointsBurlingtontoColchesterCausewayMileage12.1RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt,crushedstone

ne ofNewEngland’smost visited and spectacular rail-trails, thepaved, 12-mile Island Line Trail (formerly known as theBurlingtonBikeway)skirts thewaterfront inthehipcollegetown

of Burlington, strings together a series of shoreline parks, and offersspectacular views of Lake Champlain and New York’s AdirondackMountains.Bestofall,therelativelyflattrailfeaturesauniqueandscenictripoutoverthelakeonamarblecauseway.

The trail’s official start point is at the Oakledge Park trailhead onFlynn Street in south Burlington, which offers plenty of parking andamenities.Therouteleadsnorthalongthewaterfront.At2.1miles,you’llreachtheUnionStationtrailheadonKingStreet.(Ifyouopttobeginhere,bring extra change for the parking meters.)

Burlington’swaterfrontischaracterizedbyferries,sailboats,andtheIslandLineTrail.

PausetoadmirelakeviewsatthepublicNorthBeachParktrailheadatmile3.4.Aseasonalsnackbarservesavarietyoffoodandbeverages.

Atmile5.1,you’llenterLeddyParkinBurlington’sNewNorthEnd.The city’s largest park, Leddy provides full amenities, parking, a sandy

beach,apicnicareawithtablesandgrills,andmorelakefrontvistas.A few miles north, you’ll reach the Winooski River Bridge. This

beautiful span—and the associated half-mile elevated boardwalk acrosstheDelta Park floodplain—is the crucial link that united theBurlingtonBikeway and Colchester Causeway rail-trails in 2004, after 15 years ofplanning.

The causeway itself lies farther north, just beyond Colchester’sresidential neighborhoods and Airport Park. Built in 1900 atop hugemarbleboulders,the2.5-mileraisedrailbedslicesacrossLakeChamplainforunparalleledviews.Asyousailalongthecrushedstonesurface,you’llhave a sense of skimming the water’s surface. The causeway endsabruptlyoutonthelake,whereaseasonalbikeferryconnectswithSouthHero.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheOakledgeParktrailheadinBurlington,takeInterstate89toExit 13 and follow I-189 south toUS7.Turn right onUSRoute7north,then left on FlynnAvenue. Follow Flynn to its end and look for signs toOakledgePark.

To reach theAirportPark trailhead inColchester, take Interstate89 toExit17(USRoute2).FollowsignsforUSRoute2/US7/LakeChamplainIslands/Colchester. Turn right onto Theodore Roosevelt Hwy./Route 2.Continue for 3 miles before turning right on Bay Road, and then takeanother right ontoWest Lakeshore Drive.West Lakeshore becomes HolyCrossRoadandthenColchesterPointRoad.TrailparkingisontherightatAirportParkonColchesterPointRoad.

Contact: LocalMotion1SteeleStreet,#103Burlington,VT05401(802)652-2453www.localmotion.org

VERMONT

MissisquoiValleyRail-Trail

LocationFranklinCountyEndpointsSt.AlbanstoRichfordMileage26.1RoughnessIndex2SurfaceCrushedstone

indingnortheast fromSt.Albans toRichford, just southof theVermont/Québecborder,theMissisquoiValleyRail-Trailaffordsvisitors direct access to northwest Vermont dairy country. In

winter, hardy users take to the 26.1-mile route on snowshoes, cross-countryskis,andsnowmobiles.

Tracing the bed of the Richford Branch of the Central VermontRailway,thecorridorneverexceedsa3percentgrade.Thegentleterrainmakes this a family-friendly ride and the perfect venue for enjoyingpostcardimagesofruralfarms,forests,andfields.

Thewell-groomed,crushedlimestonetrailbeginsinSt.Albans,whichhostsagoodselectionof restaurants,aswellasamuseumwith railroadmemorabilia. The first 10miles run along State Route 105 past rollingfarmland, woods, and a wetland area. Reaching the banks of theMissisquoi River, you’ll cross an old railroad trestle into SheldonJunction,aruraltownofferingmorerestaurantsandrestroomfacilities.

Linking the communities ofNorth Sheldon and South Franklin, theonward trail skirts the river past expansive cornfields and picturesquedairyfarms.

TheMissisquoiValleyRail-TrailshowcasesaredcabooseandahistoricalrailroadstationatitsEnosburgFallstrailhead.

ThenextmaintrailheadisinEnosburgFalls.Lookforthevintageredcaboosealongside theold railroad stationat the sideof the trail.Besidethestationisaninterestinglittlemuseumwithmemorabiliafromthepasttwocenturies,offeringhistoricalglimpsesof the town thatoncedubbeditselfthe“DairyCenteroftheWorld.”

AfterEnosburgFalls,asyouneartheeasternterminusinRichford,thetrail meanders through more quintessential Vermont countryside, withoccasionalglimpsesoftheMissisquoiRiver.Thetrailandrivereventuallypartwaysatanoldtrestle3milesshyofthetrail’sendintown.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheSt.Albanstrailhead,takeInterstate89toExit20andfollowUSRoute7 south toStateRoute105/SheldonRoad.Turn lefton105and

driveoneblocktothetrailhead.To reach the Richford trailhead, continue north on Route 105 into

downtownRichford,turnrightonTroyStreet,andfollowTroyuntilyouseethetrailheadontheright.

