The Massachusetts Trails Team (MassTrails) recently announced the release of a new interactive Priority Trails Network vision map for current and future shared-use path projects throughout the Commonwealth. The map provides a centralized inventory of key rail trail projects that will help support an envisioned comprehensive statewide transportation trail network. MassBike is encouraged by the release of this map as it signals a commitment to building a statewide trail network that serves as a critical piece of our transportation infrastructure.

The map specifically identifies approximately 320 miles of trails that have been constructed and are in use, 24 trails that are currently under construction, and another 60 miles of proposed paths that have been funded but not yet constructed. Additionally, the map lists priority shared-use path project locations that either have been proposed for consideration or will be pursued for funding and development to help address key gaps in the network. This will be a crucial tool for advocates across the state who are tracking their local trail projects and garnering support for trails in their community.

The interactive map allows users to click on any segment to view the trail name, municipality, and MassDOT Project Information page. The map includes paved, ADA-accessible shared-use paths, most of which are off-road rail trails or greenways. Where off-road facilities do not exist, the MassTrails team is proposing high-comfort on-road infrastructure such as separated bike lanes with sidewalks or side paths to connect the network.

Since 2019, numerous MassTrails grants have focused on extending and connecting existing trails to one another, with the ultimate goal of having all trails statewide connect to this envisioned network. Communities across the Commonwealth have benefitted from the support of the MassTrails program and the release of this Priority Trails Network Map signals a commitment to future investments to connect trails across Massachusetts.

A few major projects that the MassTrails team highlighted as having significant regional impacts include:

• The Mass Central Rail Trail that, when completed, will span 104 miles from Boston to Northampton and intersect with 17 existing trails. 
• The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail which will travel through eight communities over 25 miles between Lowell and Framingham.  
• Cape Cod paths that would create a seamless 88-mile connection from the canal to Provincetown.   

The Priority Trails Include:

• Ashuwillticook Rail Trail 
• Mohawk Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail 
• Columbia Greenway Rail Trail 
• Southwick Rail Trail 
• Southampton Greenway Rail Trail 
• Manhan Rail Trail 
• Mass Central Rail Trail 
• Northampton Bikeway 
• Titanic Rail Trail 
• Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway 
• Southern New England Trunkline Trail 
• Twin Cities Rail Trail 
• Assabet River Rail Trail 
• Bruce Freeman Rail Trail 
• Yankee Doodle Bikeway 
• Border to Boston Trail 
• Wakefield-Lynnfield Rail Trail 
• Methuen Rail Trail 
• Lawrence and Manchester Rail Trail 
• Concord River Greenway 
• Middlesex Canal Trail 
• Reformatory Branch Rail Trail 
• Minuteman Commuter Bikeway 
• Chelsea Greenway 
• Mary Ellen Welch East Boston Greenway 
• Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path 
• Mystic River Reservation Bike Path 
• Boston Harborwalk 
• Neponset River Greenway 
• Watertown-Cambridge Greenway 
• Bay Colony Rail Trail 
• Upper Charles Trail 
• Blackstone River Greenway 
• Quequechan River Rail Trail 
• Cape Cod Rail Trail 
• Shining Sea Bikeway 
• Bourne Rail Trail 

You can learn more at the MassTrails Priority Trails Network Vision webpage.