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Norwottuck Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 263 Google reviews · Running trail in Northampton, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
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.
Flat trail for hiking, biking and rail-riding, with benches at intervals, plus views of the Connecticut River and other scenery.
What runners say about Norwottuck Rail Trail
“Beautiful walk across the bridge totally amazing great spot to bicycle hike or just to walk your dog there a picnic tables benches and grills and even out house”
Absolutely gorgeous. I'm 3.5 miles in and there is maybe 1 kind-of hill. Very flat and excellent for riding, walking, etc.
Approximately 9.5 miles from Damon Road parking area to Belchertown parking area. We averaged 14 to 15 miles an hour for a 50 minute ride. It's all paved. There is a pond with lily pads along the way and plenty of benches for resting. There are some porta potties, also.
Happy to be out of the house, and getting fresh air! The trail offers great views, a chance to spot some occasional wildlife, and (mostly) friendly people also enjoying the trail.
Beautiful walk across the bridge totally amazing great spot to bicycle hike or just to walk your dog there a picnic tables benches and grills and even out house
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful walk across the bridge totally amazing great spot to bicycle hike or just to walk your dog there a picnic tables benches and grills and even out house”
“There is a repair tool station and pump at the parking lot of I-91 exit 19.”
“Lovely paved trail good for biking, running and skating!”
“Very flat and excellent for riding, walking, etc.”
Plan your run at Norwottuck Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone+1 413-586-8706
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Northampton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Elwell State Park
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Norwottuck Rail Trail
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Childs Park
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Landscaped park, open seasonally, featuring manicured lawns, formal flower gardens & natural ponds.
Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area
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Park with a dike that overlooks the Connecticut River, popular for sunset views.