Routes
Boston offers an exceptional variety of running routes that blend urban beauty, historic charm, and easy access to nature. The Charles River Esplanade is the city’s signature route, with miles of paved paths along both the Boston and Cambridge sides offering views of sailboats, bridges, and the skyline, perfect for everything from daily jogs to marathon training. Extending south from the city center, the historic Emerald Necklace connects a series of parks and greenways from the Boston Common through Jamaica Pond to Franklin Park, providing a shaded, continuous escape from traffic that showcases Boston’s lush park system. Across the river, Cambridge and Somerville add their own flavor with the Somerville Community Path, a smooth, well-used rail trail that links neighborhoods and transit hubs, and the Fresh Pond Loop, a tranquil lakefront route popular with local runners. For those craving elevation and forested miles, Middlesex Fells Reservation to the north and Blue Hills Reservation to the south offer technical trails, steep climbs, and sweeping views—proving that Boston’s running landscape extends far beyond the city streets.
1 & 2. Charles Riverfront
The Charles Riverfront Path is a scenic multi-use trail that follows the Charles River, offering miles of walking, running, and cycling routes through Boston and its surrounding areas.
The most popular area is within the 8.65-mile loop between Boston and Cambridge. Starting in the east, the Museum of Science marks the northern point. Moving west, Longfellow and Mass Ave Bridges are two major crossings of the river before the river narrows, and bridges become shorter and more frequent. Highlights include the Weeks Footbridge, a picturesque pedestrian bridge linking Harvard University's campus.
On the Boston side, the most iconic stretch is the Charles River Esplanade (cover), featuring tree-lined pathways along scenic lagoons. The Hatch Shell, an outdoor performance venue, is located nearby. Further west, the path continues past Boston University to Allston. On the Cambridge side, the path offers skyline views and passes MIT, with its modern architecture, including the Great Dome and nearby Stata Center. Steinbrenner Stadium, open to the public, is popular for track workouts. The path continues to Harvard University, with Harvard Square just a short detour away.
This section of the riverfront trail connects to the Emerald Necklace (Routes 3, 4) in the south, Downtown Harbor Walk (Route 7) in the east, and Somerville Community Path (Route 13) in the north.
Past Cambridge, the riverfront continues west toward Watertown. Located 8 miles west of downtown Boston along the Charles River, Watertown is one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts. Watertown Square, situated along the Charles Riverfront Trail, serves as the town’s commercial and transportation hub, offering restaurants, shops, and public transit connections.
East of Watertown Square, the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway links the riverfront trail to Fresh Pond (Route #14), passing by Mount Auburn Cemetery—a National Historic Landmark and America’s first landscaped cemetery—renowned for its natural beauty, walking paths, and birdwatching opportunities.
Further upstream along the Charles River lies Waltham, a historic city often called the “Watch City” for its role in pioneering the American watchmaking industry.
The Charles Riverfront Trail ends near Waltham’s town center. From there, continuing along local streets on the south side of the river provides a connection to Auburndale Park. The park’s other access point is located on Commonwealth Avenue, approximately one mile from the Firehouse Loop (Route 12).
Run Cubs / Many run clubs run along the riverfront, including @tracksmithrunning @bricklayersunion @metromoovin
@cambridgefridayrunclub among others.
Cafe / Boston’s local chains, Tatte and Flour, have several locations along the river path. Beyond these, the Cambridge side generally offers better café options for value and vibes, such as Café Beatrice, PBR Boulangerie and Faro Café. Further west, more bakeries and cafes are scattered along this route, including O'Some Café, Sofra Bakery, Revival Cafe + Kitchen, Black Sheep Bagel Cafe, and Faro Café.
Transit / The Boston side of the path isn't far from the MBTA Green Line, while the Cambridge side is served by the MBTA Red Line at MIT/Kendall and Harvard Square. Waltham is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line; Watertown, although not directly served by any commuter rail or subway line, is well-connected to Cambridge and Boston via MBTA bus routes.
