Hiking & Rail Trails Along the Commuter Rail

Enjoy the peak of the fall season by getting outdoors! Feel the fresh air on your face and get some exercise by spending a day exploring one of the many hiking and rail trails accessible from the Commuter Rail stations across Massachusetts. Pack up your hiking gear, bring your bike, and ride the train with friends and family. 

Getting outdoors has never been easier with Commuter Rail! Two popular summer fare promotions have been extended through November 30, giving you more opportunities to explore this fall.

*Note: For those who have mobility issues, are hard of hearing, or are visually impaired, before planning your journey, it’s important to research whether certain hiking and rail trails offer accessible paths. 

Riders can bring their bikes on the train during the off-peak hours or at any time of the year on the Greenbush, Kingston, Fall River/New Bedford, or Fairmount Commuter Rail Lines.

Hiking Trails by the Greenbush Line 

Take the Greenbush Line to Cohasset Station Commuter Rail parking lot is the Whitney Spur Trail (0.00 mile). This 1.5-mile trail connects riders from Cohasset Station to the Whitney and Thayer Woods, Turkey Hill, and the 3,500-acre Wompatuck State Park. 

At Wompatuck State Park, you’ll find numerous woodland trails for hiking, dog walking, horseback riding, and biking. The Commuter Rail allows bikes on the Greenbush Line at all times, making it a great opportunity to gather friends and family for an adventurous bike ride. The Whitney Spur Trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. 

Outdoor Adventure Along the Fairmont Line 

Trade unpredictable weekend traffic for a comfortable 30-minute train ride along the Fairmont Line to Readville Station. From there, catch a ride with friends or get a rideshare over to Blue Hills Reservation (5 miles from the station). This reservation stretches over 7,000 acres and rises to a height of 635 feet with beautiful scenic views, perfect for a weekend excursion. 

Visitors will find year-round outdoor fun here from exploring hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming in the 24-acre pond and accessible beach, leaf peeping (in the fall), and skiing (in the winter). 

Bike Trails & Nature Walks by the Fitchburg Line 

Whether you’re looking for a scenic trail to bike, roller skate, or enjoy a peaceful nature walk, the Fitchburg Line offers multiple stops for your next outdoor adventure.

Fitchburg Station 

Twin Cities Rail Trail is a 4.7-mile multi-use trail and is around a half mile from the Fitchburg Station. Running from Fitchburg to Leominster, this trail parallels the winding Nashua River. Enjoy views of colorful green trees and a small bubbling brook on your journey. 

Ayer Station

The 11-mile Nashua River Rail Trail is a former railway where you can be immersed in nature and wildlife. Located near the Ayer Station (0.29 mile), this accessible trail is very popular with bikers. For those who don’t want to bike, no problem! Try walking or even rollerblading this rail trail.

West Concord Station 

Just under a half mile from the West Concord Station is the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (0.34 mile). This 10-foot-wide trail runs through Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Sudbury, and Framingham. Take in the quiet pace of the outdoors while biking or walking along this trail. Motorized devices like wheelchairs and scooters are also allowed. 

Trek Through Nature with Stops Along the Haverhill Line 

The Haverhill Line can take you from the open wooded areas to spots where you can fish and kayak all in one day. 

Lawrence Station 

Meander through North Andover’s open woods at the  Shawsheen River Trail (.06 mile), just under a mile away from Lawrence Station. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can hike, run, or bike along this trail and gaze at the views of North Andover’s Shawsheen River, which eventually flows into the Merrimack River at an underground waterfall. 

Melrose/Cedar Park Station 

More than a mile away from the Melrose/Cedar Park Station is the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham (1.5 mi), but you can skip the walk by taking a rideshare. Once you arrive, you can hike or bike on several trails, fish, or rent a canoe or kayak to explore Spot Pond. Bring your furry friend on the trip, and let them roam free in the off-leash area.  

Scenic Coastal Trails along the Newburyport/Rockport Line 

The Clipper City Rail Trail (0.23 mile) connects the Newburyport Commuter Rail Station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line to the Harborwalk along the waterfront. This picturesque coastal bike path and walking trail is handicap accessible and will lead you through creative works of art like sculptures and murals. 

Stop at the Newburyport Art Association and Custom House Maritime Museum or take a lunch break at restaurants along the path. Your journey will end right at Cashman Park, where you can see the Merrimack River.  

Explore Boston’s Great Outdoors

Boston might be a city, but it still has plenty of beautiful outdoor areas to wander through and take a break from the hustle and bustle.

South Station 

Embrace an urban outdoor adventure in Boston by visiting the Boston Public Garden and Charles River Esplanade. Walk less than a mile from South Station to get to the Boston Public Garden (0.86 mile). 

Explore the United States’ first botanical garden surrounded by statues of important historical figures, fountains, and trees and plants. You can even ride around the Boston Public Garden pond in the famous Swan Boats (operating from the second week of April to Labor Day weekend).

Back Bay Station

The Charles River Esplanade stretches over three miles along the Charles River, right between the Museum of Science and Boston. Starting at Back Bay Station, stroll through the bustling city of Boston for a little more than a mile (1.38 miles) to arrive at the esplanade. This is the most idyllic place in the city to walk, run, or take a quick rest while watching sailboats pass by. 

The Charles River Esplanade is also home to the Boston Pops July 4th Concert and Fireworks. Most of the pathways are accessible to all visitors, with the Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge at Charles Circle being the most accessible entry point.

Get outside and explore more hiking and rail trails along the Commuter Rail.