Contact: NortheastRegionalPlanningCommission155LakeStreetSt.Albans,VT05478(802)524-5959

VERMONT

ToonervilleTrail

LocationWindsorCountyEndpointsSpringfield,VT,toCharlestown,NHMileage3.1RoughnessIndex1SurfaceAsphalt

he Toonerville Trail (a.k.a. Springfield Greenway) spans 3meticulouslymaintainedmilesfromthedowntownbusinessdistrictof Springfield southeast to the western bank of the Connecticut

River at theVermont/NewHampshire border. The Springfield TerminalRailway once operated an electric rail line connecting Springfield toCharlestown, New Hampshire, across the state boarder. The trolley,affectionatelynicknamedthe“ToonervilleTrolley”afterapopularcartoonstrip that ran until 1947. Established in the 1890s, it was Vermont’slongestsurvivingpassengertrolleyservice.

Thepaved trail begins at theRobertB. Jones IndustrialCenter, justeast of downtown. Starting your trip here is a breeze:There’s plenty ofparking, the trailhead is easy to find, and the first 2 miles of the trail

followagentledownhillgradealong theBlackRiver.A tributaryof theConnecticut,theBlackRiverpoweredmillsinthe18thand19thcenturies,althoughtodayyou’remorelikelytospotakingfisherorblueheronthanevidenceofthemills.

Atmile1.5,thetrailspanstheBlackRiverbywayofarusticformertrolley bridge. Before crossing, venture off-trail for a visit to the 1795EurekaSchoolhouse.Itisthestate’soldestone-roomschool.Inthe1960s,crews moved the building to its present location and restored it. OpenfromMaytoOctober,itnowservesasatouristinformationcenter.

Builtonaformertrolleyline,theToonervilleTrail’swell-groomedpathmakesforaneasytrip.

Beyond the bridge, the trail takes a short detour on quiet PaddockRoadbeforerejoiningthecorridorandpassingbeneathUSRoute11.TheToonervilleTrailcontinuesforanotherhalfmilebeforereachingaparkingareaforHoyt’sLandingattheconfluenceoftherivers,apopularspotforfishing, swimming, and canoeing. Beyond the landing, the trail crossesbeneathUS11oncemore,endingathirdofamilelateratUSRoute5.

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheSpringfieldtrailhead,takeInterstate91toExit7andfollowUSRoute11north towardSpringfield for approximately2.5miles.Watchfor the Robert B. Jones Industrial Center on the right. There is ampleparkinghere.

ToreachtheHoyt’sLandingtrailheadfromI-91,takeExit7andfollowUS 11 toward Charlestown, News Hampshire. Hoyt’s Landing, and trailparking,isontheright.

Contact: SpringfieldParks&Recreation96MainStreetSpringfield,VT05156(802)885-2727www.springfieldvt.com/toonerville.htm

VERMONT

WestRiverTrail

LocationWindhamCountyEndpointsSouthLondonderrytoJamaicaStateParkMileage12.5RoughnessIndex2SurfaceGravel,sand

ollowingthefloodplainoftheWestRiverValley,the12.5-mileWestRiver Trail (a.k.a. Railroad Bed Trail) appeals to a wide range oftrailusers.Therail-trailhasanearlylevelsurface,idealforwalkers,

cyclists,andequestrians,whilearuggedsectionsatisfiesavidhikers.TheWest River Railroad once traveled this corridor, linking the industrialcommunitiesofBrattleboroandLondonderry.

Starting in South Londonderry, the trail takes you for a scenic 2.7-mile tour along the gently flowing river before reaching the WinhallCampground. Suitable for all trail uses, this section really captures theessenceofthisquietrivervalley.Onceyoureachthecampground,thereisa gap in the trail. Follow the campground roads up to the bridgewhereyou can safely cross a small creek, then follow the campground roadsbackdownagain to rejoin the trail along the riverbank,whereyoucancontinueontherail-trail.

Ahalfmilepast the campground, the trail seems to reach an abruptend.Mountainbikerswillwant to turnbackhere.But ifyou’reupfora

rugged hike, look to your right for the purple marker indicating thecontinuationofthetrail.

IttakessomeworktofindtheWestRiverTrail,buttheviewsoftheGreenMountainsarewellworthit.

Therail-trailcontinuesfor3.5milesbeforereachingthemassiveBallMountainDam.Followthetrailsignscloselyforaroutetothetopofthedam,andyou’llbetreatedtospectacularviewsoftherivervalleyflankedbythegentleslopesoftheGreenMountains.Onthefarsideofthedam,auniqueswitchbacktrailslicesintothesideofthedamandtakesyoutothebasewhereyourejointheriver.

Fromthebaseofthedam,it’sanother3.5milestothetrail’sterminus.The path here opens up and is once again suitable for bicyclists andequestrians.Shadedbyacanopyofdensehardwoodtrees,you’lltracethebanksoftheWestRivertothetrailheadatJamaicaStatePark.

