Lovely mostly level and paved trail for walking and biking. It is pretty and serene in fall with some nice views of the foliage and a view of fort meadow reservoir at one point. Multiple access points in multiple towns including Marlborough and Hudson. read more

Assabet River Rail Trail - Hiking Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

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We access in Sudbury and Hudson. It is plenty wide and paved. There is also a building and areas to fish, picnic and walk. Dogs allowed. It isn't all level. read more

Whether you're bike ride with your family or take your dog for a long walk or skateboard with your friends, the ARRT is for you. There are 6 miles of completed, paved trails in Marlborough and Hudson, but the trail is much bigger than that. It's starts in Marlborough, at the intersection of Lincoln and Highland streets and makes it's way to the South Action MBTA station. Some parts are unpaved. Some places have gaps. But that's for now. The men and women dedicated to creating this trail propose and designate more sections every year and eventually the entire way will be paved and connected. For now, if you want paved biking you can starting in Marlborough Center, in Hudson center, or anywhere in between. The Hudson side ends at a ice cream place, just, you know, if you want a treat after biking six miles before you turn around and bike back. Oh, and on a few occasions I've heard a motorcycle on the trail and thought WTF only to turn and see it was the police, patrolling the trail, make sure we are all safe. YAY! The intersection listed for the business page is the location of the Marlborough Trail Head. However, parking is conveniently located throughout the trail. For your convenience here are the addresses for trail parking: Main Street Parking Lot 417 Main St Hudson, MA Washington Street Parking Lot 157 Washington Street Hudson, MA Marlborough Trail Parking 40 Hudson St Marlborough, MA There is also on-street parking available in both towns. I would check the websites for those towns for parking restrictions, etc. read more

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So, I decided to take a day trip to Marlborough to bike this rail trail. I've been waiting all summer for autumn to come so I could go. I've heard it's the most beautiful time of year there and it didn't disappoint in that aspect. I'm having a hard time rating this trail. I'd say 3 stars and 3.5 in the fall time because of the beautiful scenery. Here's why. First off, the beginning of the trail starts off with no lot to park in. You have to park at the end of a side street. So, don't leave anything like your purse in the car and lock it up! I biked until the end and back and my GPS tracked it at 9.77 miles. I know their expanding it and can't wait till they do because I would of at least liked to bike double this. Not a lot of hills or bumps so it's a smooth ride. A few busy and not so busy intersections that you have to cross. I also came across a few other lots you can park in if you want to start out in the middle. One being Pretty desolate and the others on the main road. Lots of places to stop off to grab a bite to eat or rehydrate. Also, lots of benches along the route as well. I got sort of lost for a minute after crossing one of the busy intersections so watch out for this. Should be marked better. 2 best things I loved? A section called "Art on the AART" posted some pics of those. And an absolutely breathtaking view at one section of the trail overlooking Fort Meadow Reservoir. So beautiful! read more

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Rode the trail from Marlboro to Hudson and back. Parked in Marlboro, across from Kelleher Field. The lot was full of broken glass and people taking lunch time naps in their cars. There must have been 500 road crossings during the 5 miles of the trail. I felt like I was constantly stopping. Not that I'm there to get a cardio workout. It was just annoying. Since at many crossings you had to wait for the light. The trail in Marlboro is nicer. Nicer views. Good balance of sun and shade. And others on the trail. Walkers. Walkers with dogs, strollers, walkers with walkers. Nice balance of people. The Hudson section wasn't as nice either deep shade making you feel claustrophobic (yet still tons of highway noise drowning out any hopes of conversation). Or else in full sun along the highway in downtown Hudson. There were no facilities along the trail. The trail is all downhill to Hudson. And all uphill to Marlboro. If I was to ride it again (highly unlikely) I would park in Hudson. read more

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Gorgeous trail. Well paved. Courteous walkers, runners, bikers, etc. There are many street crossings but they are well labeled and not too difficult. Only saw one port a potty on the route. The East Hudson Trailhead is a great place to park and there's a gas station just down the road with a bathroom. read more

Assabet River Rail Trail - Hiking Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

Excellent rail trail with trailhead parking, street parking, and wide, paved path that winds through natural environments as well as quaint main streets. A few larger intersections have crossing lights, and there is a slight incline going from downtown Hudson toward the Marlborough section. Plentiful scenery including artwork, train pieces, underbridge mural, and the river on the Hudson side. Well maintained, a few places to pull off and have a bite. Several miles long. One of the nicer rail trails in the Commonwealth. Well done. read more

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Great place to walk the dogs. Well maintained and easy trail. Surprisingly not to buggy this time of year. Trail follows the river.

Cycling, running or strolling on The Assabet River Rail Trail is a great way to spend an afternoon. There is ample parking, it is smoothly paved and clearly marked. There are several street crossings but they have good visibility and some are equipped with motion sensing lights. This trail is very well maintained, repairs to railings and other structures are frequent and storm debris is removed in short order. Most of the trail has pleasant scenery and some areas, such as downtown Hudson, are beautifully landscaped and offer benches to rest on. Also, I should mention the recently added magnificent carving of a noble and mighty Hawk, a truly majestic raptor and worthy mascot for athletic and intellectual prowess. Pro-tips: bring mosquito repellent during the warmer months. Listen for "on your left" and allow faster traffic to pass. Doggies are welcome but should be leashed and their waste should be removed. Please be courteous of those who live near the trail and don't make shortcuts or trespass. There's wildlife to be spotted in some areas and bird watchers might want to bring binoculars. read more

