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DCR Trail System Planning

Trails in and around DCR’s parks, forests and reservations are not individual pathways, but components of larger, integrated land management and recreational networks.  These trail systems are integral to the activities, services and resources that DCR manages on its 450,000 acres of land across the Commonwealth.
stone bridge surrounded by trees
Trail wetland crossing (narrow bridge) at Freetown Fall River State Forest

Ideally, each trail system should effectively highlight and protect the ecological, scenic, and cultural features within our facilities; provide specific, enjoyable recreational experiences to a variety of users; provide vital access for forest management, fire control and emergency response; and connect important trail corridors, destinations and population centers both within and outside of our facilities.  Our trail systems should achieve these goals while simultaneously avoiding sensitive areas, meeting user expectations, minimizing ecological impacts and minimizing maintenance requirements. DCR achieves these goals by enhancing in trail system planning.  

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Project Status

The Trail System Planning Program is designed to improve and manage state trails for the long term. Each plan will focus on making trails safer, upgrading them, improving signage, and using resources wisely. Additionally, the plans will inform future decisions about expanding or closing trails and ensure DCR considers the environmental and cultural impacts, climate resiliency, and community needs. As part of the planning process, DCR gathers data about existing trails, how well they work, their resilience to climate change, and their effects on local natural and cultural resources. This data collection will provide the foundation for creating well-rounded, sustainable plans. The process will also seek public input to ensure the plans reflect local priorities and concerns. 

Projects Complete

Middlesex Fells Reservation Trail System Plan

Myles Standish Trail System Plan

Pittsfield and October Mountain Trail System Plan

Projects Underway

forest trail

DCR is enhancing its trail planning process. Future plans will be developed in four phases, with multiple opportunities for public input and feedback to shape the trail system. DCR encourages residents and stakeholders to actively participate and share their insights throughout the process. 

  • Phase I: Data Collection  
    In this phase, all trails—both authorized and unauthorized—will be evaluated. Cultural and natural resources within the area will also be inventoried. This work will be complemented by field surveys, and tribal consultation will be conducted. Additionally, we will seek public input through a community survey. 
  • Phase II: Identifying Impacts and Opportunities  
    DCR will analyze the data collected to understand how trails are impacting the area and identify opportunities for improvements. This process will be guided by DCR’s Trail Guidelines, Landscape Designation Management Guidelines, and any relevant recommendations from Resource Management Plans. Input from staff, stakeholders, and the public will help shape the findings. 
  • Phase III: Refining the Trail System and Implementation Plan  
    DCR will create an improved and sustainable trail system along with a detailed plan for how to make those improvements. A public meeting will be held to discuss the proposed design, and feedback will be incorporated into the final plan. 
  • Phase IV: Permitting and Implementation  
    In the final step, DCR will secure the necessary permits and begin putting the recommendations from the plan into action to enhance the trail system. 

This multi-phase approach ensures that the development of the trail system is well-informed, inclusive, and aligned with both community needs and conservation goals. 

Robinson State Park Trail Master Plan, March 2025- March 2026

Freetown Fall River Trail Master Plan, March 2025-March 2026 

Future Projects (2025-2026)

Cutler Park Reservation 

Brimfield State Forest

Lowell Dracut Tynsborough State Forest

Leominster State Forest 

Additional Resources

Share your thoughts!

boardwalk

2025 Trail Plan Kick Off Survey

Sign up for DCR Updates, including public meeting notices

Contact

Online

Email Alexandra Echandi, Natural Surface Trails Planner at Alexandra.Echandi2@mass.gov

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