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Print Friendly MapRunning through the city of Somerville, the Somerville Community Path is 3.2-mile paved rail-trail that connects with several other multiuse trails—contributing to the developing trail network in Boston and the surrounding communities.
Together with the Alewife Linear Parka and the Fitchburg Cutoff Path, the Somerville Community Path is also part of the 59-mile Mass Central Rail Trail and forms a seamless paved route connecting northwest Boston, Somerville, and Cambridge. This unique rail-trail follows an old railway corridor above ground while trains run in the subway tunnels below.
The Boston & Lowell Railroad built this spur in the 1870s, and it was later acquired by the Boston and Maine Railroad. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) purchased the line in 1973 and began using it for commuter trains in the 1980s. In 1985, the first section of the Somerville Community Path was built on the former Fitchburg Cutoff Rail Bed and ran about 1.3 miles between Massachusetts Avenue and Lowell Street. Additional sections of the trail extended the route with the most recent section opening in June 2023. Although it runs along an MBTA-owned right-of-way, the trail is maintained by the City of Somerville.
Serving as the trail's eastern endpoint, the waterfront Paul Revere Park is located in Boston's historic Charlestown neighborhood—a small peninsula situated where the Charles River, Mystic River, and Chelsea Creek converge before flowing into Boston Harbor. Leaving Boston and heading northwest through the city of Somerville, the rail-trail provides an important green recreational space and vital transportation link for the surrounding communities.
Many buildings date to the late 1800s in this district, which is a destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Given its proximity to Tufts and Harvard Universities, it has a strong arts and culture vibe. If you’re traveling by bicycle, you’ll have to dismount (or take alternative on-street routes) as you approach Seven Hills Park and Davis Square, as cycling is prohibited on the path in this congested area.
The Massachusetts Bay transit system (MBTA) provides access to the trail via multiple bus lines and the subway (often referred to as the T). Southeast of Davis Square to Cambridge Crossing, the trail parallels the Metford Branch of the Green Line—direct trail access is available from the Magoun Square, East Somerville, Gilman Square, and Lechmere Stations. The trail also parallels the Red Line between Alewife Station and Davis Station.
Parking is available at the northwest end of the trail in the Alewife Station parking garage (fee charged) and by Jerry's Pond in Cambridge.
Visit the TrailLink map for all options, available transit lines, and detailed directions.
A great example of smart urban planning - separated, paved path from Cambridge Crossing on the Cambridge-Charlestown city line along the Green Line extension and then along the MBTA right of way to Davis Square, where you can connect to a path to Alewife and beyond. There's access to the new Green Line stations with locked bike cages and to the streets of Somerville. Used by bike commuters and some pedestrians; scenic in its own way.
Trail is well used for walking so you have to ride slowly but it’s a good urban experience. Plenty of places to stop, good pavement, easy transit access. The section east of Lowell St has fewer road crossings and is less crowded. Trail is plowed in winter.
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