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Phoenix Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 40 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairhaven, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Phoenix 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.
Bike path and walking trail with scenic views along a former railway.
What runners say about Phoenix Rail Trail
“After the first 2 miles the path gets smooth and has very beautiful views.”
The Phoenix Rail Trail is about a 3.5 mile ride and rambles through a small neighborhood before it becomes more of a bike path. There are plenty of families walking and younger children on this path. At the beginning of the path are several stores and restaurants and really neat places to see.
If you've never done this and have a bike... You have to check it out! Non dedicated bike lanes built into regular roadways are just something I'm not totally comfortable with. People in vehicles can be so aggressive at times. This bike path once a railway is a good 10+ miles of scenic solitude.
This is an awesome bike and walking trail. Park your car at the Stop and Shop grocery store in Fairhaven and directly behind the store is the trail. Ride west through the center of Fairhaven and then over the fairhaven bridge on the south side sidewalk into New Bedford Center.
I actually like this bike path just for a quick workout or chatting with friends. It could definitely be longer at only about 6 miles. There was talk to extend it up to buzzards bay, but home owners and the town of mattapoisett haven’t progressed it any further. My pics show yhe trails end.
Trail conditions & character
“The bike path sits right next to the ferry in New Bedford and water views abound in this area.”
“The Mattapoisett extension, recently opened, is awesome with its winding boardwalk over the marsh.”
Plan your run at Phoenix Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Fairhaven
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cushman Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 34 reviews
Fort Phoenix State Reservation
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,689 reviews
Scenic bay views, hiking & a half-mile swimming beach draw locals & visitors to this historic park.
Clasky Common Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 488 reviews
Relaxed park with a playground, sprinklers and a basketball court.
