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Mass Central Rail Trail (Northampton Section)

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This information is a public record of the 2014 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Mass Central Rail Trail (Northampton Section)

City, Town, or County Frontcountry Trail Rail Trail Urban Trail
  • Length
    5.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back
 (1 review)

5.3-mile trail running from the northern terminus of New Haven & Northampton Canal Rail trail on the northerly side of Northampton and easterly terminus of state-owned MassCentral Rail Trail to South Main Street, Williamsburg.

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Bike path. Photo by Janie Walker
Bike path. Photo by Janie Walker
Beaver Brook Bridge, now part of rail trail
Beaver Brook Bridge, now part of rail trail
  • Bike path. Photo by Janie Walker
  • Bike path. Photo by Janie Walker
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Location: Located in Northampton, Mass, extending from the northern terminus of the New Haven & Northampton Canal Rail Trail on the north side of downtown Northampton and extending northwesterly through Northampton and to South Main Street in Williamsburg.

  • States: Massachusetts
  • Counties: Hampshire
  • Cities/Townships: Northampton and Williamsburg

5.3-mile trail running from the northern terminus of New Haven & Northampton Canal Rail trail and easterly terminus of state-owned Mass Central Rail Trail to South Main Street, Williamsburg. Easily accessible to 50% of the population of Northampton and runs through the edge of downtown Northampton and through the villages of Florence and Leeds. The trail includes two dramatic historic stone arch bridges, with the northerly mile adjacent to and overlooking the Mill River. Portions of the trail were among the first municipal rail trails developed in New England (1985), with the trail expanded in 2011 to connect to other rail trails and tie various village centers together. Highlights along the trail include downtown Northampton, Barrett Street Marsh, downtown Florence, Look Park, the Village of Leeds, and the Mill River.

Accessibility Information

No text provided.

Reviews

Janie Walker
Janie Walker
Jun 12, 2023
Neighborhood bike path

Bike path connecting local neighborhoods and shopping centers. Heavily used by pedestrians and bicyclists. I give it five stars because it serves its purpose and is what it says it is. No stellar views, just a treed bike path connecting neighborhoods.

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Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking Snow, cross-country skiing

Other Activities

  • Fishing
  • Snow, snow play general

Public Contact

Ned Huntley
City of Northampton
125 Locust Street
Northampton, MA 01060
413-587-1570

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 118
  • Elevation (high): 130
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Paved
  • Surfaces (additional): Paved, Rock, crushed
  • Tread Width (average): 120"
  • Tread Width (minimum): 120
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): 1
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 8
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): 0
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Jun 2, 2014
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