From West Boylston to Holden
11 mile loop on crushed stone dust trail (1.5 miles on road)
Very gradual hills with a few short moderately steep areas
Tour Along the Quinapoxet
Route Description
This tour takes you through pristine woodlands in the Wachusett Reservoir watershed, a main source of water for the metro Boston area. Next to you is the Quinapoxet River, a clear stream that flows around boulders and over rapids. There are plenty of locations for a stop along the route to see the sights, including two trail bridges that cross the river.
The Route
Start at the Thomas Street parking lot (155-159 Thomas St. West Boylston, MA)
Mile
0.0 - Thomas Street parking lot
0.1 - Trail from parking lot to MCRT, turn right,
 Quinapoxet River on the left
1.2 - Cross underneath I 290 (the only noisy place
along the route)
1.4 - Springdale Mills
2.6 - First of 2 bridges over the Quinapoxet River
constructed by Wachusett Greenways
2.8 - Mill St parking lot
3.0 - Overlook high over Quinapoxet River
3.6 - Shaft #2 of the Quabbin Aqueduct
3.7 - Cross Manning St and continue on the
MCRT IF the section is open; if not, go left on
Manning St (caution – busy road) for a mile to
the snack shops
6.0 - Left on Wachusett Street (busy road, bumpy
pavement)
6.5 - Left into Goodhile’s /Stewart’s parking lot for
a snack, exit towards the right onto
Manning Street (busy road)
7.2 – Right onto trail from road
7.8 – Bear right
8.3 – Sharp left at bottom of hill onto MCRT trail
11 - Left on connector to parking lot
Additional Information
Parking
Thomas Street parking lot (155-159 Thomas St. West Boylston, MA)
There is usually a seasonal Porta Potty available in the parking lot.
Additional parking along the trail - 124 River St. Holden, MA
Why this is an essential MCRT route
Spring brings rare lady slippers and lilies of the valley, and other wildflowers along the trail.
Wachusett Greenways (link) has developed this stretch of trail, and helped to preserve the Springdale Mills site, once a village and woolen factory along the tracks. See https://www.wachusettgreenways.org/wordpress/springdale-mill-history/self-guided-tour/ for a self-guided tour.
Just before crossing Manning Street, on the right is a large vent for the Quabbin Aqueduct, one of the longest underground aqueducts in the world, supplying over 500 M gallons of water to the Boston area each day.
Next is a section of gentle switchbacks that bring riders west for about a mile, between Manning and Wachusett Streets. This section is expected to open in summer 2025.
At the western end of this route, you’ll find refreshments at Goodhile’s Grocery and Stewart’s Chocolates.
The MCRT in West Boylston and Holden was constructed by Wachusett Greenways, who actively maintain the trail and encourage its use. Please visit their website. https://www.wachusettgreenways.org/wordpress/ - contributions and volunteers are encouraged.