3. Emerald Necklace: Boston Common - Comm Ave
Boston’s Emerald Necklace is a chain of parks and green spaces designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 19th century. This post covers the Downtown section of Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Ave.
- Established in 1634, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States and a historic and recreational centerpiece of the city. The park features walking paths, green spaces, and monuments commemorating key moments in American history. Its outer loop is 1.1 miles long, including a 0.3-mile incline along Beacon Street that is popular for hill repeats.
Boston Common marks the starting point of the Freedom Trail, a renowned 2.5-mile route showcasing significant historical landmarks in Boston. It is also adjacent to the Massachusetts State House, and the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood.
- Boston Public Garden is the first public botanical garden in the United States, offering a beautifully landscaped setting with vibrant floral displays, winding pathways, ornamental fountains, and Swan Boats that have operated since 1877.
- Commonwealth Avenue, often referred to as Comm Ave, is one of Boston’s most iconic streets. Its most famous section, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, runs through the Back Bay and features a grand, tree-lined promenade with wide pedestrian walkways and historic statues.
Comm Ave is a key segment of the Boston Marathon course. The iconic race joins Comm Ave around Mile 26, leading runners to the famous turn—“Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston”—with the finish line in front of the Boston Public Library. You can also find Tracksmith's Trackhouse a few blocks away on Newbury St.
Cafe / There are several Tatte Bakery & Cafe locations in the ares. Some of Boston's best coffee shops and bakeries are just a short walk from Boston Common, including Gracenote Coffee, Ogawa Coffee, and Greystone Café.
Transit / Boston Common is accessible via the MBTA Red, Green, and Orange Lines. Comm Ave is conveniently located along all branches of the MBTA Green Line.
4. Emerald Necklace: Back Bay Fens - Jamaica Pond
• Route Profile: 7.6 miles loop, 154+, largely paved multi-use paths, some street sidewalks and dirt paths
- Back Bay Fens is a network of interconnected green spaces near Fenway Park, featuring walking and running paths, a three-lane Clemente track (P6), community gardens, and scenic views along the Muddy River. Nearby attractions include Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Back Bay Fens is connected with Boston Common and Public Garden via Commonwealth Ave (Route #3).
- Past Fenway and Brookline Avenue, the Emerald Necklace turns south, continuing through The Riverway and Olmsted Park, a series of parks that follow the course of the Muddy River. The multi-use path runs along the edge of the parks, providing a scenic route for walking, running, and cycling. Additionally, Olmsted Park features soft-surface trails that wind through wooded areas and around tranquil ponds. Adjacent to Olmsted Park, Harry Downes Track is a standard track popular for workouts.
- Jamaica Pond, located just south of Olmsted Park, is a scenic 68-acre pond featuring a popular 1.5-mile paved loop for walking and running. The surrounding parkland offers open green spaces, shaded areas, and benches, making it a peaceful retreat within the city. The pond is also connected to The Arnold Arboretum via Arborway (Route #5).
Cafe / There is a vibrant urban atmosphere around Back Bay Fens, with plenty of cafes in the Fenway–Kenmore neighborhood and along Beacon St. Other nearby hubs along or near this route include Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.
Transit / This section of the Emerald Necklace is conveniently situated between the MBTA Orange Line and the Green Line's C, D, and E branches.
5. Emerald Necklace: Arboretum - Franklin Park
- Arnold Arboretum
• Route Profile: various, roughly 4 miles loop with a visit to Peters Hill top
The Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre botanical garden operated by Harvard University, it is one of the oldest public arboretums in North America, established in 1872. The arboretum features a vast collection of trees, shrubs, and plants from around the world, making it a living museum of woody plants. Its landscape was designed by the renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted, blending natural beauty with scientific research and conservation efforts.
The Arnold Arboretum is free and open to the public year-round, its main entrances are located along Arborway. Within the arboretum, paved roads intertwine with several connecting footpaths, offering plenty of routes to explore. Be sure to visit Peters Hill for its stunning panoramic views of the Boston skyline.
