Connecting the Wachusett community with trails and greenways
Wachusett Greenways’ mission is connecting the Wachusett-area community with trails and greenways. In 1995, this all-volunteer nonprofit group and our partners began to build and maintain trails. Wachusett Greenways’ key project is the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) in central Massachusetts. Members, volunteers, donors and many partners are central to our work. We have completed 20 miles of the planned 30 miles of the MCRT through the towns of Sterling, West Boylston, Holden, Rutland, Oakham and Barre. The first section of trail opened in 1997.
Wachusett Greenways members, volunteers and donors are working to complete the central 30 miles along with our partners including the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation and other Commonwealth agencies, eight towns, regional foundations and businesses. Other communities are working complete the entire 104 miles of the Mass Central Rail Trail between Northampton and Boston.
Learn more about Wachusett Greenways here!
Ready to volunteer?
Find Your Niche! Volunteers are vital to Wachusett Greenways’ success. You are invited for fun and service. From trail work, to grant writing, hospitality, outreach, and other initiatives. Please contact Colleen Abrams at 508-479-2123, or send us a message to learn more.
Ready to share?
Send us your Mass Central Rail Trail photos and stories using this link. Send us a message to learn more.
Greenways News
Wachusett Greenways periodically updates this page with announcements, trail reports and conditions. If you find an issue with any part of the trail, please use the button below to Report a Trail Issue.
DCR Event – Spring Puddles Stroll & Story, Friday, April 24, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Join a morning of outdoor adventure on this slow-paced walk to spot signs of wildlife and listen for frog calls. We'll stop at the forest play area to read The Noisy Puddle and celebrate the magic of vernal pools. This 3/4-mile easy stroll is geared toward early...
DCR Event – Mass Central Rail Trail (Sterling Spur) and Pond Loop, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
About a 3.8 mile round trip on easy to moderate terrain. Fine tune your senses and connect to nature! Meet at Mass Central Rail Trail, Sterling Spur, 25 Gates Road, Sterling. This is part of the DCR Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Events series. For more information...
DCR Event – Spring Sensory Outing, Friday, March 27, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This program is designed to be intentionally inclusive and accessible for safe interaction with the outdoors. Enjoy the magic of spring, the return of early migratory birds, vernal pools, and more! Along a half-mile trail, the group will pause for activities designed...
DCR Event – North Dike to Dam Hike, Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m
This walk along the North Dike offers scenic views over the water and takes you through a railroad rock cut to the spillway and points of interest around Wachusett Dam. About 3 miles round trip. Be prepared for windy conditions. Meet at Wachusett Reservoir, Gate 39,...
Call for Winter Photos
Please feel free to submit photos of your winter adventures through our "Contact Us or Upload a Photo" form
DCR Hike Saturday 1/31/26: MCRT Sterling Spur and Pond Loop
Meet at Mass Central Rail Trail - Sterling Spur, 25 Gates Road, Sterling. This is a 3.8 mile round trip hike on easy to moderate terrain. Fine tune your senses and connect to nature! In the case of inclement weather, hike may be cancelled or modified. To check on hike...
