Needham Rail Trail

About the Trail

The Needham Rail Trail is a 1.7-mile-long section of the Bay Colony Rail Trail, established in early 2016. The stone dust trail follows the inactive Bay Colony Railroad corridor and runs between Needham Junction and the Charles River. The trail is mostly wooded and flat, ideal for walking, running, and biking. Dog owners must keep dogs on leash.

Parking for the trail is available on High Rock Street along Town Forest and public lots off Fisher Street

The Trail is on a portion of the railroad corridor generally referred to as the Southern Section, in contrast to the Northern Section that runs from Needham Heights to the Charles River at the Newton Line. The Northern Section is a future possibility, including a shared-use path that would extend the Upper Falls Greenway across the Charles River, across I-95/128, and along the former railroad right of way to Webster Street in Needham Heights. This project is still in the preliminary stages and has not yet been planned, designed, or funded. Get updates on this project via the Town of Needham page.

We welcome volunteers to help with staffing booths, promotion, and other tasks. Drop us an email at info@baycolonyrailtrail.org and we’ll find a spot for you to contribute your time and talents.

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We also post on the Bay Colony Rail Trail Facebook page.