- Franklin Park
• Route Profile: 2.2 miles loop, 118 ft+, paved path; with a one-mile lollipop add-on on the north side
Spanning 527 acres, Franklin Park is the largest green space in Boston, offering a mix of woodlands, meadows, and home to the Franklin Park Zoo. It is a hub for walking, running, cycling, and picnicking. Its extensive trail system includes both paved and unpaved paths, perfect for exploring nature without leaving the city. At the north corner of the park, there is a public track in the White Stadium.
The Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park are about one mile apart and connected by the Arborway.
Cafe / Check out Third Cliff Bakery and Ula Café, or explore the many local businesses along Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.
Transit / This area is accessible by MBTA bus routes and is located near Forest Hills Station and Green Street Station on the Orange Line.
6. Emerald Necklace: Southwest Corridor
• Start & Finish: Back Bay MBTA station to Forest Hills MBTA Station
• Route Profile: 4 miles one way, mostly flat, paved path, many traffic intersections
The Southwest Corridor is a linear park and multi-use path that stretches from Back Bay to Jamaica Plain in Boston. Following the route of the MBTA Orange Line, this greenway is easy to navigate and provides a scenic space for walking, running, and cycling. It connects several Boston neighborhoods, including Back Bay, South End, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain.
While it may not be as popular as other sections of the Emerald Necklace due to its lack of natural scenery and frequent intersections, the Southwest Corridor offers a practical alternative route. Since the Emerald Necklace also links Downtown Boston and Back Bay with Jamaica Plain, the Southwest Corridor can be used to create a loop instead of an out-and-back route.
The Southwest Corridor is a convenient route to reach the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, which features an indoor track that serves as the winter practice venue for Heartbreak Hill Running Co.'s weekly workouts.
Cafe / There are plenty of cafés along the path in South End and Jamaica Plain. Notably, Greystone Cafe in South End and Third Cliff Bakery in Jamaica Plain are two of my favorite spots for both baked goods and coffee in Boston.
Transit / Southwest Corridor runs alongside the MBTA Orange Line with several metro stations along the path.
7. Harbor Walk Downtown & Charlestown
Boston Harbor Walk is a near-continuous, 43-mile linear park along Boston’s shoreline. This post covers the sections in Charlestown, Downtown, and South Boston Waterfront.
• Route Profile: 6.6 miles one way, mostly flat, paved path
Located on the north side of the Charles River, Charlestown is Boston's oldest neighborhood and features approximately 1.5 miles of the Harbor Walk. The path winds through the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, home to the USS Constitution, and nearby, the Bunker Hill Monument stands as a tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the earliest and most significant engagements of the American Revolutionary War.
Through Gridley Locks, the Harborwalk continues along Downtown Boston’s waterfront, showcasing a variety of attractions:
- Long Wharf: A historic and lively wharf featuring restaurants, harbor cruises, ferries, and the New England Aquarium.
- Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park: A picturesque green space with a rose garden, trellised walkways, and stunning harbor views.
- Rowes Wharf: Home to the iconic Boston Harbor Hotel, offering luxurious dining, marina access, and a grand archway framing the harbor.
- Historic Landmarks: A short walk into the city center leads to notable sites like Old North Church, Faneuil Hall and the Old State House.
Across Fort Point channel, the Harbor Walk continues for another mile in the Seaport District, a dynamic and rapidly developing area known for its modern architecture, waterfront views, and vibrant cultural scene.
The Downtown Harborwalk seamlessly connects to several other routes, including the Charles Riverfront Trail (Route 1), the Somerville Community Path (Route 13), and the South Boston section of the Harborwalk (Route 9), located just 1.5 miles to the south.
Transit / All MBTA subway lines converge in Downtown Boston. Key stations near the Harborwalk include North Station, Aquarium, and South Station. Charlestown is partially served by the Orange Line, while the Seaport District is accessible via the Silver Line (Bus Rapid Transit).
