🏆🏆🏆🏆 Cross-State Rail Trail — Multi-section rail trail spanning central MA — part of an ambitious coast-to-border trail vision
Mass Central Rail Trail (Wayside section) follows the former Massachusetts Central Railroad corridor — part of an ambitious vision to create a continuous trail from Boston Harbor to Northampton (over 100 miles). The Wayside section in Weston and Wayland passes through scenic wetlands, meadows, and suburban woodland. The full Mass Central Rail Trail, when completed, will be one of the longest rail trails in the Northeast.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Weston/Wayland, Middlesex County, MA |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Vision | 100+ mile coast-to-border trail! |
About Mass Central Rail Trail
Mass Central Rail Trail follows the former Massachusetts Central Railroad corridor through the scenic Wayside area near Weston and Wayland. The trail passes through forests, wetlands, and historic villages in the western Boston suburbs. When fully completed, the trail will span 104 miles from Boston to Northampton.
Mass Central Rail Trail—Wayside section follows the former Massachusetts Central Railroad corridor — a 19th-century line that attempted to connect Boston to the Hudson River. The railroad went bankrupt before completion, but its level, graded right-of-way now provides one of the finest multi-use trails in the state. The trail passes through the colonial-era landscapes of Weston and Wayland — towns settled in the 1630s.
Things to Do
Cycling and walking on the paved trail, birdwatching in the wetland areas, and enjoying the pastoral New England landscape. The trail connects to other greenways for extended cycling routes through the Boston suburbs.
Biking and walking the rail trail, birdwatching along wetland sections, cross-country skiing in winter, connecting to the regional trail network, and tracing the route of a 19th-century failed railroad.
Insider Tips
Cross-state trail: The Mass Central Rail Trail follows the former Massachusetts Central Railroad — eventually planned to connect Boston to Northampton (104 miles). Pro tip: Currently sections are complete through Wayside and surrounding communities. Multi-use: Popular for cycling, running, walking, and cross-country skiing.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Peak foliage along the trail. Spring: Wildflowers and migrating birds. Summer: Cycling season. Winter: Cross-country skiing on snow-covered sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mass Central Rail Trail complete?
The trail is being built in sections and is not yet continuous across the state. Several completed segments offer excellent cycling and walking. When finished, it will connect Boston to Northampton — 104 miles across Massachusetts. Check current trail status before planning longer rides.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Cochituate State Park (a short drive away) or Walden Pond State Reservation (a short drive away).
🚴 Visit Mass Central Rail Trail
Future 100+ mile trail — coast to border across Massachusetts.
Wildlife & Nature
Mass Central Rail Trail — follows a former Massachusetts Central Railroad corridor. The trail’s forest, wetlands, and meadows support white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, and songbirds. Beavers build dams in adjacent wetlands.
Nearby Attractions
Weston/Wayland — along the trail. Walden Pond — nearby. Sudbury — nearby.
