Mary Ellen Welch Greenway

Massachusetts

2 Reviews

Only a stone's throw from the Boston Logan International Airport, the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway (formerly called the "East Boston Greenway") is a great quick escape into the outdoors. Alternatively, the airport’s service road from the terminal is also open to bicyclists. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates this rail-with-trail along active tracks and has linked several green spaces that now total almost 15 acres. The heavily used corridor sections are gated and closed in the evening, but usually not until 8 p.m. in the summer. The parks within the longer corridor stay open later and are heavily used by families from adjacent neighborhoods. The parks include playgrounds, spray parks, and bike rentals.

Beginning at the southern trailhead on Marginal Street, take in the views from the Boston skyline, just across the harbor. Heading north (the trail has separate, parallel bicycle and pedestrian tracks), the East Boston Greenway will take you under Sumner Street, where a satellite campus of Bunker Hill Community College is located on your right. You’ll pass a number of commercial and residential properties as you pass under Maverick and Porter Streets. Five miles from the trailhead, you’ll pass under the East Boston Expressway, followed by Bremen Street Park and the East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library on your left.

After crossing back under the East Boston Expressway, the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway turns into a 0.5-mile newly developed connector trail, which takes you along an active railroad that runs through the heart of the East Boston Greenway. The rail’s art and design, including a restored caboose, reflect the area’s industrial heritage. You’ll pass the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Wood Island Station to your left and Boston Logan International Airport, followed by views of Boston’s waterfront, on your right. Follow the connector trail until you reach the northern endpoint at Constitution Beach.

Constitution Beach includes a bathhouse, concessions, playgrounds, sports facilities, an ice rink, and ample parking. The beach is a perfect place to sit at night and watch the jets take off across the bay.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at Constitution Beach, 799 Bennington St.

See TrailLink Map for detailed directions.

The “Easty” Trail

October 2018 psl8963_tl

This is a city trail with views of the seashore. It goes through the Bremen St. Park which is used by children and adults skating, running and walking. At one terminus is a stunning view of Boston over the harbor, with easy access to the harbor walk and Piers Park. The other end is at Constitution Beach, from which you can watch airplanes take-off and get pizza or a hot dog in the summer. There is also a stopping point overlooking the wetlands. Lots of local restaurants around: Italian, Salvadorian, and more. If you’re a cyclist don’t expect a long, fast experience. It is scenic and gives you a great sense of “Easty”

Great Trail but Beware

April 2016 musicafman

I live in East Boston and use this trail quite bit. If you are a cyclist, beware of pedestrian traffic and kids who do not pay attention to bike traffic. Also, the East Boston Greenway Connector to Wood Island Marsh is open and at its end give an amazing views of planes arriving and departing Logan International Airport.

The long awaited connector to Constitution Beach will be open soon as I can see the trail is complete but the gates remain closed and locked.

I love this ride and look forward to it finally being complete.