Manhan Rail Trail

/

Manhan Rail Trail, Easthampton, MA. Photo by Wendy Hammerle

Nice signage

Shady spot.

Water views.

The Manhan Rail Trail celebrates Bike Week with a free breakfast and information handouts for trail users.

The Millennium Legacy Trail mural painted by members of the community under the direction of a professional artist and installed along the Manhan Rail Trail, Easthampton, Massachusetts

An arts event held at a trail-side park along the Manhan Rail Trail in Easthampton, Massachusetts

Cyclists enjoy one of the many scenic spots along the Manhan Rail Trail.

Adaptive cycles used on the Manhan Rail Trail to improve accessibility for users with varying abilities.

Photo of arts event celebrating the opening of the connection of the Manhan Rail Trail in Easthampton to the trail system in Northampton.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

 Upload a Photo

The Manhan Rail Trail is a paved, six-mile multi-use path traversing Easthampton and connecting with Northampton trails to the north and the Southampton town line to the south. A spur from downtown proceeds to Route 5. The trail provides spectacular views of Mount Tom, the Oxbow, and several ponds, with easy access to our vibrant downtown and restored mills housing studios, restaurants and shops, Pascommuck Trust Conservation areas, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, city parks, and the Manhan Rail Trail Millennium Mural.

Nestled in the heart of the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, Easthampton's six-mile-long Manhan Rail Trail offers unique recreational opportunities to people of all ages and interests. Of national significance are the views of both the majestic Holyoke Range and the Connecticut River Oxbow.

Also significant is the rich history of rail traffic in this old mill town once serviced by the New Haven Railroad's Canal Division and the Mt. Tom branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad. A unique historic marker on the trail illustrates the old rail station in downtown Easthampton.

The rail beds were abandoned in 1992 followed by a grassroots effort to convert those beds into rail trails for recreation. With overwhelming support from the business community, local officials, bike enthusiasts, and residents, the first section of the Manhan Rail Trail was opened in 2004. Two additional sections were completed in 2010 and 2011.

One of the new sections connects the Manhan Rail Trail to a large network of trails in Northampton, Leeds, Hadley, and Amherst. This network will eventually connect with trails in other communities stretching east to Boston (Mass Central Rail Trail) and south to New Haven (the New Haven & Northampton Canal Rail Trail).

Highlights of the trail include the adjacent Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, several Pascommuck Conservation Trust areas, and nearby, the picturesque Nashawannuck Pond in downtown Easthampton. Also downtown on the trail is a large-scale mural created through the Arts Projects on Millennium Trails Program resulting in a Massachusetts Millennium Legacy Trail designation. The Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail, a supporting 501C-3, has partnered with the local arts community to plan music and art projects and events along the trail.

The trail also was a catalyst for the revitalization of an adjacent mill complex that now houses restaurants, artist studios, and apartments. It also spurred the development of a city park next to the trail, Millside Park. The park features a bandshell, exercise equipment, and restrooms and is used for concerts, family movie nights, and other community events.

The trail is also a favorite location for All Out Adventures, which provides adaptive bikes and other equipment to encourage outdoor recreation for people of all abilities. The Manhan Rail Trail is accessible with a maximum of 5% grade and is frequented by persons in wheelchairs and mobility assistance motorized scooters.

The trail is well-marked with signage and kiosks at trailheads and other key points and includes mile markers. The kiosks contain maps, rules and regulations, and trail etiquette.

While the Manhan Rail Trail is owned by the City of Easthampton, it is managed by the Manhan Rail Trail Committee, members of which are appointed by the mayor. The committee uses funds including donations and a small stipend from the city to pay for professional maintenance. Volunteer labor is used for smaller projects.

Like many other rail trails, the Manhan provides a safe place to bike, run, walk, roller blade or cross-country ski. Health-conscious individuals use the trail for exercise. The trail is a favorite of families and seniors. Students from nearby schools use the trail regularly. It is also used by commuters and others who choose to travel without using fossil fuels.

Trail users may be a diverse group but they have a common interest - to enjoy and benefit from the Manhan Rail Trail.

Reviews

Janie Walker

May 22, 2023

Well-maintained bike path

Nice tree-lined bike path connecting Northampton, Easthampton, and Southampton. Water views here and there, plus places to head into towns for refreshments. Well used by locals for walking, biking, and skateboarding. Good signage.

 Add a Review

Allowed Uses:

Other Activities

• Snow, snow play general
• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Certified as an NRT
  Oct 23, 2020