Press Release  MassDOT Collaborates with DCR, MOOR and MOTT to Launch Campaign Spotlighting 10 Trails and Recreational Opportunities Across Massachusetts

BOSTON — In a collaborative effort to highlight trails across the state, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR), and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) are announcing the launch of the MassTrails 10 Campaign. The campaign, with support from the Conine Family Foundation’s HubLuv initiative, will highlight ten signature trails through a website and advertising campaign.  

MassTrails 10 seeks to showcase recreational opportunities at each trail, as well as connection options to local transit and broader trail networks. 

“MassDOT is proud to partner with DCR, MOOR, and MOTT on the MassTrails 10 Campaign, shining a spotlight on 10 signature trails across Massachusetts,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “These trails are more than pathways — they are places where people connect, recharge, and discover the natural beauty of the Commonwealth. Whether you are commuting, exercising, or simply enjoying the outdoors, our trail network is an essential part of Massachusetts’ future. As summer draws to a close, we invite residents and visitors alike to step outside, explore these incredible trails, and use masstrails10.org to plan their next adventure.” 

“Our MassTrails team oversees a vast network of trails across Massachusetts that link communities through green transit, foster tourism, and promote economic opportunity,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “From the Norwottuck Branch of the Mass Central Rail Trail near my hometown in Western Massachusetts – where travelers can take in the beauty of the Connecticut River on the iconic rail bridge –  to the Cape Cod Rail Trail that leads to DCR’s beautiful Nickerson State Park, our trails are pathways to some of the state’s stunning natural assets. We are thrilled to join our state partners at DOT, MOOR and MOTT on this fun new campaign to showcase10 trails across Massachusetts that bring us closer to nature and support our overall well-being.” 

“Trails are one of the simplest and most beautiful ways to experience nature. Outdoor Recreation is a vital part of our state’s identity and economy, and MassTrails 10 showcases the unique regional recreational opportunities available to all trail users," said Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Paul Jahnige. “Whether it is biking 25 miles of the Cape Cod Rail Trail or strolling through the Charles River Greenway, it is undeniable that time spent in nature is essential to all aspects of our social and physical well-being. We welcome residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the array of trails Massachusetts has to offer." 

“As we enter Massachusetts’ second summer and fall seasons, the MassTrails 10 Campaign invites travelers to experience our state in a way that connects people to places and communities,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “From cycling along coastal paths to walking rail trails that pass through small towns and historic sites, these shared-use trails create opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, spend time together, and discover the character of Massachusetts in every region.”  

The MassTrails 10 website highlights ten trails across the state, along with a suggested route, a detailed list of amenities and local attractions, and will ultimately feature a piece of custom artwork from a Massachusetts artist. Visitors can also view connections to local transit where applicable, such as MBTA or Regional Transit Authority service.  

The list of trails is as follows: 

• Charles River Greenway
• Northern Strand Community Trail
• Minuteman Bikeway
• Neponset River Greenway
• Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
• Cape Cod Rail Trail
• Mass Central Rail Trail Norwottuck Branch
• Nashua River Rail Trail
• Blackstone River Greenway
• Ashuwillticook Rail Trail 

By highlighting these trails, MassTrails 10 seeks to raise awareness of the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available on the Commonwealth’s 1,000 miles of shared-use paths. The MassTrails Team consists of MassDOT, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. MassTrails seeks to expand and connect the state’s networks of off-road, shared-use pathways, and recreational trails for all users.  

Since 2019, a majority of MassTrails grants have focused on extending and connecting existing trails to one another, with the ultimate goal of having all trails statewide connect to this established framework. This statewide vision consists primarily of existing and built rail trails and greenways that form the core spine route of a statewide connected shared use path network.  

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