MCRT: Amherst
Photo credit: John Phelan
Photo credit: John Phelan
About MCRT Amherst
Amherst is home to three of the “5 Colleges” (Amherst College, Hampshire College and University of Massachusetts, Amherst) and is a thriving town of approximately 39,000 inhabitants (2024).
The 5.3 miles of the MCRT: Norwottuck Trail follows the historic rail bed through fields and wooded areas across Amherst. There are many opportunities to stop and enjoy wetlands and forest biodiversity along the ride. You will also travel past business and residences along the trail.
Visiting the MCRT in Amherst
Access Points:
Heading west from the Hadley border -​​
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0.8 Miles: Swift Way - Linear path connection to UMASS along Snell St. and University Drive
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1.3 Miles: S. Pleasant St. Connection - Connects to S. Pleasant St. and many of Amherst Center restaurants and shops are on S. Pleasant St.
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2.4 Miles: Norwottuck Trail Head at Mill Lane (limited parking)
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3.8 Miles: Norwottuck Trail Head at Station Ave. (Parking Lot)
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5.3 Miles: Norwottuck Trail Head at Warren Wright Rd. (Belchertown Town Line)
Additional Resources
​Connecting Trails:
Heading west from the Hadley border -​
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2.4 Miles: Emily Dickinson Trail
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2.5 Miles: Harvey Allen trail
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3.2 Miles: KC Allen Trail
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Suggested Itinerary:
This route goes from West to East beginning near the Hadley/Amherst border. Access the trail via the path at the intersection of Snell Street and University Drive. Most Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) buses are equipped with bike racks and can get you pretty close to many of the trail crossings in Northampton, Hadley and Amherst. Consult the PVTA website for more info
RideWithGPS Route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53435510
Trail Guide (West to East)
Mile
1.3 mi – Easy access to restaurants and shops along S. Pleasant Street.
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5.3 mi – Beautiful views of Lawrence Swamp off Warren Wright Rd near the end of the trail.
A Brief History of the MCRT in Amherst
The Norwottuck Branch Rail Trail was first opened in 1993, connecting Northampton, Hadley and Amherst MA. The rail bed started out with the Central Massachusetts Railway in 1887, for more history of the Norwottuck, please see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwottuck_Branch_Rail_Trail
For more information on the MCRT in Amherst
Explore Other Communities Along the MCRT
Geographical west to east
Northampton Hadley Amherst Palmer Belchertown Ware Hardwick New Braintree Barre Oakham Rutland Holden West Boylston Sterling Clinton Berlin Bolton Hudson Stow Sudbury Wayland Weston Waltham Belmont Somerville Cambridge Boston
For each MCRT town, we’ll connect you with maps, resources, suggested routes and trail status.