The Metacomet Greenway: Wrentham’s Trail Project That’s Just Getting Started

Imagine being able to walk or bike from Wrentham to Norfolk or Walpole without ever touching a main road. That’s the big idea behind the Metacomet Greenway, a proposed 17-mile trail that would run along the old railroad line that cuts through Wrentham and neighboring towns.

The project is still in its early stages, but there’s already a lot of excitement—and plenty of work being done behind the scenes to make it real.

What Is the Metacomet Greenway?

At its core, the Metacomet Greenway is a shared-use path that would stretch across five towns—Walpole, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, and North Attleborough. It follows the path of the old Old Colony Railroad, which has been out of use for years.

Instead of letting that land sit untouched, local leaders and residents see an opportunity to build something meaningful—an off-road trail where people can walk, bike, run, or just enjoy the outdoors safely.

Where Things Stand in 2025

Right now, the Metacomet Greenway is still in the planning and feasibility stage, but progress is being made. Wrentham and other towns have already held several public meetings and workshops to talk about the project.

• In April and May of 2023, residents were invited to share their input and learn about the trail’s potential at community forums hosted at Town Hall.

• A feasibility study is also complete. It looked at the trail route, terrain, costs, and any possible challenges along the way—like crossing wetlands or dealing with older rail infrastructure.

All of this is being organized with help from the Metacomet Greenway Association, a nonprofit group made up of local volunteers who are passionate about creating more accessible green space in our towns.

Why This Trail Matters for Wrentham

This isn’t just a project for cyclists or hikers. The Metacomet Greenway has the potential to benefit almost everyone in the community:

• Safe routes for kids walking to school or friends’ houses

• A healthy, local way to stay active without driving to a park

• New foot traffic for small businesses near the trail

• A space for families, seniors, and commuters to move through town more easily

• A boost to property values and overall town appeal

And beyond that? It helps connect our town with neighboring communities—literally and symbolically.

What Happens Next?

The biggest hurdle right now is funding. Wrentham and other towns are working together to apply for design and construction grants through state transportation programs. These grants would cover things like engineering, environmental impact assessments, and ultimately trail construction.

As of now, there’s no start date for construction. The process will take time, but the groundwork is being laid.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re excited about the idea of this trail—or even just curious—you can take part in future events. The Metacomet Greenway Association hosts regular community meetings and even trail walks along the old rail line so people can get a sense of the project in real life.

This isn’t just something happening to Wrentham. It’s something we can shape together.

In Summary

The Metacomet Greenway is more than a walking path. It’s a chance to connect neighborhoods, towns, and people in a healthy, forward-thinking way. And while it’s still early in the process, the enthusiasm and collaboration already on display make it clear that Wrentham is ready to support this trail-to-town connection.

Stay tuned—and keep an eye on that old railroad line. It may look quiet now, but its future is looking active, connected, and full of possibility.