8. Harbor Walk East & East Boston Greenway
Harbor Walk East
• Start & Finish: LoPresti Park to Logan Airport
• Route Profile: 2 miles one way, flat, paved path
The East Boston Harborwalk blends natural beauty with urban charm, providing an ideal setting for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the waterfront. Highlights include Piers Park (cover), which boasts stunning views of the Boston skyline; LoPresti Park, offering recreational spaces and playgrounds; and Massport Harborwalk Park and Skyline Monument near Logan Airport.
East Boston Greenway
• Start & Finish: Piers Park to Constitution Beach
• Route Profile: 2.1 miles one way, flat, paved path
The East Boston Greenway, also known as the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway, is a multi-use path connecting East Boston's waterfront with Constitution Beach. Beginning at Piers Park on the harbor, the Greenway traverses key community landmarks like Bremen Street Park and East Boston Memorial Park (P8), offering a scenic and accessible route for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
East Boston’s running routes are relatively isolated from other Boston-area trails due to its location. However, runners seeking extended routes can explore scenic options by continuing to Revere Beach, Winthrop, or Chelsea.
Cafe / Finding exceptional cafes in East Boston can be a challenge. The best options are likely along the bustling stretch of Meridian Street, particularly between Central Square Park and Maverick Square.
Transit / The East Boston Greenway has convenient access from MBTA Blue Line stations such as Maverick (East Boston's downtown area), Airport, and Wood Island. An alternative option is the MBTA Ferry, which offers infrequent service between the Logan Airport Ferry Terminal and Long Wharf in Downtown Boston.
9. Harbor Walk South & Castle Island
Castle Island
• Start & Finish: anywhere along the loop
• Route Profile: 1.85 miles loop, flat, paved path
Castle Island, a historic landmark in South Boston, is home to Fort Independence, a granite fort dating back to the 19th century. This site is one of the oldest continuously fortified locations in British North America, with origins tracing back to 1634. Despite its name, Castle Island is no longer an island, as a land bridge now connects it to the mainland.
For runners, "Castle Island" often refers to the 1.85-mile loop around Pleasure Bay, offering scenic views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline. Common access points to this loop include E 1st Street from the South Boston Waterfront and the Harbor Walk from Carson Beach.
Harbor Walk South
• Start & Finish: Pleasure Bay to Savin Hill Cove
• Route Profile: 4.75 miles one way, flat, paved path
This is the southernmost section of the Boston Harborwalk, spanning nearly five miles from Pleasure Bay to Dorchester Bay. Just south of Pleasure Bay, the path follows a scenic route along sandy beaches, including L Street Beach and Carson Beach. It then winds through a series of connected linear parks around Columbia Point, home to landmarks like the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and UMass Boston. After passing UMass Boston, the path continues along the eastern side of Morrissey Boulevard and concludes near the Southeast Expressway.
Cafe / Broadway in South Boston and Dorchester Avenue near Field’s Corner both feature a vibrant selection of cafes. For specialty coffee, check out Render Coffee or Cannonball Cafe.
Transit / The MBTA Red Line provides convenient access to this route with stations like Andrew, JFK/UMass, and Field's Corner located nearby. In areas not directly served by the Red Line, such as South Boston and UMass Boston, MBTA bus services offer additional transit options.
10. Neponset River Trail
• Start & Finish: Joseph Finnegan Park to Readville (Truman Pkwy at Neponset River Pkwy)
• Route Profile:6.9 miles one way, 156 ft+, paved path
The Neponset River Trail is a scenic multi-use path running along the Neponset River, forming part of Boston's southern border. This pathway follows the historic route of the Old Colony Railroad, offering a peaceful green corridor for walking, running, and cycling, as well as opportunities to explore salt marsh ecosystems and observe local wildlife.