DIRECTIONS

ToaccesstheSouthLondonderrytrailhead,takeStateRoute100intothetownofSouthLondonderry.TurnsouthonNorthRiverStreet,andfollowit

to the trailhead at the road’s end. (Note: Don’t be deterred by privatepropertysignsalongtheway—keepgoingto theroad’send.)Toreach theJamaicaStateParktrailheadfromSouthLondonderry,takeStateRoute100intoJamaica,turnleftontoDepotRoad.FollowDepotRoadtotheentranceofthestatepark.

Contact: FriendsoftheWestRiverTrailPOBox2086SouthLondonderry,VT05155(802)297-4139www.westrivertrail.org

STAFFPICKSPopularRail-Trails

When Rails-to-Trails Conservancy staff members scoured NewEngland for great rail-trails, thesewere the ones that stood out as theirfavorites.Shortorlong,cityorcountry,thesearerail-trailsnottomiss.Connecticut

FarmingtonCanalHeritageTrailHopRiverStateParkTrailMiddleburyGreenwayMaine

AroostookValleyTrailBangor–AroostookTrailEasternPromenadeTrailNarrowGaugePathwaySaintJohnValleyHeritageTrailWhistleStopRail-TrailMassachusetts

AshuwillticookRailTrailCapeCodRailTrailMinutemanBikewayNorwottuckRailTrailShiningSeaBikewaySouthwestCorridorParkNewHampshire

CottonValleyRail-TrailNorthernRail-Trail–GraftonCountyRockinghamRecreationalTrailSugarRiverTrailRhodeIsland

BlackstoneRiverBikeway

EastBayBicyclePathVermont

IslandLineTrailMissisquoiValleyRail-Trail

ForHistoryBuffsThese rail-trails don’t just challenge your body, they engage your

mind.Pickupsomehistoricalfactsonthesetrails.Connecticut

AirLineStateParkTrail–SouthMaine

KennebecRiverRail-TrailSaintJohnValleyHeritageTrailMassachusetts

AmesburyRiverwalkMinutemanBikewayReformatoryBranchTrailNewHampshire

CottonValleyRail-TrailSugarRiverTrailRhodeisland

BlackstoneRiverBikewayVermont

ToonervilleTrail

40MORERAIL-TRAILSThereareotherNewEnglandrail-trailsyoucaninvestigatebesidesthe60featured in this guide. The following are either very short or relativelyrough and undeveloped, but like all rail-trails—they have something tooffer. For more information on these additional trails, visitwww.railstotrails.org to use Railsto-Trails Conservancy’s online trail-finder,TrailLink.com.Connecticut

AirLineStateParkTrail–SouthBranfordTrolleyTrailRailroadRamble

RidgefieldRailTrailRiverMillsHeritageTrail(PutnamRiverTrail)Maine

AuburnRiverwalk

EasternTrailOldNarrowGaugeVolunteerNatureTrailMassachusetts

Blackstone River Bikeway Connecticut Riverwalk and BikewayMassachusettsCentralRailTrail–WestBoylstonSectionNeponsetRiverTrail

OldColonyRailTrail

QuarriesFootpathSalisburyPointGhostTrainTrailSouthernNewEnglandTrunklineTrailWareRiverRailTrail

WWIIVeteransMemorialTrailNewHampshire

AmmonoosucRecreationalTrail (Littleton toWoodsville)CheshireRailTrail(CheshireBranchRail-Trail)DryRiverTrailFortHillRail-Trail

FranconiaBrookTrailFremontBranchRail-TrailGraniteTownRail-TrailHillsboroughBranchRail-TrailIndustrialHeritageTrailMasonRailroadTrailMonadnockBranchRail-TrailNashuaHeritageRail-TrailNorthernRailTrail–MerrimackCountyPresidentialRangeTrailQueenCityTrail

WinnipesaukeeRiverTrailRhodeIsland

Phenix-HarrisRiverwalkVermont

AlburgRecreationalRail-TrailBeebeSpur

EastBranchTrail

LyeBrookTrailMontpelier&WellsRiverTrail(partofCrossVermontTrail)

AcknowledgmentsEachof the trails inRail-Trails:NewEnglandwaspersonallyvisitedbyRails-to-TrailsConservancystaff.Maps,photos,andtraildescriptionsareasaccurateaspossiblethankstotheworkforthefollowingcontributors:AnnaliseArkkinenBenCarter

BetsyGoodrichBillyFieldsCarlKnoch

EltonClark

FrederickSchaedtlerGeneOligHeatherDeutschJessicaLeasKevinHartzellPatTomesShannonSimmsStellaLansingSusanWeaverTomSexton

Thankstothefollowingfortheirphotos:BoydLoving:pagesviiand159RyanO’Bryan:pagesviiiand165

AndreaFreeman:Rails-to-TrailsConservancywouldliketogivespecialthankstotheTawaniFoundationforitsgeneroussupportthathelpedmake

thisguidebookpossible.

Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont

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