Mass Central Rail Trail (West Boylston, MA)

A fairly easy 5.6-mile round-trip out-and-back hike along the Mass Central Rail Trail starting in West Boylston. Some gradual elevation change. We will walk 2.8 miles from the large parking lot off Thomas Street to River Street and return the same way. We will stop along the way for lunch or snacks.

Total distance: 5.6 miles round trip
Total elevation gain: 200 feet.
Tortoise time: 3.0 hours
Pace: slow to moderate, with occasional stops to rest, chat, snack, and enjoy the view.

Terrain: Mostly packed dirt, few if any obstacles, no water crossings. It could be muddy in a few spots.

We may take a very short side excursion to see the old Springdale textile mill site with self guiding signs along a trail.

Sunset: 6:01 pm local time.

[ Special thanks to Dave and Katie for the hike description ].

Clothing and Gear

Please wear and/or bring:

• Multiple layers of moisture-wicking clothing. No cotton, no jeans.
• Hiking boots or other sturdy shoes. No sneakers, no sandals.
• Insect repellant. Please note that ticks are plentiful and active throughout New England (year-round), and they can infect you with very serious and nasty illnesses, including Lyme Disease.
• At least 1 liter (32 ounces) of water or sports drink per person.
• Lunch and/or high energy snacks.
• Hat and gloves.
• Trekking poles if you use them.

Hiking Etiquette

We start together, we stay together, we end together. We will hike at the pace of the slowest hiker, and we will be patient with everyone.

If you need to separate from the group for any reason or return to the parking lot early, please let the organizer know.

If you speed ahead and leave the group behind, you are on your own.

Adults only. No guests, no dogs.

How to find us

Meet at the Mass Central Rail Trail parking lot at 155-199 Thomas Street in West Boylston. GPS coordinates are (42.3878050, -71.7940537).

I drive a Red Mazda 6.

Please arrive 15 minutes early. I start my hikes on time, with or without you.

The trailhead is at the edge of the parking lot.

There are NO bathrooms at the trailhead or parking lot. Please plan accordingly.

Disclaimer

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
• the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and
• you 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.