The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR), and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), has launched the MassTrails 10 Campaign. This initiative aims to highlight ten key trails across Massachusetts through a dedicated website and advertising campaign, supported by the Conine Family Foundation’s HubLuv initiative.
Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt emphasized the significance of these trails, stating, “These trails are more than pathways — they are places where people connect, recharge, and discover the natural beauty of the Commonwealth.” She encouraged residents and visitors to explore these trails using masstrails10.org for planning their adventures.
DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle noted that these trails link communities through green transit, fostering tourism and economic opportunities. “From the Norwottuck Branch of the Mass Central Rail Trail near my hometown in Western Massachusetts…to the Cape Cod Rail Trail that leads to DCR’s beautiful Nickerson State Park,” she said, highlighting their importance in connecting people with nature.
Paul Jahnige from MOOR pointed out that outdoor recreation is vital to Massachusetts’ identity and economy. He mentioned activities like biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail or strolling through the Charles River Greenway as essential for well-being.
Kate Fox from MOTT invited travelers to experience Massachusetts through these shared-use trails, which offer opportunities for enjoying nature while connecting with communities. The campaign comes as part of efforts to raise awareness about recreational opportunities along over 1,000 miles of shared-use paths in Massachusetts.
The MassTrails 10 website provides information on each trail, including suggested routes, amenities, local attractions, and connections to local transit options such as MBTA or Regional Transit Authority services. The featured trails include:
– Charles River Greenway
– Northern Strand Community Trail
– Minuteman Bikeway
– Neponset River Greenway
– Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
– Cape Cod Rail Trail
– Mass Central Rail Trail Norwottuck Branch
– Nashua River Rail Trail
– Blackstone River Greenway
– Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
Since 2019, MassTrails grants have focused on extending and connecting existing trails with a vision for a statewide network of shared-use paths. This network primarily consists of rail trails and greenways forming a core spine route throughout Massachusetts.
Information from this article can be found here.
