Tag Archives: Blackstone Heritage Corridor

by | June 25, 2025 · 1:59 pm

From rails to trails, the SNETT

Grade crossing at Center St. Bellingham, then… Photo courtesy Bellingham Historical Commission (BHC)
And now…. SNETT, Center Street and Fox Run Road, Bellingham, MA

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Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Learn more.

The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) consists of the rail bed of what was originally called the Norfolk County Railroad, now turned into a rail trail. During its years of operation the railroad changed hands multiple times and had various names. By the early 1900s the railroad was referred to as The Milk Train, since it provided a vital milk delivery service for farmers outside Boston and milk distributors in the city.

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by | December 2, 2024 · 3:36 pm

Blackstone River Greenway/SNETT keeps getting longer (better!)

Marjorie Turner Hollman is an author, creator, observer, and disability advocate who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

Newest section of the Blackstone River Greenway/Bikeway now open!

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Because the process of developing rail trails is such a monumental effort, the easiest sections are generally completed first. (Higher in elevation, already somewhat cleared, lacking encroachment from neighbors). Tying together these disparate, already completed sections of one proposed project is a challenge. When new connections are established the rail trail becomes more attractive for those of us who enjoy traveling by bicycle. And thus, my enthusiasm as we watched progress on the Blackstone Riverway rail trail extension from Blackstone, Massachusetts into Rhode Island.

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by | April 11, 2023 · 4:33 pm

Rails and trails along the Narragansett Bay

Old rails along the East Bay Bike Path remind visitors of days gone by

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

You probably know what someone means when they say they are headed over to the local rail trail. These paved or stone dust developed paths, rail trails, have become a generally recognized part of modern life. The transformation of abandoned rail beds into walkable or bikeable paths has created a growing network of trails intended for recreational walking, bicycling, and other non-motorized uses.

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by | February 21, 2022 · 4:48 pm

Winter at Chase Farm, Lincoln, RI

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

Blue skies in winter can be deceptively cold. A clear, calm day with no wind is a joy, while a stiff wind can be a real challenge for any outing in these darker months. Our visit to Chase Farm in Lincoln Rhode Island offered a mix of weather. Windy on the wide open fields of this historic town-owned property, and Easy Walking in the sheltered spots tucked here and there along the service roads and mown paths that cut through the fields of this former pasture land.

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by | June 24, 2021 · 3:00 pm

Walking through history-Blackstone Canal Tow Path, Uxbridge, MA

Along the historic tow path of the Blackstone Canal

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

We recently visited River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA, a state park and in the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. We planned to walk along the one-mile section of restored tow path that follows the route of the historic Blackstone Canal, built to transport goods from Worcester, MA through the canal to Pawtucket, RI. I describe this walk as “handicapped friendly” since there are no steps to navigate in crossing the bridge from the parking area and visitor center over to the tow path. The path itself is packed gravel, which offers safe footing.

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by | May 27, 2021 · 3:33 pm

Pedaling along the Blackstone river

Along the Blackstone Bikeway, Lincoln, RI

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

During the height of the pandemic we avoided our local rail trails because this is where everyone else was. As the rates of infection have eased and more have gotten vaccinated, we have felt safer returning to our nearby rail trails, and they are less crowded. We recently headed to Lincoln, RI to pedal along the banks of the Blackstone River on the Blackstone Bikeway. To find all the parking areas along the Blackstone Bikeway, plus so much more in the valley, be sure to check out this new on line intereactive map. The Blackstone Heritage Corridor has done an amazing job helping make us aware of all that is going on in the valley. I am lucky to be a volunteer with this great organization.

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by | April 15, 2021 · 4:09 pm

Early spring along the Blackstone River

Maple trees have turned red, preparing to send out their greenery soon. Look close–it will be gone!

My friend Marcy met me at the Blackstone Greenway in Blackstone, MA on a warm early spring day. The tree branches are turning lacy as their red buds fill out and promise greenery will be here soon. We strolled together on the clear path. The last time I was here, the bridges were covered in ice.

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by | October 30, 2020 · 10:08 am

Hopedale Parklands and Heritage Corridor Chat

Hopedale Parklands on a misty autumn morning

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

We visited the Hopedale Parklands on a misty morning to record a “Corridor Chat” with folks from the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. We were talking about Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are, and tips found in the book to help you have a safer, more positive experience spending time outdoors. Here’s the final 10 minute video: https://youtu.be/NwLnKLFJvJk

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by | September 4, 2020 · 2:19 pm

The Blackstone River, river view

View from the water–Blackstone Greenway/Triad bridge in front of us, active railroad beyond the bike path, footing for the third bridge on the right, which was never completed

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

We have done little kayaking in the last number of years because of a serious shoulder injury by the one who does the heavy lifting to get our kayak into the water. We have become adept at figuring out how to continue doing what we love, regardless physical abilities. We are back to being able to use our tandem kayak, with the helping hand of a small trolling motor that reduces the strain on shoulders.

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by | June 10, 2020 · 11:26 am

Blackstone Gorge mountain laurels

Delicate blossoms of mountain laurel return to the Blackstone Gorge each summer

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

Mountain laurels bloom every June in New England, but unless you are paying attention, you might miss the display. It doesn’t last very long. We saw loads of mountain laurel buds recently on a visit to New Hampshire, so I figured the Blackstone Gorge in Blackstone, MA might have some blooms to enjoy. I also checked in with a friend from the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, who confirmed that a trip to the Gorge to see blooming mountain laurel would be worthwhile (as though I needed an excuse!)

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