Bedford Narrow Gauge Rail Trail:
Massachusetts
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Description:
The Bedford Narrow-Gauge Rail Trail shares its trailhead at Depot Park in Bedford with the Minuteman Bikeway (see page 119) and Reformatory Branch Trail (see page 135). Serving mainly as a commuter route, this trail extends just over 3 miles north past woods and residences to the Billerica town line. It also makes a nice diversion for Minuteman Bikeway users looking to picnic at the York Conservation Area.
The trail follows the bed of the 1877 Billerica & Bedford Railroad, the nation's first 2-foot narrow gauge railway. In 1885, the Boston & Lowell Railroad built a standard gauge extension of the line. The Lexington Branch served five passenger stations-Bedford Springs, South Billerica, Turnpike, Billerica, and Bennett Hall. The railroad abandoned the extension in 1962, and the town of Bedford purchased it to create the trail. Cyclists should use either hybrid or mountain bikes, as portions of the route are surfaced with stone dust.
Metal gates signal the start of the asphalt-paved trail at Loomis Street. Along the first mile to Great Pond, you'll pass the gardens at Memorial Park on the right, followed by a retail district. Use caution at the unmarked Great Road intersection. Beyond this crossing, the trail surface changes to stone dust.
A passenger station once stood at the intersection on Springs Road. Look for the electromagnetic 'wigwag"" (a railroad grade crossing signal) that once warned approaching motorists. Beyond the Pine Hill Road intersection, to the left of the trail, York Conservation Area offers a welcome stop for a picnic on the green or a stroll around the pond. Bikes are not permitted, but you can explore the conservation area on foot.
Back on the Bedford Narrow-Gauge Rail Trail, and approaching its end, the trail becomes increasingly sandy. Metal gates at the Billerica town line signal where the trail ends abruptly. A private residential street follows the remainder of the railbed.
On weekends, consider returning to Bedford Depot Park for a tour of the charmingly restored freight house (open seasonally), which holds antique photos and railroad memorabilia.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Bedford Depot Park trailhead from Boston, take Interstate 495 to State Route 3 south or I-95 to Route 3 north. From Route 3, take Exit 26 and follow State Route 62 west into Bedford. Trailhead parking is available.
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Historical Exhibit - Bedford-Billerica Narrow Gauge Railroad
By Gerber Bill on June 21, 2010
For anyone interested in the history of the narrow gauge railroad that first used this rail trail route, the early history is presented in an exhibit in the meeting room of the Middlesex Canal Museum, located in the Faulkner Mill at 71 Faulkner Street, North Billerica MA. (See .)

Engines, rolling stock, etc. that began life as the B-B RR, served in Maine as the Sandy River and Rangely Lakes RR; and later as the EDAville RR in South Carver MA. Today, components of the RR are split between Portland MA (see ) and South Carver (see ).
I ride this trail most every day as part of my commute
By tedp on July 07, 2008
I commute from Arlington out the Minuteman to the NGRT and then to the Tech park at the end.
About 10 miles each way. The 3 miles or so on the NGRT are the best. I ride a road bike with
700 x 32 tires and have no problem with the surface. I'd like to here more about Billerica's plans
to extend this path torwards Lowell.
Nice riding
By Fletch on September 11, 2006
Start at the Bedford Station across from the Rail Car. The first section is tar to Rt.63 and well packed gravel most of the rest of the way with well marked road crossings. Just after the Bedford line it gets a little sandy and ends in an industrial park in Billarica. Dont miss a walk around the side trail to Fawn Lake.
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