South End of Rail Trail to Reopen, North End Starts Construction

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that the southern section of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail will reopen to the public this Saturday, June 27, which includes access to the Berkshire Mall Connector Road parking lots.

Meanwhile, on Monday, June 29, the northern section of the trail will temporarily close to the public in order to facilitate Phase II of the resurfacing project that is upgrading an 11-mile section of the trail. The closure of the northern section is anticipated to be in place through October 2020. During the closure, there will be no public access to the northern section or travel allowed from Church Street in Cheshire north to the Visitor’s Center in Adams.

All scheduled work is weather dependent and may be impacted due to an emergency situation.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is an old railroad track converted into a 10-foot-wide trail. The trail runs 12.7 miles through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough, and Adams. Cheshire Reservoir and the Hoosic River are some of the scenic areas along the trail corridor.

Due to the State of Emergency declared at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts, the trail’s visitor center, restrooms, and picnic areas are currently closed.

MassDOT appreciates the patience of the public as trail improvements are made this summer and fall.