The eastern section of the trail meanders through several parks, including Joseph Finnegan Park and Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester, providing scenic views of the river and add-on options. (0.5-mile loop in Joseph Finnegan Park and 1.35-mile loop in Pope John Paul II Park.) Heading west, the trail reaches Mattapan, largely paralleling the Mattapan Trolley, a branch of the MBTA Red Line. Although the official trail concludes in South Mattapan around the 4-mile mark, the route can be extended south by following the multi-use along Truman Parkway to Neponset River Parkway in Readville.
Cafe / The major clusters of cafes along the trail are located near the southern end of Dorchester Ave, around Mattapan Square, and in Downtown Hyde Park. These areas provide convenient spots for refreshments and relaxation during/after your run, as well as public transit access from/to the city center (see below).
Transit / In the northeastern section of the trail, it runs parallel to the Mattapan Trolley, part of the MBTA Red Line, with convenient access points at stations like Mattapan and Ashmont. Moving to the southwestern section, the trail passes near several MBTA Commuter Rail stations. Notably, Fairmont Station, located in Zone 1A, offers a much more cost-effective train fare from/to Boston compared to the nearby Hyde Park and Readville stations, which fall in Zones 1 and 2, respectively.
11. Brookline, MA
Brookline is a vibrant town located just west of Boston, known for its seamless blend of urban and suburban features. It combines historic charm, expansive green spaces, and a range of cultural attractions. The town is home to some excellent running routes, three of which will be highlighted in this post, with additional spots featured in the Emerald Necklace series.
Chestnut Hill Reservoir
• Start & Finish: several access points along the loop
• Route Profile:1.5 mile loop, mostly flat
The Chestnut Hill Reservoir is a picturesque body of water encircled by a popular 1.5-mile path perfect for walking and running. The trail offers beautiful views of the reservoir, surrounding greenery, and nearby historic landmarks, including the impressive Romanesque-style water pumping stations.
Brookline Reservoir
• Start & Finish: Boylston St at Warren St
• Route Profile:1.0 mile loop, mostly flat
The Brookline Reservoir offers serene views of the water, surrounded by mature trees and parkland that create a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from the city. The one-mile loop around the reservoir is perfect for those looking for a scenic spot to walk, run, or simply unwind in a natural setting.
Summit Ave
• Start & Finish: Beacon St to Corey Hill Park
• Route Profile: 0.43 mile, 189 ft+, 8% grade
Summit Avenue features a short but challenging hill that is a favorite training spot for local runners. At the top, Corey Hill Park rewards those who tackle the incline with sweeping views of the Boston skyline, offering a picturesque and motivating scene.
Cafe / Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village are hubs for cafes and restaurants, offering a wide range of dining options. Just a short detour from Coolidge Corner is Clear Flour Bread, a local favorite for freshly baked goods. Nearby neighborhoods like Back Bay and Jamaica Plain also feature rich culinary and café scenes.
Transit / The Chestnut Hill Reservoir is easily accessible via MBTA Green Line's B, C, and D branches. Summit Ave Hill is between the B and C branches. The Brookline Reservoir is along Bus Route 60.
12. Newton, MA
Newton Firehouse Loop
• Start & Finish: Heartbreak Hill Running Company or Newton Centre
• Route Profile:10 miles loop, 479 ft+, sidewalks
The Firehouse Loop, named for the Newton Firehouse located at mile 17.5 on the Boston Marathon course, is a popular 10-mile training route in Newton, a suburb southwest of Boston. Running clockwise, half of the loop (along Washington St and Commonwealth Ave) traces the Boston Marathon course from Mile 16.6 to Mile 21.6. The 10-mile loop can be easily shortened by using alternate connecting streets between Commonwealth Ave and Beacon St. the route can also be extended by adding on the 1.5-mile Chestnut Hill Reservoir Loop (Route 11).
