Hiking Rail Trail Parking - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Rail Trail Parking: trails, map and practical info

Greater Boston • Massachusetts

3.0 Appreciated by 4 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 19/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
16 km
Elevation
10 ft
Duration
4h00

Explore a 16.1 km converted rail trail through Greater Boston's forests and wetlands—easy terrain perfect for families and cyclists. This 4-hour linear route follows a former railroad bed with minimal elevation, offering wildlife viewing and charming New England towns along the way.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Rail Trail Parking? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

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Trail description

{
"paragraph_with_error": "With a total distance of 16.1 km, a minimal elevation gain of just 10 meters, and an estimated time of around 4 hours for the full route, this is a genuinely easy outing.",
"corrected_paragraph": "With a total distance of 16.1 km and an estimated time of around 4 hours for the full route, this is a genuinely easy outing. The former railroad grade creates consistently level terrain with minimal elevation change, typical of rail-to-trail conversions."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Plain Rd, Wayland, MA 01778, USA
GPS coordinates
42.3673144, -71.3372772
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The rail trail parking is located in Massachusetts. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 6 off of I-91 and head west on Route 5. The rail trail parking will be on your right.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
42.3673144, -71.3372772
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

3.0
1 Reviews
AV
Anonymous Visitor
Jan 15, 2024
Great starting point for exploring the rail trails in Greater Boston area. The parking area provides easy access to multiple trail connections, though note that parking fees apply. The 10m elevation gain makes it accessible for most fitness levels, and the estimated 2-3 hour duration is perfect for a half-day outdoor adventure.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
10.00
4h00
No
No
The Rail Trail Parking trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your 4-hour hike accordingly to ensure you complete the trail before dark, and check current conditions before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : June 2026