Hiking & Rail Trails Along the Commuter Rail

“Can I go straight to the forest and hiking from the train? Show me where that place is.” – Commuter Rail Rider

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 many hiking and rail trails accessible from the Commuter Rail. 

The Commuter Rail has stations that are near some of the most popular trails all around Massachusetts. Pack up your hiking gear, bring your bike, and ride the train with friends and family. Save money on parking and pay the price of a Commuter Rail ticket, while still having money left over for a nice meal, snack, or sweet treat. Embrace the beauty of fall in the outdoors with friends and family as you travel to some of Massachusetts’ hiking and rail trails. 

*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, Middleborough/Lakeville, or Fairmount Commuter Rail Lines.

Greenbush Line

Beginning right in the 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, so this is a great opportunity to gather friends and family together for an adventurous bike ride. The Whitney Spur Trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. 

Fairmount Line

Trade unpredictable weekend traffic for a comfortable 30-minute train ride from South Station 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. 

Ride the Fairmount Line to Readville Station with the $10 Weekend Pass. If you’re looking to visit Blue Hills Reservation during the weekday, Readville Station is Zone 2; this means riders will pay a reduced $3.50 fare for a one-way trip. The Fairmount Line runs every 30 minutes seven days a week.  

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). On your ride home, end the day with a delicious meal along the Fairmount Line’s many restaurants!

Fitchburg Line

Twin Cities Rail Trail is a 4.7-mile multi-use trail and 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. 

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.

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. 

Haverhill Line

Meander through the open woods at the Shawsheen River Trail, 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. 

More than a mile away from the Melrose/Cedar Park Station is the Middlesex Fells Reservation, 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.  

Newburyport/Rockport Line

The Clipper City Rail Trail (0.23 mile) connects the Newburyport Commuter Rail Station 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.  

South Station & Back Bay: Urban Outdoor Adventures 

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).

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.