Norwottuck Rail Trail
Norwottuck Rail Trail
4.5
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Ten-mile bike path on the old tracks of the Boston and Maine railroad.
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4.5
151 reviews
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Barry Dawson
Pennsylvania70 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
My father-in-law lives in Amherst, and we visit a few times a year. One of my favorite activities is riding the Norwottuck Rail Trail with my son, from Amherst to Northampton and back. The trail is gorgeous, fully paved, and offers a smooth, scenic ride. A must-stop along the way is The Quarters in South Hadley, which is right on the trail. This retro café is packed with nearly 40 classic '80s arcade games and memorabilia, making it a nostalgic treat. They offer outdoor seating on the patio, delicious food, draft beers, and even free water. Definitely a highlight of the trail!
The trail itself is well-maintained with plenty of benches and rest spots along the way. There's also a cool underpass tunnel and several opportunities to stop at stores or chain restaurants that are just within sight of the trail along the main road. This is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the area and looking for a fun, family-friendly activity."
The trail itself is well-maintained with plenty of benches and rest spots along the way. There's also a cool underpass tunnel and several opportunities to stop at stores or chain restaurants that are just within sight of the trail along the main road. This is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the area and looking for a fun, family-friendly activity."
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrainManDan10
Keene, NH1,866 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Today my wife and I had a Iovely meal at the public park near this rail trail with our new, 5 month old, Golden Retriever puppy, "Amber". We had great food, peaceful Connecticut River views, and a relaxed time.
We tried taking Amber on the rail trail bridge, but she got frightened by all the new noises (machinery, planes, bikes), and we had to return before getting to the other side of the river, even though we picked her up. Next time she will be older and be able to handle the sounds better.
We tried taking Amber on the rail trail bridge, but she got frightened by all the new noises (machinery, planes, bikes), and we had to return before getting to the other side of the river, even though we picked her up. Next time she will be older and be able to handle the sounds better.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flagdaytwins
New York City, NY47 contributions
Oct 2019
Obviously this is a well-loved trail, 100% paved, great for biking with hybrid tires.
Alot of reviews are missing the details that I crave.
The Belchertown parking area is at 345 Warren Wright Road. The lot is small. You're welcome.
Just a few minutes out of the lot you'll come across a port-a-potty at the Station Road, Amherst parking lot.
Shortly after you'll pass the back of Amherst College, which I'm sure has accessible bathrooms somewhere.
You'll then come upon Maple Farms market/deli/store and the beginning of the back of a mall - Walmart and such - public restrooms. Followed by a Whole Foods.
There was another port-a-potty after the mall. And more after the CT river bridge, they are set back in the parking lot.
Of course the highlight - the center of Northampton - tons of restaurants to enjoy.
Bring a bike lock.
And beware, the courtesy of notifying someone they are passing you no longer exists. Good luck with that.
Alot of reviews are missing the details that I crave.
The Belchertown parking area is at 345 Warren Wright Road. The lot is small. You're welcome.
Just a few minutes out of the lot you'll come across a port-a-potty at the Station Road, Amherst parking lot.
Shortly after you'll pass the back of Amherst College, which I'm sure has accessible bathrooms somewhere.
You'll then come upon Maple Farms market/deli/store and the beginning of the back of a mall - Walmart and such - public restrooms. Followed by a Whole Foods.
There was another port-a-potty after the mall. And more after the CT river bridge, they are set back in the parking lot.
Of course the highlight - the center of Northampton - tons of restaurants to enjoy.
Bring a bike lock.
And beware, the courtesy of notifying someone they are passing you no longer exists. Good luck with that.
Written October 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlackBear1959
Ottawa, Canada71 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Walk, run or cycle this trail, you won't be disappointed. We recently cycled from downtown Northampton to Belchertown - with a side detour to U. Mass - and back and then west to Westhampton and back. The eastern portion is certainly the more scenic route; however, there are a number of craft breweries to tempt you when heading southwest e.g, New City Brewery (Easthampton). Don't have a bike...no problem...you can rent one from Northampton Bicycle on Pleasant St. for $25 a day. A great full day or half day outing.
Written July 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caroll
Northampton, MA107 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Whether you live in the area or are simply visiting from out of town, you absolutely must give yourself time to bike ( or walk) this rail trail. One of the best! Definitely go across the Connecticut but if you can, give yourself time to do the whole stretch from Belchertown to Easthampton. Each section has something to offer. Meadows. Woods. Bridges. Rocks. Peak into backyards or pull off for an icecream. The path goes right through Amherst or Hadley...across farmland and into the neighborhoods of Northampton. You can either continue to Easthampton or go to Look Park and beyond. Worth every stop. Every mile.
Written June 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
0Whoppy0
Greenfield, MA37 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
I went down on a Saturday early afternoon, parking in the Damon Rd (Northampton) parking lot. I road 10 miles to the end, ending in belchertown - total of 20 miles by the time I got back to my car. There are a lot of little cut-outs to exit off the bike path, sit and relax, and even tables to have lunch.
