Canalside Rail Trail - Turners Falls, MA
Canalside Rail Trail – Dog-Friendly Park in Turners Falls, Massachusetts
Located in scenic Turners Falls, Canalside Rail Trail is a popular destination for dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts seeking pet-friendly trails and open spaces. The park offers beautiful river views, plenty of natural shade, and well-maintained trails that make it ideal for leisurely strolls, dog-friendly hiking, and biking adventures with your canine companion. The nearby nature center and discovery exhibits add educational interest for families, while the overall atmosphere is clean, safe, and relaxing.
Convenient amenities such as multiple parking areas, benches by the water, playgrounds, picnic tables, clean public restrooms, and a boat ramp ensure a comfortable visit for everyone. While not a traditional dog park with fully fenced boundaries, leashed dogs are welcomed on the trail and open areas. The Canalside Rail Trail stands out as a must-visit spot for those looking for an enjoyable, dog-friendly day out in Franklin County, MA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed on the Canalside Rail Trail? Yes, dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed in shared areas.
- Is there water, seating, or shade available for visitors and pets? Yes, the park offers natural shade, benches along the water, and picnic tables for visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are multiple hiking and biking trails, including the Canalside Rail Trail and access to the Robert Frost Trail.
- Is parking available? Yes, there are several easy-to-find parking spots at both ends of the trail and near popular amenities.
- Are there activities for families and kids nearby? Yes, the park features a playground, tennis and volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a boat ramp for family fun.
Reviews
Came down from vt yesterday to ride the trails after hearing great reviews. It was well worth it, and the town is so darn cute.
High car&foot bridge over the dam on the conn river. Cool views from above and good exercize. The Discovery Center at the beginning os worth a stop. Canalside walkway from the Dicovery Center is lovely too.
We were driving through town on our way to Deerfield and saw the waterfall. We decided to get a closer view and had a short walk down the canal path. Saw the salmon education center and then the salmon run that saves the fish from the falls. Afterward we went to a small exhibit on the nature of the area, flora and fauna, as well as some dinosaur footprints. The personnel in the nature center were very helpful and knowledgeable, sharing about the area and answering our questions.
A very worthwhile stop on our journey
I had a really nice time on this relatively short rail trail. It’s about 7 miles long from one end to the other and back. Mostly flat and pretty casual. There are a few spots where you have to cross streets. One particular spot is where you have to bike down Depot street and cross Montague City Road. There are some crossing signs to help with crossing. From there you bike up Solar Ave, turn onto Rod Shop Road and then the trail continues just off the end of Masonic Ave. Overall not bad. It’s well maintained and there are parking spots on both ends. Definitely worth checking out.
The trail was nice. Canal quite high and fast flowing. Went over to a safe spot to touch river. A bit of trash in some areas, looks like teens party where old brickwork is exposed and open to the space underneath.
Would like to walk the trail in summer if back this way. Would see again.