Southern New England Trunkline Trail
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Cross-State Rail Trail — 22-mile rail trail from Franklin to the CT border — one of the longest in Massachusetts
Southern New England Trunkline Trail follows 22 miles of abandoned railroad from Franklin to the Connecticut border through rural southern Massachusetts. The trail passes through forests, wetlands, and small towns — offering a peaceful, rural escape in one of the least-developed corridors of eastern Massachusetts. The original railroad (the New York and New England Railroad) connected Boston to the New York City area.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Franklin → CT border (5 towns) |
| Length | 22 miles — one of MA’s longest! |
| Entry Fee | Free |
About Southern NE Trunkline Trail
Southern New England Trunkline Trail follows a historic rail corridor through south-central Massachusetts from Franklin to the Connecticut border. The 22-mile trail passes through forest, wetlands, and small towns in one of the quieter corners of the state. The trail is popular with cyclists and equestrians.
Things to Do
Cycling, walking, and horseback riding on the rail trail, birdwatching in the wetland sections, and enjoying the rural southern Massachusetts landscape. The trail connects communities and provides car-free transportation options.
About Trunkline Trail
Southern New England Trunkline Trail follows a 22-mile abandoned railroad corridor from Franklin to the Connecticut border — one of the longest rail trails in Massachusetts. The trail passes through the Blackstone Valley — birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, where Samuel Slater built America’s first water-powered cotton mill in 1793 at Pawtucket, Rhode Island (just downstream). The trail connects multiple state forests.
Things to Do
Biking and hiking the 22-mile trail, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, connecting to state forests, and tracing the route through the birthplace of American industry.
Park Location
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