Reformatory Branch Trail Reviews    

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Fun extension of the Minuteman

By kilojoolz in May, 2013

I utilize the Reformatory Branch Trail on my way from Somerville to Walden Pond in Concord, and it's one of my favorite parts of the ride. The trail is unpaved and frequently very bumpy due to roots, rocks, manhole covers, and other obstacles, but it is FUN! I ride a hybrid/cruiser bike, and as it is my only bike, I can't compare how this ride might be on a road bike.

I especially enjoy the section on the west side where the trail forms small rolling hills, and if you bike fast enough it feels like you're riding a roller coaster.

This trail is certainly not for everyone or every bike, but I think it's a joy to ride. Contributing to the five star review I'm giving this trail is the trail maintenance. Last time I rode it, there was a large downed tree, with the branchy part covering the path. It was easy enough to walk around (but not over), but I had to get off my bike. A few hours later, when I was riding back home, the tree was already cleaned up!

osborn2ride

By laretha in May, 2012

I was In the area for Mothers day and did this trail. It is not a long trail but with a little T.L.C this could be a hole lot better. There is a great canopy and has a lot of great tweets and turns, it has a single track feel to it. There are a couple of very wet spots but the over all trail is dry. I would only do this on a Mt Bike or a Cross Bike. This is not a family friendly trail. It runs next to the Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge and has some great views.

Reformatory Branch Trail

By jelliott66 in May, 2012

While it is a beautiful trail, it is often muddy. After periods of heavy rain, the trail can be almost impassible to many types of bikes. Mountain bikes or hybrids with wide, knobby tires are best.

Great trail!

By cindyhy in March, 2012

As listed, this is an unpaved trail, so it's more suited for mountain/hybrid bikes. I've biked from Boston to Concord a few times in every season. Although the Minuteman Bikeway is great, it is a bit dull and oftentimes crowded. The Reformatory Branch Trail is such a delightful change of pace! In its 4.5 miles, the trail ranges from extremely narrow to wide and the scenery and trail condition keeps changing. There's never a dull moment on this trail! It's also very very quiet. I never encountered more than 10 people on the whole way even on weekends. It can be a little tricky after rains though. Some portions of the trail have very soft dirt and can be very muddy. I had to get off and walk my bike twice during my trip last weekend. So if you are a relatively experienced biker and like something interesting, you should definitely check out this trail.

Reformormatory branch trail

By stig in May, 2011

Started out on Concord ctr. end at parking lot. There are no signs at all from keyes rd or the immediate area. We went up monument st and still did not see a sign for trail. I will start at other end next time.

Trail in the Woods

By skywalker in October, 2010

This trail turned out to be much more than I expected. I had plans to Hike Wapack trail, slept through the morning so had to cancel my plans. I was wondering where to go hiking, could not find many places as the Sun sets early these days. I wanted to try this trail for quite some time. I was in no mood to bike. Left the Bike with car and decided to walk the trail. I was a little doubtfull about the trail to startwith as it looked like the trail was unmaintained. I was totally wrong. Walking on this trail is like walking in the woods.
There are houses on one side and trees on the other. It was quite,lot of trees on either side,chirping of the birds, rough path,secluded trail -- was wonderful. There are about 3 wild life conservation areas along this trail. When I was walking back I took a detour into two of the wild life conservation areas. It was worth. There are few more trails amidst the woods.These trails look like they are really into the deep forest like areas and they are marked. Could hear many birds chirping and flying around.I could not walk all the trails but took about a couple of them.My desire to hike in the woods was satisfied as this trail did give me the feeling.

Reformatory Trail

By Fletch6 in June, 2006

Left Bedford west from Loomis St at the start of the Minuteman.
The start is about 200 yards to the west of the station and not marked. Heads off into the wood at what looks like parking area with porta pottie just before school. Nice single track with about 3 short sections of mud. The first road crossing was confusing and I did not see the path down the the next section. Look just to the right of and behind the gardrail. I did not follow to the end because of high water in the concord river by the North bridge. Thanks to two local riders for leading me thru Concord over to the Battle Trail to return.

Unpaved extension of Minuteman

By llayam in September, 2004

"The surface of this trail is really quite smooth except for a few isolated spots with some roots and rocks. It's excellent for hiking, jogging and mountain biking. A side trail leads directly to the Great Meadows parking area and the observation tower. Another side trail leads to the famous cemetery with ""Author's Ridge"" (Thoreau, Hemingway). Also, you can park near the Concord commuter rail station, follow the trail east until it becomes the bikeway, then all the way to Cambridge. From there it's a quick ""T"" ride to Porter Square where you can pick up the commuter rail back to Concord. That's 15 miles total trip, point-to-point."

Begins Where Minuteman Ends

By railtrailbiker in October, 2002

"If you’ve reached the Minuteman Bikeway’s Bedford trailhead after starting at a point due east and think that’s as far west as the old railroad right-of way will take you, well you’re simply mistaken. You may head west on Railroad Avenue in Bedford, rejoin the right-of-way within a few city blocks, and continue on through to Concord.

With the exception of short paved segment in western Bedford used as an access road to a municipal utility station, the Reformatory Branch Trail is a hard packed dirt surface with many exposed roots, rocks, and old railroad ties in place. Trail width along most of the route is what I would classify as single track; if you’re the type that picks up poison ivy easily, this trail isn’t for you. However, a portion of the trail does cut through a US Government Wildlife Conservation Area and the surface there is much wider. There are a few pretty busy street crossing along the way, none with crosswalks or safety signs.

For the most part views along the trail are limited to heavily wooded areas and the backs of a few homes. The Bedford trailhead is adjacent to an athletic field and the trail terminates in Concord near a gas station/convenience store. Markers posted on trees at several points along the route identify this route a being a piece of the “Bay Circuit Trail” network.

If you have a mountain bike with suspension or a comfortable pair of hiking shoes, this trail should be included on your list of “things to do.”"