Morning Walk on the Cochituate Rail Trail - Sat May 17 - 10 AM

Join us on Saturday morning for a walk on the Cochituate Rail trail. Weather forecast says cloudy in the AM with showers possible later in the day.

The trail follows the former Saxonville Branch rail line southeast from Saxonville. Operated from 1846, the Saxonville Branch was used to construct the dam for Lake Cochituate, which supplied water to the City of Boston from 1848 to 1951. Passenger service on the line operated for 90 years, until 1936.

The trail is fairly new (2021) and starts in the Village of Saxonville in Framingham and goes to Natick Center. The total distance is 3.6 miles each way. We will walk for about 2 miles (to lake Cochituate) and then head back. Depending on which direction we choose, we will be walking past streams and wetlands, through some woods, and over Route 9. The trail is paved and relatively flat (there are a couple of inclines) with some benches in case you need to retie your shoes.

We will meet at 1 School Street in Framingham at 10 AM. You will see a small old firehouse at that location. Park in the rear of that building or at the Walgreens next to the lot.

Remember the rules:
Feel free to bring a friend, but make sure they first join the group and sign up for the event.
Please be on time so that everyone is ready to leave from the parking lot at 10 AM.
If you sign up for an event but will not be attending, change your response ASAP so that others can attend and we are not waiting for you. Check Meetup for cancellations and changes in meeting times and locations before each event.
You are all adults and are expected to make decisions about your own safety and physical abilities.
Wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water. Move to the side for oncoming walkers on narrow trails.
If you decide to return to your car early or leave the group for any other reason, tell someone.
If you are struggling or need assistance, tell someone.
Be friendly. Be social. Have fun.
Extreme weather will cancel this event.

Safety Disclaimer
In registering for this event, you assume all risks when participating, certify that you are physically fit to participate, and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person. All participants must use care and good judgment, and must obey all instructions, rules, and regulations of the venue and local authorities.

Liability Waiver:
As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code described at www.hikesafe.com(http://www.hikesafe.com/); the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you for yourself, your heirs, executors, and administrators release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.