Find the top rated bike trails in Peterborough, whether you're looking for an easy short bike trail or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a bike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
My husband I decided to ride this trail on our visit to Boston. We parked at 31 McKenn Street in Waltham and rode in towards Boston, then crossed the river to ride back on the other side. First, I'll start with the positives. It has areas with nice shade and the views along the river are neat. Now for the negatives. The trail boasts it is all asphalt. It is not. There were many spots with packed dirt surface. Even though I don't like riding on anything but asphalt or concrete, this at least was pretty smooth and level. NOT compared to the badly maintained asphalt and concrete. The vegetation needed to be trimmed, the path was NOT marked at all (luckily my husband had a map on his phone), many sections were very narrow, not wide enough to have two bikes pass and the asphalt had many cracks that I had to be careful to watch for. Sorry but whoever has the contract to maintain this trail is falling down on the job. Boston is such a neat city so I won't let this trail color our experience as totally bad, but you couldn't pay me to ride this trail again.
rode 7-30-25 parked at Symmes Dr in bus depot lot - no directions for where to park. Mile markers are facing the trail, instead of perpendicular , so they can't be easily read while riding - missed a few along the way. Also signage at entrance areas should include direction and milage to either end. Thought we could hook up to the Derry trail, but that didn't happen - couldn't find it - again, signs would help !
the Windham trail is paved, but turns to dirt when you reach the Salem trail.
Turned around and rode back to Windham.
rode trail july 28, 25 from Winchendon - slight uphill, going south to Gardner. Adding mile markers would be nice ! and directions at N.Ashburnham Rd to Old Gardner Rd. Newly paved from entrance off
Old Gardner Rd to Gardner town line. Path to avoid watery underpass was paved on one side of street.
It is a great trail for all seasons. Parking available in Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Nashua
It is a very well maintained trail. My favorite part is between the heart pond and the NARA park. More road crossing beyond that region in both directions
Visited this trail 8/2/25. It rained the previous day which helped with the dust and packing the loose sections. NOT for skinny tires!! I was fine with my gravel bike but had it been dryer it would have been tougher but doable. There were a few ATV's & dirt bikes but they were VERY respectful and always gave us plenty of room on the trail. The river is gorgeous with plenty of access points to get your feet wet. If you're starting out on the Claremont side I'd recommend parking at the Home Depot just down the road from the trailhead. It's slightly uphill all the way to Newport which makes for a very easy ride coming back. Spoke to a local police officer parked at the trailhead and he said they're going to start patrolling the trail very soon to nab speeding ATV's which I consider a bonus.
I live in Massachusetts about 25 minutes from this trail, my absolute favorite trail is the East Bay bike path, but that is about an hour drive for me, so this is one I frequent more often. I like the length of this ride, and that it is scenic, and more interesting than some of the rail trails that can be kind of boring. I think it is an easy ride, with just a few spots I need to lower my gears. I pack a lunch, snacks, and can be out for a few hours. There is ample parking, 195 Davison Ave Woonsocket is the address I use for WAZE. I have never gone as far as Providence, so I can only review Woonsocket - Lincoln.
Wife & I completed the Minuteman Trail & I wanted to do either the Narrow Gauge Trail or the Reformatory Trail. Wife headed for the Bedford library while I set off for the Narrow Gauge Trail. Trail was in good shape & I was prepared for the surface conditions associated with crushed stone. What caused me confusion was a lack of trail markings. I rode for about 20 minutes or so & eventually came to a gate, which was in the open position. I wasn't sure if this was the end of the trail (and still unsure at this point). I looked for signs, etc & saw none. The trail appeared to continue, but it's condition was much less pristine i.e. large ruts and valleys. I rode for what seemed like another mile until I came to a paved road & straight ahead was a paved road with a "Private Road" sign. I exited here & took surface streets back into Bedford. I am giving the trail a 2 star rating; better signage would increase my evaluation.
In Boston area last week for a conference and decided to try out the Minuteman Trail. Spouse and I have been enjoying bike/rail trails over the past few years and usually one of the first things we check out when traveling to a new area. Trail was in great shape & was as good as expected. Being summer, it was pretty hot weather but the trail provided ample shade for us to stay cool. Particularly appreciated the history of the trail, and it's relevance to Paul Revere's late night ride. This was our first time in the Greater Boston area, as we're from North Carolina. All in all, a good ride and fun experience.
A delightful paved trail in excellent condition. Relatively flat with some pretty views of the lake. There is a side spur to Speen Street that connects to the Natick Mall. Great for a quick and easy ride.
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