Charles River Reservation

Explore the Charles River Reservation as it follows the river, winding through Boston and the surrounding communities. Stretching 20-miles along both sides of the river, the reservation offers a wide variety of activities including biking, walking, running, canoeing/kayaking, sailing, fishing, swimming, and cross-country skiing. Numerous city parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields and courts, and multiuse pathways are located throughout the reservation.

The Charles River Bike Path, also known as the Charles River Greenway, is a paved 22-mile multiuse trail that meanders through the reservation from Boston to its western suburbs. A 16-mile section of the trail is named after Dr. Paul Dudley White, a prominent cardiologist and proponent of preventative medicine such as exercise. This Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path hugs each side of the Charles River through Boston, Cambridge, and Watertown.

The 0.5-mile North Bank Bridge trail is one block northeast of the Museum of Science (1 Museum Of Science Driveway, Boston) at the eastern end of the reservation. It begins at Museum Way and Education Street, traverses Cambridge’s North Point Park, and ends in Paul Revere Park.

In addition to these trails, there are many smaller pathways winding along the river and through the city parks. Providing connections to the reservation's numerous attractions and the neighboring communities, these paths are mostly smooth, level, and paved.

Parking and Trail Access

The reservation's official address is 1175A Soldiers Field Road, Boston, but access is available all along the 20-mile stretch of river.

The Boston's Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) public transit system provides access to the reservation. Visit the MBTA Trip Planner for more information.

For those driving, parking can be found at numerous locations along the trail. View the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.