Updated May 31, 2026
The Squannacook River Rail Trail is a 3.5 mile rail trail located in Townsend Massachusetts. There are three different parking areas. One on Depot Street in Townsend. The next one is off of Route 119 near the intersection/traffic light of South Street and Route 119. A third access point at the end of the trail on Crosswinds Drive in Groton.
This rail trail is short, but a well maintained direct pack trail that is perfect to get in a run, walk or bike ride. From the parking lot on Depot Road you walk down the trail which goes behind a few business so it feels more urban than rural.
There are some sections where you are in the woods.
From Depot Street to the boat launch is about 1.75 miles.
From here you have to walk out to the road on Route 119 cross South Street and get back on the rail trail at the second parking lot. The next section of the rail trail follows some of the river.
The trail continues behind more businesses and through some residential areas, but also through some beautiful woodlands.
When you reach the end of the rail trail it is 3.5 miles start to finish. You can continue hiking the Squannacook River Wildlife Management area. It did not look bike friendly. Overall, I liked how flat and level this rail trail was. If you are visiting Squannacook River Rail Trail I highly recommended stopping at Cherry Hill across from the second parking area for some ice cream.
