Home › Massachusetts › Turners Falls › Canalside Rail Trail
Canalside Rail Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 252 Google reviews · Running trail in Turners Falls, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Canalside Rail Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Easy-going, 3.7-mile trail for walking, biking, and picnicking along the Connecticut River.
What runners say about Canalside Rail Trail
“Spring never was more beautiful this is a must so in Shellborne Falls”
I had a really nice time on this relatively short rail trail. It's about 7 miles long from one end to the other and back. Mostly flat and pretty casual. There are a few spots where you have to cross streets. One particular spot is where you have to bike down Depot street and cross Montague City Road.
We take almost daily walks here and photograph the natural surroundings and wildlife
Visited with my Son and daughter in law with their 4 year old daughter. Super nice place, free to get in, not crowded. Lot's of animal exhibits, very interactive, great place to take both kids and adults. Workers were super friendly, super clean.
This is a great trail that's very level. Only a few spots that is hiller which is only up to the street level. The people walking were super friendly and polite which made for a safe feeling while walking. Wish they had public restrooms and restaurants set up...would be super neat.
Trail conditions & character
“The rail trail is a relaxed walk or ride along the canal with views of the old buildings/paper Mills.”
“Next to it, is the Connecticut river which you can walk down a paved road and take some nice pics of the bridge and river scenery.”
Plan your run at Canalside Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone+1 413-863-3221
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Turners Falls
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Mount Toby State Forest
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