Distance: 3.3 Roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Multipurpose trail: Walking, Bike Riding, Running
Located in Sterling, Massachusetts is the Sterling Section of the Mass Central Rail Trail. There are two access points, we parked at the parking lot on Gates Road in Sterling. The second parking lot is at the other end of the trail on Waushacum Avenue just past School Street also in Sterling. There was plenty of parking at the Gates Road parking lot. You have to cross Gates Road to get to the start of the trail. There is a kiosk and a portable potty, which was clean.
We were impressed with how packed down the trail was.
The trail goes between West Waushacum Lake and The Quag, both beautiful bodies of water. There were benches along they way to stop, sit and enjoy the views.
After leaving the bodies of water you walk through a forest before coming near a residential area. Then going by a marsh area before coming to the end of the trail and second parking area. We saw people walking, walking their dogs, dogs are not allowed near the water, running and biking. I am guessing in the winter people snowshoe and cross country ski here as well.
The other fun part of the trail is near the Gate Road entrance is activities to keep children engaged by being prompted by different signs.
Overall, we really liked this rail trail. It is only 3.3 miles up and back. The water views were beautiful. The trail was well groomed. We would absolutely return to this rail trail again.
