Explore Guide

This 0.6 mile long rail trail segment is great for hiking, biking, pets on a leash, horseback riding and cross country skiing. This segment of the Air Line Trail is packed gravel with a slight continuous elevation northward and is one of the busiest sections in Thompson. Heading north along the trail you will walk under an old cattle-crossing bridge, used back in the day to allow cattle to cross the rails without blocking the tracks. One tenth of a mile further up, the trail will cross Rocky Brook (actually the start of the Five Mile River). The trail is significantly elevated above the brook. Adventuring down to brook level will reward you with a beautiful view of the stone arch tunnel created to allow the brook to flow under the trail. One tenth of a mile further north you come to the base of the Tri-State Marker Trail. From this point you can see the gate that marks the Massachusetts state line and the beginning of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail.

Parking is available for 15 to 20 cars at East Thompson Road/New Road intersection, where a kiosk provides information.

The Last Green Valley has assessed this trail for people with mobility challenges and has created a summary you can access here E. Thompson Rd to MA State Line.