Hike to the Tri-State Marker (CT-MA-RI) and the Site of the Great East Thompson Train Wreck
David Ostafin
Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026 for an EASY/MODERATE three-mile hike to the Tri-State Marker (CT-MA-RI), and then to the site of the Great East Thompson Four-Train Wreck of 1891. Meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Tri-State Trail Parking lot, at 652 E. Thompson Road, Thompson, CT for a prompt departure at 11:00 a.m. The rain date is the following day, Sunday, April 19, 2026. The hike will be led by Scott Robinson.
ABOUT THE HIKE. We will leave at 11 a.m. for an approximate two-hour hike that will have two distinct segments. Part of the first segment, along the Airline Trial, is flat and EASY, but the ascent to, and descent from, the Tri-State Marker via the Tri-State Marker Trial (1.7 miles) is deemed MODERATE. The second segment, to the train wreck site, is entirely EASY. Both segments add up to three-miles in total, and will require approximately two-hours of walking time.
We will first head North as an EASY hike along the Airline Trail to access the Tri-State Marker Loop to see the Tri-State Marker, which will loop back to the Airline Trail for our return South. On the way we will stop directly on top of a one-of-kind arch bridge waterway circa 1870 (called the “culvert”) which is not seen until you descend from the trail to the waterway. Those with agile ability may decide to descend to see it close-up. But all will be able to view it from an excellent vantage point on the way back to the Airline Trail from the Tri-State Marker. Also along the way is the cattle crossing bridge over the trail, constructed to allow the movement of animals to the other side of the railroad tracks. We continue North on the Airline Trail, locating a granite Bi-State Marker of CT and MA, and then access the Tri-State Marker Trail to go tothe Tri-State Marker, which will be the more MODERATE part of the hike, ascending and descending along the demarcation lines of MA and CT for about 20-minutes until we reach the Tri-State Marker of CT, RI, and MA. We will hang out here for a bit, for a group photo and other personal photo opportunities to document the state of being in three states simultaneously. Then we will descend to a hill ridge, continuing as a MODERATE hike. Once the trail levels out, it eases towards an EASY hike as we locate the White-blazed Trail leading us to an absolutely spectacular view of the arch waterway bridge (a great photo opportunity of the “culvert”!) which is about 156 years old and still going strong. We will then return South, along the Airline Trail, an EASY section of the hike, as we head back to the parking lot and prepare for the second segment.
The second segment is the hike to the site of the Great East Thompson Train Wreck of 1891. This segment is entirely flat and EASY, and is along the Airline Trail. Explanatory panels with photographs have been placed in the critical areas of the site, to describe the events of the early morning of December 4, 1891 when four trains collided (Southbridge Local, Boston Freight, Long Island Express, and Norwich Boat Train), resulting in the destruction of all four trains, injuring hundreds, but killing only three. The crash, which resulted from a dispatcher’s error, created 500 feet of wreckage and massive fires, but the line was cleared by the afternoon of the same day. It is also the site of the former East Thompson Railroad Station. There has been recent excavation to reveal the site of the former train station, as well as the circular “turntable,” where trains were able to change direction. There are many archeological artifacts scattered about, dating back to the heyday of the trains through this area. We will spend about 20 minutes meandering through the ruins and discussing the historical events of yesteryear pertaining to the old railroad station and the famous wreck that happened there. Train operation gradually declined in the twentieth century with the advent of motor vehicles and highways, but continued in this area until 1955, when the Great Flood of 1955 was the final death knell of the train station.
IMPORTANT NOTES: As always, dress appropriately for the season, including footwear adequate for hiking in possibly muddy conditions. Consider bringing a walking stick for balance. Bring water for sufficient hydration during the hike. Read our Disclaimer (the group disclaims all liability; each participant is responsible for him/herself). Dogs are most welcome on the hike. There are waterless “portalets” located in the parking area. Due to a recent upgrade of the lot, there is now ample parking for hikers.
DIRECTIONS: Set your GPS for “652 E. Thompson Road, Thompson, CT.” From points South via 84 East: Take the exit to 384 East to get on Route 44; travel on Route 44 to access 395 North. From points close to the shore, you can take 95 North to 395 North.
Once on 395 North, access Route 200 (Exit 50). Go right on Route 200 (half mile) to the Thompson green. Then go left on Route for several miles and take the fork to the right onto East Thompson Road. The trail parking lot is just down the road, about a mile on the left.
AFTER HIKE SOCIAL. The optional after-hike luncheon/social will be at the nearby Raceway Restaurant, located at 205 E. Thompson Road, Thompson, CT. The restaurant is situated between the Raceway Golf Club and the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. For excellent, genuine gelato as a dessert, some may decide after lunch to take a short drive to Main Street Gelato, located at 372 Riverside Drive, in the North Grosvenordale section of Thompson.
