Assabet River Rail Trail Day Trip in Maynard, Massachusetts
Welcome to the Assabet River Rail Trail in Maynard, Massachusetts
Within about a half hour driving distance from either Worcester or Boston, Massachusetts (MA) the Assabet River Rail Trail is a scenic, accessible multi-use trail great for nature walks, bicycling, running and family excursions to see beautiful nature. This post covers the portion of the 12-mile rail trail in Maynard, MA where you can park for free at the Ice House Landing access point and go for a quick walk or run, casual or serious bike ride or kayaking/canoeing.
This scenic view is at the trail intersection with White Pond Road. Read on for more about what you’ll see along the Maynard portion of the Assabet River Rail Trail.
Then finish your day trip enjoying local craft beers at Amory’s Tomb Brewing Co. You can sit in their taproom or outdoor beer garden. Even better are their delicious beers, which available to go in cans,, and you can’t go wrong with one of their Farmhouse or Saison styles (our favorite is the Robust Porter at 6.3%ABV).
The pics are all (except for one) from our spring and summer 2022 visits.
How to get to the Assabet River Rail Trail in Maynard, MA |
Plot directions to Ice House Landing on Winter Street in Maynard where there is a small, un-metered parking lot. with room for around 10 vehicles. This section of Assabet River Rail trail is paved and flat.
What to see at the Assabet River Rail Trail
Once you park, it is only a few steps to the trail. Going left takes you west towards Hudson and Marlborough, MA. Going right, takes you into Maynard, where you can turn left onto Great Road for an urban hike to check out the Clock Tower at 195 Main Street.
By heading left from the parking lot onto the trail, you’ll soon get some amazing nature and sky vistas. At some portions of the trail, you’ll be able to see the Assabet River between the thick greenery, and some portions will be heavily wooded (going all the way to Hudson or Marlborough will take you through portions of these towns).
If you simply want to relax with your family, walk straight from the parking lot to the kayak launch entrance and grab a picnic table in the small field on your right. There are terrific views of the Assabet River at this spot, which is at the edge of the small field.
This part of the river is beautiful in the late afternoon and evenings.
After a half mile, you’ll see an intersection where you can continue on the (now dirt) trail to Hudson, turn left to explore the Assabet River Wildlife Refuge or turn right onto White Pond Road and walk a few steps to a small bridge and scenic overlook.
At this intersection, there is a slightly elevated viewing point where you can get right to the Assabet River shore. It marks the beginning of the dirt portion of the rail trail.
Walking to the bridge offers beautiful views of the river and nature both directions, especially at sunset. This is also another quiet spot with a kayak launch (there are a few parking spots on dirt patches).
You can turn back from here for a short walk or continue exploring the trail for a choose your own adventure. The leisurely walk from Ice House landing to this point of the rail trail is fully accessible for all levels, offering a great day trip option for exploring scenic nature and a variety of outdoor activities.
Tip: If you have young kids, the Maynard portion of the Assabet River Rail Trail is fully paved and great for strollers. It’s also wide enough for walking your dog on leash.
Tip: Check the Amory’s Tomb Brewing Co. website for Friday-Sunday beer garden hours, curb side pick-up and other special offerings. It’s a very short drive from Ice House Landing to this brewery.
Have you been on the Assabet River Rail Trail; what parts are your favorites to visit for getting outside?
Leave a comment below.
