A former railbed along the Ware River, opened by the East Quabbin Land Trust in 2015 and running roughly two miles through New Braintree with two historic truss bridges over the river. The hard-packed gravel surface is easy walking or road biking, smooth enough for a wheelchair or stroller, and the corridor is a good bet for deer, otter, and beaver.
What to expect
Trails
Hard-packed gravel, firm enough for road bikes with wider tires and smooth enough for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must stay leashed and under strict voice control, per East Quabbin Land Trust's recreational trail use policy for its properties, including this trail.
Hours
There is no gate at the Hardwick Road trailhead.
Accessibility
Surface is smooth, hard-packed gravel described by the trail's own site as suitable for wheelchairs and strollers; no formal ADA statement or accessible-parking detail was found.
Horseback Riding
Allowed year-round
Cross-Country Skiing
Allowed winter, snow-dependent
Common questions
Where do I park for the New Braintree section?
The main lot is at 1741 Hardwick Road, the former train station site, with about 10 spaces. There's also on-street parking on Maple Street in Wheelwright.
Is there an entry fee at Mass Central Rail Trail?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Mass Central Rail Trail?
Dogs are welcome but must stay leashed and under strict voice control, per East Quabbin Land Trust's recreational trail use policy for its properties, including this trail.
Is Mass Central Rail Trail wheelchair accessible?
Surface is smooth, hard-packed gravel described by the trail's own site as suitable for wheelchairs and strollers; no formal ADA statement or accessible-parking detail was found.