Explore the MCRT resources across the entire trail, by multi-town trail groups, by town, or by essential routes along the trail.
104 miles and 27 Communities - so much to explore!
From Northampton to Boston, there is a story behind every mile of the Mass Central Rail Trail. Through the dedicated work of volunteers, support groups and town officials in 27 communities, Commonwealth government leaders, foundations and businesses -- more miles of the MCRT are completed every year.
For each of the 27 towns along the MCRT, we’re providing a way to connect with multi-town friends groups, explore local trail sections, get trail updates, see the history, and find resources for making progress in your community.
Communities Along the MCRT
Geographical west to east
Northampton Hadley Amherst Belchertown Palmer 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. Click on your town, above or below.
Multi-town MCRT Management Groups - longstanding stakeholders in the MCRT Alliance
East Quabbin Land Trust - The EQLT oversees the MCRT corridor running through Hardwick, New Braintree and parts of Ware and Barre.
Wachusett Greenways - WG manages and maintains the MCRT in partnership with the DCR DWSP, the towns and others, through Barre, Oakham, Rutland, Holden, West Boylston and Sterling.
For the reverse route (East to West), check out here.
Other ways to explore the MCRT
The MassTrailTracker is the best way to explore the MCRT in detail – what’s paved, under construction or proposed, with highlights, history and plans for every section of the 104-mile trail.
Want to see what the MCRT looks like in your back yard? Explore the MCRT in Google Maps.
Essential Trips Along the MCRT
We’ve curated some must see routes along the MCRT for those looking to explore!
An 8.3 mile route from Northampton to Amherst, two bustling college towns
A 4.7-mile one way along a relatively flat, paved trail
An 11 mile loop through the Wachusett Reservoir watershed, next to the Quinapoxet River
An 11-mile out and back through woodlands, historical sites, and the gorgeous Charnock Cut
A 15-mile loop through Cambridge and Charlestown, near the Charles River
Want to ride the MCRT End to End?
Riding the entire corridor from Northampton to Boston, or Boston to Northampton is a real adventure. If you’re game, here are some routes:
Full MCRT West to East RideWithGPS route
Full MCRT East to West RideWithGPS route
If you ride the entire MCRT, tell us about your experience! Send us your stories at info@mcrt.org, or tag us in your story on Facebook.
*Please note: not all sections of the MCRT are completed. In some routes we’ve included some on-road workarounds. Anyone using these routes assumes all risk and responsibility associated with their ride. For more information please see our Website Disclaimer.
MCRT Connections to Mountain Bike and Other Trails
Since the MCRT spans over 100 miles across the entire state, it provides essential connections to major North-South trails, as well as to many popular mountain bike trails.
Explore popular MCRT Trail Connections.
Explore the many MCRT Mountain Bike Trail Connections.