Newton is known for its four consecutive hills along the Boston Marathon course, often referred to as the Newton Hills. The first of these hills takes place as runners leaving Wellesley and entering Newtown, shortly before the Newton Firehouse, and the Firehouse Loop incorporates the latter three hills, including Heartbreak Hill, the most famous hill located at Mile 20.5 of the marathon. Although Heartbreak Hill itself only ascends about 88 feet over 0.4 miles, it poses a unique mental and physical challenge due to its placement in the marathon.
At the base of Heartbreak Hill, you’ll find Heartbreak Hill Running Company (@heartbreak.bos) , a Boston-founded specialty running store. Heartbreak's Newton store organizes group runs on the Firehouse Loop, which also serves as their official 10 Mile time trial course. The group also does long runs along the Boston Marathon course especially during the months leading up to the marathon.
Cafe / At the center of the Firehouse Loop, Newton Centre offers a good selection of cafes, including SALT Patisserie and the popular local chain Tatte.
Transit / Newton Centre is on MBTA Green Line’s D Branch with a direct route to Downtown Boston. On the eastern side of the loop, the B, C, and D branches of the Green Line converge at Chestnut Hill Reservoir, although each branch has distinct station locations.
13. Somerville Community Path
• Start & Finish: Lechmere Green Line Station to Alewife Red Line Station
• Route Profile: 4 miles one-way, 86 ft+, paved
The Somerville Community Path is a paved, multi-use trail running through the heart of Somerville. It extends from East Cambridge near Lechmere Green Line Station to Alewife Station, creating a peaceful greenway ideal for walking, running, and cycling. On the east end, the path connects to trails along the Charles River (Routes 1-2), while on the west, it links with the Minuteman Bikeway (Route 15) and the Alewife Brook Greenway (Route 14), offering extensive access to regional trails.
The eastern half, stretching between East Cambridge and Somerville Junction Park, is a narrower bike path that runs parallel to the MBTA Green Line, passing by warehouse areas along light rail tracks. This quiet section is often fenced and ideal for runners seeking to pick up speed.
Beyond Somerville Junction Park, the trail widens and transitions into a more residential area. This portion is lined with greenery, offering multiple access points, and tends to be more populated with walkers, cyclists, and other trail users. Reducing speed in this segment is advisable due to the increased foot traffic.
For those exploring the area, Prospect Hill Park is worth visiting. This historic site is where General George Washington raised the Grand Union Flag in 1776, marking an important moment in U.S. history. The park today is a peaceful green space with a historic monument and great views of the surrounding area.
Cafe / You'll find a high concentration of cafes around Davis Square, a lively area filled with coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther, check out Union Market and local cafes like Cafe Beatrice, Michette, and 3 Little Figs.
Transit / The Somerville Community Path runs parallel to the MBTA Green Line in the east, with several access points including Lechmere Station. On the west side, the path connects to the Red Line at Davis Square and Alewife station. All the aforementioned subway stations are also bus hubs.
14. Fresh Pond
Fresh Pond
• Start & Finish: best access point is Kingsley Park or Lusitania Field
• Route Profile: 2.5 miles loop, flat, mostly paved
Fresh Pond is a peaceful pond encircled by a 155-acre reservation, part of Cambridge's reservoir system. A popular 2.5-mile paved loop winds around the pond, weaving through a blend of wooded areas, wetlands, and open meadows, offering scenic views of the water and lush greenery.
Fresh Pond can be connected to the Charles River Bike Path via the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway to the south, and to the Mystic River Greenway via the Alewife Brook Greenway to the north.
Watertown-Cambridge Greenway & Alewife Brook Greenway
• Start & Finish: Watertown (School St & Arsenal St) to Medford (Mystic River Pkwy & Alewife Brook Pkwy)
• Route Profile: 4.85 miles one-way, mostly flat, paved
The Watertown-Cambridge Greenway is a multi-use trail following the route of the former Boston & Maine Railroad. It offers a peaceful, scenic corridor within an urban setting, blending natural beauty with easy access for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The Alewife Brook Greenway runs alongside Alewife Brook, linking several green spaces and bike paths in the region, with a convenient connection to the MBTA at Alewife Station.
