A paved, flat rail-to-trail corridor built on a former New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad bed, running from the Shaker Road area near the Southwick line north toward downtown Westfield. This southern section was the original completed stretch of the Columbia Greenway, popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, and it connects at its south end to the Southwick Rail Trail and on into Connecticut's Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
What to expect
Trails
Paved asphalt, flat rail-trail grade, easy difficulty. The full Columbia Greenway is 3.1 miles from the Westfield River to the Southwick town line; this GIS…
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on leash, as on other City of Westfield park property; no off-leash area on this stretch.
Hours
No trail-specific gate hours found; City of Westfield parks are generally posted dawn to dusk, but this has not been confirmed for the trail itself.
Accessibility
Paved, flat, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly; ramp access (not stairs) at Colony Circle, Harvest Moon Circle, East Silver Street, and the Hedges Avenue/St. Dennis Street and Taylor Avenue/Ashley Street crossings. No confirmed ADA…
Managed by
City of Westfield Parks and Recreation Department, with trail stewardship and advocacy by Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail
(413) 572-6263 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Benches
Benches along the paved trail; exact count/spacing not documented.
Common questions
Is Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (Phase I) open today?
Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (Phase I) is a public park in Westfield, MA. Posted hours: No trail-specific gate hours found; City of Westfield parks are generally posted dawn to dusk, but this has not been confirmed for the trail itself..
Is the trail paved the whole way on this stretch?
Yes, this section is paved asphalt with a flat, easy grade typical of a converted rail bed.
Where do I park to start at the south end?
Use the gravel lot behind Shaker Farms Country Club at 866 Shaker Road; it is free and holds roughly 60 vehicles, and it is the only formal lot on this stretch of trail.
Does this trail connect to Connecticut?
Yes, at its southern end it links to the Southwick Rail Trail, which in turn connects toward the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in Connecticut.
Where do I park at Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (Phase I)?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (Phase I)?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (Phase I)?
Dogs are allowed on leash, as on other City of Westfield park property; no off-leash area on this stretch.
Is Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (Phase I) wheelchair accessible?
Paved, flat, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly; ramp access (not stairs) at Colony Circle, Harvest Moon Circle, East Silver Street, and the Hedges Avenue/St. Dennis Street and Taylor Avenue/Ashley Street crossings. No confirmed ADA…
What rules should I know at Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (Phase I)?
Several downtown-adjacent road crossings exist further north, but on this southern stretch the main hazard is the at-grade crossing of Shaker Road, which has a pedestrian signal. Alcohol is prohibited on City of Westfield park and school property, which by city policy includes trail corridors like…