SPENCER DEPOT RAIL TRAIL:
SPENCER, MASSACHUSETTS
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Length: Spencer Depot Rail Trail; 1.7 miles.
Difficulty: Easy. Crushed gravel rail trail with a slight uphill grade along the northern half.
Directions:
To Start from South Spencer Road parking lot [Southern End]; From the intersection of Routes 9 & 49 travel east along Route 9 for 0.4 miles to S Spencer Rd and head right. Just before a tunnel under some RR tracks at 0.9 miles look left to spot the parking lot.
The Spencer Depot Rail Trail follows the former spur line of the Boston & Albany Railroad, originally constructed in 1879, North-South. For more information visit; SPENCER TRAILS .
Starting from the South Spencer Road parking lot [Southern End]; Kiosk located here. Travel North, past the yellow gate along the wide crushed gravel rail trail along a wooded corridor. After 0.3 miles you'll pass a Spur Trail on your right.
Note; This narrow, hard packed dirt Spur Trail travels South, through the Spencer State Forest for 0.7 miles out to Lyford Rd. Head left to check out Howe State Park. Mt bike recommended. I have not checked out this trail.
Travel past the Cranberry River Marsh along your right. After 0.6 miles the trail begins a slight uphill grade. Pass by Ogara Park at 1.3 miles, followed by an old cement RR Whistle Post on your right. + See; RR Whistle Post Below. You'll pass by a second RR Whistle Post before coming to Chestnut St after 1.7 miles and the end of the trail. Kiosk located here.
Old Railroad Equipment:
+
RR Whistle Post:
The Whistle Post,
was a post with a large "W" engraved or painted on it. This
meant the railroad engineers were to start sounding the trains Whistle.
The Whistle posts
were usually placed 0.25 miles
in advance of a road crossing,
bridges, tunnels and other points. Usually, there would be a post placed on both
sides of the crossing, covering both directions.
HH
BEFORE YOU SET OUT BE SURE TO READ THE
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMER
BIKE IT OR HIKE IT