This is a hike along a stretch of the Lancaster Railroad branch that still exists in Bolton (no tracks, just rail bed). This railroad initiated in downtown Hudson and went north across Mill (Bruce's) pond. The trestle across Mill Pond was damaged in the 1938 hurricane or torn down. It supposedly passed under the Central Mass trestle, continued north and crossed Lincoln street (Route 85). You may be able to spot an earthen embankment behind a home on Lincoln street (private property, please view only from road). The railbed then becomes the main path through Danforth Falls. Further north up route 85, you can see the railbed highlighted by a stand of trees, across the street from a home at 258 Bolton road. At Century Mill road, you can see the rail bed on the north side continue through some private property. The rail bed then enters the Resolute Boy Scout camp complex and serves as a main trail there. It terminates at 495 and resestablishes at the other side. The cut through the rock here was known as Ledge Station, but I guess any traces of a train stop were eliminated by 495 construction. The rail bed is still hikeable up to about the middle of the Bolton Fairgrounds. A little further, it is completely gone, having last been bulldozed to make way for the new Bolton school.
Excerpted from "The Central Mass", published by The Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society, Inc.: The Lancaster and Hudson railroad was chartered on April 30, 1870. From the start, this railroad was beset with financial and managerial problems. Its purpose was to run from South Lancaster, through Bolton and on to Hudson. It is presumed that at the time of "railroad fever", the citizens of Bolton were interested in improved transportation. Construction of the 8-3/4 miles of track was completed in 1872. Soon after, one train was run in 1873 to allow officials to look things over. Neither of the connecting railroads would exercise their lease agreement, and a lawsuit* eventually lead to bankrupty in 1874. Because of this, the railroad was to never officially open. In 1889, the rails were taken up (113 years ago).
In the December 19, 1997 issue of the Bolton Common, there is an account of the inspection train stopping to pick up Nahum Stratton of 258 Bolton and his granddaughter and allowing them to hop a ride to downtown Bolton.
I think the failure of this branch, and therefore the lack of freight capability, has contributed to Bolton having maintained its rural character, instead of having developed as more of a mill/factory town like adjoining Hudson and Clinton.
It is dangerous to attempt to reach this from the highway. Instead, use the parking at 42 25.780N 071 36.085W. The trailhead is quite well concealed but easy to get through at 42 25.672N / 071 36.310W. Other entry points will require you to ford a stream.
Sorry, but there are no impressive landmarks along this trail - just a clear level railbed. There are a couple of stone aquaducts that go underneath this railbed but I did not have time to locate them for you.
Note: I did find a tick on my upper body when I tranversed this.
Any Scouts who are trying out their GPS at Camp Resolute can't get here from there!
* Mr. Shebnah Rich on June 22, 1872 claimed that the railbed had damaged a dam of the Holmes Manufacturing Estate in Hudson. I can't find this dam estate on my 1872 map of Hudson. Once you find the cache, you can return the same way, or follow the trail north along the stone wall, then northwest, then west. It will bring you out on the other side of the office building to a different trail head at 42 25.730N 71 35.905W. Walk south up the driveway and you should see where you are. It's probably best to go this way only during nonbusiness hours as you will be on Bolton Office park property. Otherwise, you can return along the railbed. Mr. FXB and I cleared much of this trail during our residence in this building back in 1998-1999. I don't know who put up the yellow markers. Check out the Google Map of the Lancaster Branch Railroad: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1KljbCghioxad21I1AjSwpMpZtko&ll=42.066010071850286%2C-70.82338189999999&z=9 Also check out the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931788734290851