Are dogs allowed on Southwick Rail Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Southwick Rail Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Southwick Rail Trail?

No, Southwick Rail Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Southwick Rail Trail?

Southwick Rail Trail is rated easy. It is 13.5 miles long with 883 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Massachusetts trail conditions

EasyOut and Back

Massachusetts

Southwick Rail Trail

Southwick, Massachusetts

13.5 mi

Distance

883 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 39m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

The New Haven and Northampton Canal Greenway (NHNCG) is a proposed and partially completed, paved rail trail and non-motorized commuter route along the former right of way of the New Haven and Northampton Railroad. It currently has 63 miles (101 km) open, and when complete it will be 81.2 miles (130.7 km), running between Northampton, Massachusetts and New Haven, Connecticut. The NHNCG name is an effort to unify and promote a regional trail name for the individual trails that it comprises. The New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway Alliance (NHNCGA) represents seven nonprofit trail groups that advocate for the individual trails. As of 2025, 15 of the 16 municipalities through which the trail runs have officially supported the unified NHNCG name. The NHNCG is a part of the greater New England Rail-Trail Network.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:55 ft

Max:90 ft

269 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.