The trail was a nicely paved and offers riders many great safety features. Every major road we crossed flashing lights to alert drivers that there were bikes or people on the path and near the crossing. While these lights do not give us the right away I appreciate that they alert drivers of our presence and many very nicely stopped to let us cross safely rather than dodge traffic. At the smaller roads the path had clearly marked signs to inform riders of those crossings and stop signs to ensure riders know they too have to follow the rules of the road. Its history as a rail trail are obvious at several locations and had there been more day light I would have taken some pictures of the steep embankments where bridges over the railway once stood. They also built a tunnel under the Hudson Road/85 Connector to 495/290 that allowed the trail to continue without having to cross a highway. The tunnel colorfully showcased a mural painted by local artists. On our way home I was glad to have our new lights as the trail is not lit and does get very dark. The lights did a great job illuminating the path in front of us and also allowing us to keep track of each other with our rear flashers. Without the lights we might have collided with a few walkers wearing black clothing who had no lights at all. I am looking forward to the day when the entire trail is completed and extends from Marlborough all the way to the South Acton MBTA station. Included below is our Run Tracker maps and statistics read more

Such a nice scenic area, I used this a lot when I was in high school and got really into skateboarding. It was really convenient to just leave school, hop on my skateboard, and make my way to the Hudson skatepark! It's actually really clean, no mud or major big rocks on it. Paved really nicely, I do wish they had some type of lighting on it for after hours, but that may take away from the nice scenery. I can only review up to the beginning of the bike trail at the Lincoln street / Highland street intersection in Marlborough down towards Hudson off of Main street, because that's the farthest distance I've traveled on it. Some of the views are very photogenic, there is a nice spot where you can sit down on a bench and take a picture of the Fort Meadow lake in Marlborough. Down the trail a bit and there's a really cool mini tunnel down towards the Hudson area, and although it is defacing, the graffiti there is really cool. A few minutes down the path and there is this stone area, the only way to describe it is an old broken down wall that once held intruders away from a caste, whatever it may be it is very interesting! All the people I've ever seen on the bike path are friendly and will greet you, then again don't be upset if they don't. It's not a social event, but I am glad people actually follow the rules and look out for one another. read more

This is a great trail, you get a little bit of the city and a little bit of the country. I'm always finding other parks and fun detours. Check out the other review for some great info on parking and stats. read more

Really beautiful. Some stunning views on the way. Pretty downhill all the way from Marlboro..... so bike hard when you get back

So I bike this trail mainly on the weekends. The paved section is approximately 10.5 miles round trip. The first reviewer did a great job listing the parking areas. Hint: if you don't like hills on the ride back start in Hudson and pedal up to Marlborough. I enjoy this trail, it is relatively flat, not crowded and has some nice scenery. I'll have to try some ice cream at the end of my next ride! read more

Still zero police presence on the bike trail. Still find hypodermic needles. People on the trail all hours.

Just got back from a lovely bike ride from Acton thru Maynard and out to the Assabet Natural Refuge. What a terrific job they have made creating this trail. Well marked intersections, interesting sites in town to stop for break or just to wander around and wonderful views as the path goes along the Assabet River. I was impressed by the construction of bridges, walkways and the amount of planted screening for privacy for the abutting homes and townhouses. One of the best trails I have biked in Mass. (Saving the fifth star for when they finish the trail to Marlboro:) read more

I like it and hate it. The trail is pretty to walk through in the fall. But, my street is on a hill, & my house is on the flatest part of the street... so people trespass through my yard ALL THE TIME, because of this "Rail Trail" Never mind the people being super loud- nonstop- and the fact they took away the wooded privacy... I like when it was the old traintracks I grew up with. read more

Construction on the north end (3.4 miles, South Acton train station, through Maynard, to Maynard:Stow border) is almost complete. I like that it runs through center of Maynard, so easy to detour to one of the restaurants with outside seating for lunch or a drink. There is a small parking lot at Ice House Landing (end of Winter Street), but on weekends the lot can fill up quickly because it is also parking for a kayak launch dock. Possible - just - to connect to the Hudson/Marlborough end, but involves two miles of dirt road and some traveling on actual roads. read more

Assabet River Rail Trail - Installation of ARRT bridge over Assabet River, Feb 2017 - Hiking Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

Love the trail I wish that was closer to my house! Love to bike!

Nice trail for running. I started in Marlboro and ran about 4 miles. The only downside was the way out was all downhill which meant my way back was all uphill! Several road crossings but drivers were good and stopped for runners in crosswalks. read more

The trail is quite nice and not very hilly. With the exception of one intersection crossing in Hudson, it's well-marked throughout. The scenery ranges from decayed light industry to green and leafy with at least one great view. The Assabet Rail Trail website is pretty good, but keeps the parking locations completely secret. (Doubtless a real cyclist would never deign to drive to the trail.) Someone below lists parking, but gets one lot confusingly wrong. The parking at 40 Hudson St in Marlborough is actually around back of the building, about half a block down Jefferson. read more

Well maintained asphalt trail. Parking at the trailhead is on the street. No lights so not a fit for nighttime walking.

I love having a bike path in town! This is great to ride your bike, walk your dog, go for a run or snowshoe in the winter. Some areas are busier and it can get pretty crowded, but it's so scenic! read more

good for going fast on a bike and leaving all the chumps behind. dont stop at the stop signs, itll just make your time slower. good fun