Mass Central Rail Trail – Thayer Pond WMA loop from Rutland
Mass Central Rail Trail – Thayer Pond WMA loop from Rutland
4.7
(8743)
10,405
riders
Mass Central Rail Trail – Thayer Pond WMA loop from Rutland
02:18
25.3km
220m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Rutland State Park
Ware River Watershed
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
392 m
Thayer Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
1.04 km
Thayer Pond Wildlife Management Area
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
1.06 km
Mass Central Rail Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
2.50 km
Barrack Hill
Highlight • Summit
8.52 km
East Branch Ware River
Highlight • River
Tip by
13.1 km
Barre Falls Dam
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
17.2 km
Barre Falls Flood Control Area
Nature Reserve
22.7 km
Mass Central Rail Trail – Ware River Watershed
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
24.3 km
Thayer Pond WMA
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
25.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
16.7 km
5.29 km
3.27 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
20.4 km
2.94 km
1.10 km
858 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Monday 6 July
21°C
15°C
61 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a touring cycling route that blends history with diverse natural beauty, the Mass Central Rail Trail – Thayer Pond WMA loop from Rutland is definitely worth your time. This moderate 15.7-mile (25.3 km) loop, with 712 feet (217 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete, making it a fantastic option for a rewarding half-day ride through central Massachusetts.
What to expect on Mass Central Rail Trail – Thayer Pond WMA loop from Rutland
This route offers a journey through varied landscapes, primarily on a hard-packed crushed stone surface that's generally great for touring bikes. However, be prepared for some sections with loose gravel, dirt, or even grassy double track, especially in the conservation areas, which might be better suited for a sturdier all-terrain or gravel bike. You'll cycle past scenic Thayer Pond, Muddy Pond, and Moulton Pond, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. Don't miss the impressive Charnock Cut, a 900-foot-long granite formation that's a cool, mossy highlight, or the Pommogussett Tunnel with its unique murals depicting pond life. While rated moderate, some unpaved segments can be challenging, occasionally requiring good fitness or even walking your bike.
Planning your visit
The Mass Central Rail Trail – Thayer Pond WMA loop is accessible from Rutland, offering a well-developed stone dust surface for much of its length. While specific parking details aren't provided, trailheads along the Mass Central Rail Trail are typically well-marked. Given the varied terrain, consider the type of bike you're riding; narrow-tired road bikes might struggle on the unpaved sections. The Charnock Cut is particularly pleasant in summer, remaining cool, and the route offers year-round appeal, though conditions will vary seasonally.
Trail details
- Distance: 15.7 miles (25.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 712 feet (217 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 17 minutes
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