I'm in MA for several months on business and I decided to try this trail after reading the reviews. It is indeed a beautiful trail. I would've given it 5 stars if it weren't for the crossing in Chelmsford--it's not bad, but you are required to use the traffic light. The next crossing across the busy street is slightly confusing if you're unfamiliar with the area but nothing major. I highly recommend the trail!

I live about a mile off this trail on the border of Chelmsford and Westford. The trail is in great shape and fairly new. The pavement is smooth and there is a very well done wooden fence along much of the trail where there are drop offs on the side. There are several busy roads that the trail crosses but most of the trail is in treed areas and shaded. The incline is gradual. I ride my bike on the trail to get to Chelmsford center and it is a great ride and good exercise. There have always been at least a few people on the trail either biking, rollerblading or walking. On a good weekend day it can get a little crowded in sections.

I would recommend it.

Jim

Be aware that there are only three parking spaces at the Westford trail head and shoulder parking for two more vehicles. There are no alternatives such as a school or grocery store parking lot nearby. Other than this challenge, the Freeman trail is a short but sweet cruise through the woods; for the most part. I recommend starting from the Chelmsford trail head at the Cross Point building. Parking there, for all intents, is limitless on the weekends.

This trail is about .5 miles from my house. I have walked and use this trail for my runs if I do not have my weekend planned. Most of the trail is in shade except for 2 busy street crossings.Heart pond is good place to rest. A lot of people use this trail for walking, running, biking, skating. There are places along the trail where we could get water and some food.
Infact the trail head starts from my work place so I walk on this trail almost every other afternoon.
Its a new, smooth, flat trail.I am hoping that phase 2 & 3 gets completed soon so that it will be one lengthy trail and I can bike on this trail as well.
Well utilized trail.

After a bit of difficulty finding the trail head, we had a nice ride on the Bruce Freeman Trail late this morning. The trail itself is freshly paved with no bumps. Other than two major intersection crossings, most of the trail isalmost uninteruppted riding. I would say about 85% of the trail is in complete shade. This was a great treat today with temps reaching 90. It is nearly completely flat. It does have some gently rolling terrain, but nothing that could even losely be called a hill. It is very scenic, one piece passing Heart's Pond with a small beach.

With today's lovely weather after a week of rain, and summer coming to an end, the trail was very crowded. I am all for families spending quality time together in an outdoor activity. Too many of those on the trail today needed a serious lesson in trail etiquette. In several spots the trail was totally blocked by parked bikes and people sprawled across the trail resting, chatting, etc. There was plenty of room off the side of the trail to have pulled over. I'll admit to needing my fair share of rests on many of our rides, pulled off to the side and well out of the way of those who are passing me.

I look forward to the planned extensions of this trail.

A wonderful trail, paved the whole way. Goes by a small beach on Heart Pond in Chelmsford, a good place to stop and get your feet wet on a hot day. Several places to stop and get water or, in the Chelmsford Center, something to eat. Heavily wooded through most of the trail, particularly as you get close to Westford. Shady and nearly flat. A pleasure. I look forward to its extension through Acton.

The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (currently 6.8 miles) is newly paved and pristine, and it extends from Lowell through Chelmsford and finishes up in Westford MA. As a runner I appreciate the fact that it is lined with big beautiful trees for most of the route, and therefore it provides plenty of shade on hot Summer days. The grade is relatively flat for the whole distance and the trail currently only crosses two busy roads in Chelmsford, the rest of the stops are an absolute breeze. I've read that this trail will hopefully be lengthened substantially in the near future. But as it is now, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is an absolute pleasure to run.

Road this trail today June 24th and it was in the high 80s but most of the ride is tree lined and very nice. It is paved the whole way and for a mid week day, being very hot there was a lot of bkiers, runners and walkers. I would give this a 3 star out of five. One major problem is the number of stop sings.