Alewife Linear Park/Somerville Community Path:
Massachusetts
Trail Map
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Description:
Alewife Linear Park is a beautiful paved trail stretching 2 miles east from the Alewife T-station in Cambridge to Cedar Street in Somerville. The park came about after the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority put its Red Line underground; between the Alewife and Davis T-stations, the subway runs directly beneath the trail. The trail's urban/suburban locale and its direct link to the 11-mile Minuteman Bikeway makes this a busy commuter and recreation corridor. Note that while dogs are not permitted on the trail, local residents often break this rule. Watch where you step.
The trail starts at Russell Field, an attractive, well-designed park with a football gridiron and field house, baseball diamonds, water fountains, bike racks, and a loop cycling path. A few blocks beyond the park, you'll need to briefly ride on the road to cross busy Massachusetts Avenue, the one and only road crossing along this convenient walking and cycling route.
Near the trail midpoint, a tree-lined brick path leads directly to the Davis T-station. The trail here is sometimes referred to as the Somerville Community Path. Several wind-activated structures on brick-and-steel pillars depict scenes of historical Somerville. Cyclists may use any of the numerous bike racks and, outside of rush hour, you may choose to take your bike on the train for a further exploration of metro Boston.
Or continue past the station, through the hip Davis Square neighborhood and back onto the Alewife Linear Park/Somerville Community Path for almost another mile toward downtown Somerville. Along the way, you'll pass a couple of parks, including one with a playground. Nearing trail's end, the surface changes to woodchips for about 100 feet before reaching the tracks and ties of the old railroad. One day, this trail may extend to the end of the line in Somerville, but until then, it is advised that you stop at the official trail end.
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Parking & Trail Access:
By subway, take the Red Line to Alewife or Davis Square. Bicycles are permitted on subways during off-peak hours on weekdays or all day on weekends. To reach the Alewife T-station-and trail parking-take Interstate 95 to Exit 29A and head east on the Concord Turnpike/State Route 2 toward Arlington and Cambridge. At the end of the turnpike, bear right on Alewife Brook Parkway, then turn right on Cambridge Park Drive. The station is on the right, and the trailhead is behind the parking garage. For more information, visit www.mbta.com.
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