The Fitchburg Cutoff Bikepath is a short multi-use trail between Brighton Street in Belmont and Alewife Station in Cambridge. The trail traverses the Alewife Reservation (P8), where a boardwalk offers opportunities to appreciate the area's marshlands and natural beauty.
Cafe / The area boasts a wide variety of cafes, particularly as you head towards Cambridge and Somerville. Iggy's Bread and La Saison are both excellent, and one of my personal favorites is Sofra Bakery.
Transit / Alefwife Red Line Station serves as a trail hub in the area, connecting Minuteman Commuter Bikeway (P9), the Fitchburg Cutoff Bikepath, the Alewife Brook Greenway, and the Somerville Community Path. Most bus routes serving Fresh Pond, the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway, and the Alewife Brook Greenway connect to Harvard Square, which is a major transit hub.
15. Minuteman Bikeway
Minuteman Bikeway
• Start & Finish: Alewife Station (Cambridge) to Bedford
• Route Profile: 10.1 miles one-way, 228 ft+, multi-use path
The Minuteman Bikeway is an rail trail between Cambridge and Bedford, with stops in Arlington and Lexington along the way. The trail follows part of the path taken by Paul Revere during his famous midnight ride in 1775, adding a historical element to its recreational appeal. The Bikeway is one of the most popular multi-use trails in Massachusetts, providing a scenic, car-free route for cyclists, runners, and walkers.
Runners can easily connect onto Minuteman Bikeway from Somerville Community Path (Route 13), Fresh Pond and Alewife Brook Greenway (Route 14), and Mystic River Greenway (Route 16).
Reformatory Branch Trail
• Start & Finish: Bedford to Concord
• Route Profile: 4.2 miles one-way, 39 ft+, crushed gravel and dirt trail
The Reformatory Branch Trail is a peaceful, unpaved, and wooded path stretching between Bedford, where it connects to the end of the Minuteman Bikeway, and Concord. It offers a scenic route ideal for hiking and mountain biking, passing near the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge,.
Battle Road Trail
• Start & Finish: Minute Man National Historical Park
• Route Profile: 4.5 miles one-way, 236 ft+, crushed gravel and dirt trail
The Battle Road Trail is a historically important path within Minute Man National Historical Park that traces the route taken by British soldiers and colonial militia on April 19, 1775, during the opening battles of the American Revolution. The trail covers approximately 5 miles between Lexington and Concord, offering visitors a scenic journey through fields, forests, and preserved 18th-century sites like Hartwell Tavern and Meriam's Corner.
Cafe / It won't be hard to find cafes in Downtown Arlington, Lexington, and Concord.
Transit / MBTA Bus Route 77 connects Arlington to Harvard Square station, Routes 62/76 connect Lexington to Alewife Station, both are on the subway Red Line. Concord is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Fitchburg Line.
16. Mystic & Malden River Greenways
The M/ystic River and the Malden River are two interconnected waterways north of Boston. The Mystic River originates at the Mystic Lakes in Winchester and Arlington, flowing southeast through 7 miles and eventually emptying into Boston Harbor. The Malden River is a tributary of the Mystic River, running about 2.3 miles before joining the Mystic near the Encore Boston Harbor resort. Both rivers are encompassed by greenways featuring multi-use paths
- Malden River Greenway
• Start & Finish: Sullivan Square (Boston) to Malden Center
• Route Profile: 4.2 mile loop, 63 ft+, multi-use path and city street
This scenic route connects the Encore Riverwalk, Gateway Park, Wellington Greenway, and The Park at River's Edge, with an option to merge onto the Northern Strand (Route #17).
- Mystic River Greenway
• Start & Finish: Sullivan Square (Boston) to Arlington Center
• Route Profile: 7.35 mile one way, 121 ft+, multi-use path and city street
This route runs along the Mystic River banks, offering a peaceful green space within an urban setting. It stretches from the Assembly Row shopping center, passes through Medford Center, and continues to Arlington Center, providing a mix of riverfront views and urban amenities along the way.
