A 3.5-mile paved rail trail through the middle of Rockland, ten feet wide and flat enough for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes end to end. It follows the old Hanover Branch railroad bed from West Hanover through the town center toward North Abington, crossing several streets along the way.
What to expect
Trails
3.5 miles one-way easy · paved, 10 feet wide
Dogs
Rockland's bylaw requires a dog in any public place to be under restraint, meaning on a leash or at heel and obedient to its handler, and it sets no maximum leash length. Some town sites go further: Hartsuff Park and Bicentennial Park…
Hours
Rockland's bylaws set no townwide closing time for parks or conservation land as of mid-2026. Several town sites post dawn to dusk at the entrance instead, among them Hartsuff Park, Bicentennial Park, Studley Pond and the Rockland Town…
Accessibility
Fully paved and level; usable by wheelchairs and strollers along its whole length
Managed by
Rockland Park Department / DPW
781-871-0579 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town or agency pages before you go.
Common questions
Is Hanover Branch Rail Trail open today?
Hanover Branch Rail Trail is a public park in Rockland, MA. Posted hours: Rockland's bylaws set no townwide closing time for parks or conservation land as of mid-2026. Several town sites post dawn to dusk at the entrance instead, among them Hartsuff Park, Bicentennial….
Is the trail stroller and wheelchair friendly?
Yes, it's paved and mostly flat for its entire 3.5 miles, one of the few fully paved long trails in the area.
Where should I park to start the trail?
The Market Street lot at number 638 is the main trailhead; the Rockland Police Department lot at 500 Market Street works as a second option, and the trail also reaches into West Hanover off Hanover Street.
Are there trails at Hanover Branch Rail Trail?
Yes. 3.5 miles one-way. easy difficulty. Surface: paved, 10 feet wide.
Is there an entry fee at Hanover Branch Rail Trail?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Hanover Branch Rail Trail?
Rockland's bylaw requires a dog in any public place to be under restraint, meaning on a leash or at heel and obedient to its handler, and it sets no maximum leash length. Some town sites go further: Hartsuff Park and Bicentennial Park post no dogs allowed, while the Rockland Town Forest and…
Is Hanover Branch Rail Trail wheelchair accessible?
Fully paved and level; usable by wheelchairs and strollers along its whole length
What rules should I know at Hanover Branch Rail Trail?
The trail crosses several roads at marked crosswalks; drivers do not always stop, so riders and walkers should slow at each street crossing. No horses, motorized vehicles, fires, alcohol, or smoking on the trail. Pet waste must be picked up.