Tracks to hike and photograph near Boston

[kieran]

Just moved up the the Boston area and am having trouble finding new places to walk along tracks (abandoned) and take pictures.

Coming from the Philadelphia area, there were tracks everywhere to take pictures and walk with the dog.

Anyone have any tips on places to go with the dog and do a little hiking and photographing?

Anywhere within an hour of Boston is preferable, but I'm open to a longer drive.

Thanks.

[NRGeep]

The former Old Colony/NH branch from Needham Junction to Medfield would qualify. Still technically active, but dosn't see any more trains to my knowledge. Seems imminent to become a bike path. Goes by Needham town forest, Dover and there is a siding in the woods for the now abandoned Medfield State Hospital which is open to the public durring the day and lends itself to photo ops as it hasn't been converted into condos yet like most of the old asylums. The abandoned since '82 Central Mass branch (B&M) is a fun hike as well. Tracks still intact for the most part from Waltham to Sudbury. Plus the tunnel in Clinton. Others no doubt have more to add.

[kieran]

Awesome. Thank you.

That's exactly what I was looking for.

[Narrowgauger]

The former Old Colony/NH branch from Needham Junction to Medfield would qualify. Still technically active, but dosn't see any more trains to my knowledge. Seems imminent to become a bike path. Goes by Needham town forest, Dover and there is a siding in the woods for the now abandoned Medfield State Hospital which is open to the public durring the day and lends itself to photo ops as it hasn't been converted into condos yet like most of the old asylums. The abandoned since '82 Central Mass branch (B&M) is a fun hike as well. Tracks still intact for the most part from Waltham to Sudbury. Plus the tunnel in Clinton. Others no doubt have more to add.

If you follow the tracks west from Medfield jct to Millis(extenteion of the above line) you cross a nice wood trestle. The line is still technically active however it is used MAYBE 2-3 times a year. There is a stored Bay Colony GP-9 on the line. Not in the greatest shape but still there. The line ends in Millis at the ex GAF roofing plant. Its about 3 miles long.

[Rbts Stn]

Oak Street in Newton got "milled" over the past few days, and the tracks at the crossing were removed. This completes the removal of tracking for that specific area.