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Norwottuck Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Amherst, Massachusetts · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 11 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Norwottuck 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.
What runners say about Norwottuck Rail Trail
“One of the most beautiful, under the radar parts of the Pioneer Valley, especially during the 2-3 weeks in fall when all the leaves are turning.”
A flat, straight 11 mile paved trail with consistent tree cover. One of the most beautiful, under the radar parts of the Pioneer Valley, especially during the 2-3 weeks in fall when all the leaves are turning. My recommendation is to rent an ebike from the Valley Bike Share in Amherst and ride it down this path.
This is a really beautiful paved 11 mile rail trail. It passes through farmland and forest, wetlands, meadows, and by Amherst College, with views of the Holyoke range along the way. The trail crosses a 1600' bridge over the Connecticut River.
This is one of my favorite biking trail ever! Very scenic trees and extremely well-paved, pretty flat too. There are frequent benches, parking lots, access points, and restrooms along the way. I loved the greenery and had a very good time here!
Beautifully maintained rail trail with several short tunnels and lots of areas where you can view and hear wildlife. We saw a black squirrel, several beaver lodges and dams, and heard the calls of raptors woodpeckers and blue jays.
Trail conditions & character
“One of the most beautiful, under the radar parts of the Pioneer Valley, especially during the 2-3 weeks in fall when all the leaves are turning.”
“A flat, straight 11 mile paved trail with consistent tree cover.”
“A flat, straight 11 mile paved trail with consistent tree cover.”
“A flat, straight 11 mile paved trail with consistent tree cover.”
Plan your run at Norwottuck Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance11 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Amherst
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Groff Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 363 reviews
14-acre green space with ball fields, picnic areas & BBQs, plus a playground, trail & shallow river.
Amethyst Brook Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 297 reviews
Popular hiking & dog-walking destination along a brook, offering forest trees & wildlife sightings.
Mt. Pollux Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 65 reviews
Nature preserve offering kid-friendly hikes and picnicking.
Norwottuck Rail Trail - Trail Head
4.8 ★★★★★ 166 reviews
Paved rail trail covering 15 miles of scenic terrain, with plenty of benches and cafes.