Join us for the Grand Opening of the Mass Central Rail Trail - Wayside

Volunteers from both Weston and Wayland will be hosting ribbon cutting ceremonies in celebration of the completion of the Wayside portion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail in these two towns. Ribbon cuttings will take place in both towns, accompanied by a procession from one side to the other.

10:30 a.m. - Wayland Ribbon Cutting - Meet at the Historic Wayland Depot, 1 Cochituate Rd. (parking can be found at the Stop N Shop plaza at 101 Andrew Avenue).
11:00 a.m. - Procession begins, from Wayland to Weston. Various segments will be led by various groups, including:
- Friends of the Legacy Rail Trail (FLRT)
- Rail Trail Advisory Committee
- Weston Forest and Trail Association
- Weston Council on Aging
- Weston Community Children's Association (WCCA)
12:30 p.m. - Weston ribbon cutting - meet at the Church Street Trail head
(Parking can be found on Town House Road).

After Weston's ribbon cutting (est. 1:00 p.m.), explore and learn more about the trail through one of these planned events:

Guided historical walk - led by members of FLRT and the Weston Historical Society.
Guided walk through Forbes Land - led by members of the Weston Garden Club.
Two-mile fun run/walk - led by members of Weston's Recreation Commission and Rail Trail Advisory Committee.

Join in the festivities for all of the opening events or any portion of the day. Parking is available in Wayland at the Stop & Shop plaza (101 Andrew Avenue) and in Weston along Town House Road. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the ribbon cutting locations in both towns.

A little more on the Mass Central Rail Trail - Wayside

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MassDCR) holds a long-term lease in the corridor of the former Mass Central Railroad. Working with Eversource and the town's of Weston and Wayland, the state agency paved and fenced 4.9 miles of the rail bed cleared and leveled by Eversource. MassDCR also unblocked the Conant Road underpass to allow for uninterrupted access of this new multi-use, recreational asset. The rail trail is under the jurisdiction of MassDCR; however the Friends of the Legacy Rail Trail (FLRT) is establishing itself as a nonprofit organization to help look after the trail for everyone's enjoyment.

MassDCR envisions the Wayside portion of the Mass Central Rail Trail will extend from Berlin to Waltham. Efforts across the state are underway to re-open the entire former railroad as a rail trail, from Northampton to Boston, approximately 104 miles crossing through 24 communities. The City of Waltham is currently reviewing plans to open its portion.