By jroyjr in August, 2010
I rode the trail in August, 2010 for the first time. I thought it was going to be too short for a good ride. I was pleasantly surprised by all the interesting scenery and the beauty of the trail in this area. The trail is paved for all but a short (0.3 mile) section between Granite Ave and the MBTA Red Line overpass. This short section is hard packed and could be ridden by road bicycles. The rail-with-trail section is quite busy, we saw half a dozen MBTA trolleys pass by during our ride. There is only one busy street crossing at Granite Ave, but it is protected by a pedestrian crossing signal. There are additional paved trails in Pope John Paul II Park. Parking was available at Hallett Street, which also serves as the entrance to Pope John Paul II Park where additional parking is available.
By jctrader in September, 2009
The Neponset Trail takes you through an amazing variety of settings: a former chocolate factory, salt marshes, river banks, public parks, etc. It's far less crowded than other bike paths around Boston. Both the people and the wildlife are diverse and friendly. And if you're willing to tough out an unpleasant stretch alongside Morrissey Boulevard, you can extend this path all the way to Castle Island. The Port Norfolk, Tenean Beach, U Mass, Kennedy Library, and Carson Beach stretches are fun (although the sidewalks get a little crowded in Southie on warm summer days). Stop and talk to the fishermen along the Neponset and on the harbor at U Mass.