Central Massachusetts Rail Trails
The Central Massachusetts Rail Trails are a gem for nature lovers of all kinds. With miles of trails along old rail routes, the views are amazing, the nature is plentiful and the peace tranquil and energizing. A walk, bike ride or jog is the best way to take it all in. Pack a lunch if you plan to stay a while but certainly carry some drinking water. The map shows a recent ride I took starting in Rutland and ending in Barre. It was a 7 mile ride through the woods and past ponds and brooks.
In some cases, tunnels were put in under roads and in others bridges were built over waterways or ravines. Along the way, you might find a few hikers, bikers and maybe some horse-back riders. You may see some fisherman, dog-walkers or kayakers. You will certainly see and hear the birds of the area along with migrant swan, geese, duck and Herron.
The trail is part of the Wachusett Greenway a stretch of Massachusetts Rail Trail which are old rail lines recaptured for the use of the public. Wachusett Greenways’ mission is connecting the Wachusett communities with Trails and Greenways. Their major project is building and helping to maintain 30 miles of the Mass Central Rail Trail through Barre, Oakham, Rutland, Holden, West Boylston and Sterling.
Click on any of the pictures below for a full size image. If you get a chance, take a run out to Rutland or Barre and have yourself a nice walk in the woods.
Wachusett Greenways, Rutland, MA
Wachusett Greenways Tunnel
Trail cut into mountainside
Stump Art in the middle of nowhere
Bog
Dieing Forest - Living Watershed
