The New York Central Railroad took over the B&A in 1900, and upgraded the line, which was sold to the Boston and Maine Corporation (B&M) in 1981.

[1] The state intends to extend the trail north and west to Williamstown for a total length of 25 miles (40 km), with additional potential extension south to the Housatonic village of Great Barrington.

[6][7] These extensions are expected to have higher costs than the existing path, which already covers the full disused length of the rail line.

A 2.4-mile (3.9 km) northern extension to Hodges Cross Road in North Adams is planned to begin construction in 2028.

[6] In January 2025, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission was awarded a $17.3 million federal grant to fund design of the remaining 9.3 miles (15.0 km) to Williamstown.