In the past, I've exited off the path in Amherst and went into the cetner and had lunch in the common area.
There are Sani-cans in the Dmon Rd parking area, and I believe even a place to pump up your tires (unknown if you have to pay $$).
The path is freshly re-paved, however not in the Belchertown section - so expect some little bumps in the path.
In the past, I've exited off the path in Amherst and went into the cetner and had lunch in the common area.
There are Sani-cans in the Dmon Rd parking area, and I believe even a place to pump up your tires (unknown if you have to pay $$).
The path is freshly re-paved, however not in the Belchertown section - so expect some little bumps in the path.
Written May 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WNA-MEA
Northampton, MA15 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
This is a great trail, I use it frequently. A few roots here and there but generally very good pavement. It's all very scenic. The section over the Connecticut River in particular. Plus, there’s a nice section through wetlands in Amherst and Belchertown. I mostly use it as a connector for parts of my longer road rides. If I an out too late and it’s getting dark, it’s a nice way to get back without having to deal with cars. You can commute between Amherst and Northampton easily. If you couple it with the Manhan Rail Trail in Easthampton, a round-trip ride will get you almost 40 miles. Very nice trail.
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna C
Andover, MA75 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
My husband and I rode the Norwottuck bike trail on Wednesday. It was a beautiful day and was surprisingly empty. However it was mid week and school is not out yet so we had much of the trail to ourselves. We started at the Belchertown end, which I liked because we enjoyed the isolation at the start and could have had lunch in Northampton at the half way point. However we stopped at a place called the Quarters which used to be a great little Polish restaurant that has turned into a bar, burgers and arcade games joint. The food was fine but we missed the Polish menu.
Parking is plentiful at both ends of the trail. There are also Porta potty‘s at the North Hampton and Ann about a mile from the beginning in Belchertown.
The trail is well-maintained and very scenic passing through farmland and college campuses.
Parking is plentiful at both ends of the trail. There are also Porta potty‘s at the North Hampton and Ann about a mile from the beginning in Belchertown.
The trail is well-maintained and very scenic passing through farmland and college campuses.
Written June 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
radibob
Suffield, CT31 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
This is a a nice trail, I usually start in Greenfield where you can ride south for a bit or north to North Hampton and beyond. Be careful as you ride through North Hampton itself as people use the trail to sleep/drink, but overall a nice trail with many great views and eating options.
Written March 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wildflower01945
Amherst, MA735 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
I've been on this trail several times. It is excellent for people who are not very familiar with bike riding because it is relatively flat; bikers and walkers are generally aware and courteous; there is very little interaction with cars; and there are segments that are not used much. I must admit that those segments are at the Belchertown/Amherst end and they are less maintained, meaning that there are potholes and frost heaves, albeit, well marked with white paint. The last time we rode from the beginning in Belchertown almost to the end in Northampton and back. I love riding the bridge over the Connecticut River! This was a 20 mile round trip. We found we had not timed ourselves correctly and the last part was in the dark. This meant that we were riding slowly to avoid hitting the frogs on the trail. Fortunately, we had lights. The trail is closed at dark yet we found we were not the only ones still riding and walking.
There are road crossings but they are very well marked both on the trail and on the roads. The vehicle etiquette is excellent in this area as bikers are commonplace. There are plenty of places to stop to look at the scenery - fields, roads, trees, water, etc.; and a couple of stops with bathrooms. Most of the ride is through woods and fields, even going through Hadley and Amherst. I have found it very convenient, safe and direct riding my bike from S. Amherst to shopping in Hadley.
There are road crossings but they are very well marked both on the trail and on the roads. The vehicle etiquette is excellent in this area as bikers are commonplace. There are plenty of places to stop to look at the scenery - fields, roads, trees, water, etc.; and a couple of stops with bathrooms. Most of the ride is through woods and fields, even going through Hadley and Amherst. I have found it very convenient, safe and direct riding my bike from S. Amherst to shopping in Hadley.
Written January 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any eateries along the trail? I remember a few years ago there was a small Polish restaurant abutting the trail. Anything recommended?
Written June 11, 2019
We took the trail in to Northampton and got something to eat there.
Written June 12, 2019
Several years ago I rode a section of this trail and at one point noticed what looked like a large year round produce market. It can be seen from the trail. I would like to go to this market, do you know if it is still in business and where it is along the trail? Thanks much
Written March 25, 2016
Yes - that would be Maple Farms. On the bike path as it crosses North Maple St. (Behind Hampshire Mall). They've expanded in recent years too.
Written March 25, 2016
Where is the beginning entrance of the bike trail in Northampton? Address?
Written September 5, 2015
You can jump on it pretty much anywhere. You can see that path on google maps.
Written September 6, 2015
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