- Mystic Lakes
• Route Profile: 5 mile loop, 130 ft+, dirt trail and city street
The loop offers beautiful views of the lakes and surrounding woodlands, with particularly scenic vistas from Shannon Beach along the Upper Mystic Lake. The western portion of the loop runs along city streets.
For longer runs, connect Mystic River Greenway with Somerville Community Path (Route #13), Alewife Brook Greenway (Route #14), or Minuteman Bike Path (Route #15).
Cafe / Refuel after your run at the city center of Malden, Medford, Arlington.
Transit / The MBTA Orange Line stations Sullivan Square and Wellington are located on the eastern side of the trail near the Malden River. On the western side, Medford and Arlington are connected by bus routes to Sullivan Square, Davis Square, and Harvard Square, all of which are served by the MBTA Subway.
17. Northern Strand
• Start & Finish: Trailhead off Encore Riverwalk to Lynn Beach
• Route Profile: 11.3 miles one-way, mostly flat, multi-use path for the first 10 miles
The Northern Strand Community Trail is a multi-use path that connects the cities of Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus, and Lynn. It follows the former Saugus Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad and is part of the larger East Coast Greenway, which aims to connect trails along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida. The trail is planned by Bike to the Sea, a non-profit cycling advocacy group in the area.
At its southern end, the Northern Strand connects to the Encore Riverwalk (Route #16), located at the meeting point of the Mystic and Malden Rivers, allowing runners to extend their route toward Boston or Wellington. On the northern end, the trail currently terminates abruptly in a residential area of Lynn (with a future extension plan to Lynn Beach), but a slight detour before the trail's endpoint offers access to Lynn Common, downtown Lynn, and Lynn Beach. Between these two end points, the trail is mostly off-road and peaceful, except for the stretch through Downtown Malden, about 2.5 miles in from the south, where runners can easily find shops, cafés, and other amenities.
Cafe / Refuel after your run at Gateway Center, Downtown Malden, or Lynn.
Transit / The MBTA Orange Line runs less than a mile east of the southern portion of the Northern Strand, with Malden Center and Wellington Stations offering the closest access points to the trail. The rest of the route lacks proximity to rail service, except at the northern end, where Lynn is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Newburyport/Rockport Line.
18. Middlesex Fells
The Middlesex Fells is a large, 2,575-acre public park located just north of Boston. The reservation is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a mix of maintained trails, scenic ponds, and city views.
Interstate 93 cuts through the heart of the Middlesex Fells, dividing its western and eastern sections. On the west side, two of the most popular trails are the Skyline Trail and the Reservoir Trail. These dirt paths wind around three reservoirs, offering scenic views and more challenging terrain. There is also an MTB loop for mountain bikers.
On the east side of the Fells, visitors will find additional dirt trails, the beautiful Spot Pond and a popular, mostly paved loop around it.
Connecting both sides of the park is the Cross Fells Trail, a key passage that links trailheads in Winchester, Medford, and Melrose, making it accessible to runners and hikers coming on foot from Boston/Cambridge.
• Skyline Trail: 7.7 miles loop, 941 ft+, marked with white paint
• Reservoir Trail*: 6.0 miles loop, 456 ft+, orange paint
• MTB Loop*: 6.5 miles loop, 564 ft+, green paint
• Spot Pond loop: 3.8 miles loop, 136 ft+
• Cross Fells Trail: 9.1 miles one-way, 1069 ft+, blue paint
* Designated multi-use trail.
Cafe / Refuel after your run at Downtown Malden, Medford, or Winchester.
Transit / MBTA Orange Line Oak Grove station is the closest subway station to the Fells, with a couple of Commuter Rail stations (Wedgemere, West Medford) within running distance as well. MBTA Bus Routes 100, 132 and 134 connect Midddlesex Fells with Malden or Wellington Transit Center but frequency is low (about each hour).
