Explore the best rated trails in Boston, MA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Southern New England Trunkline Trail and Heritage Trail (NH) . With more than 111 trails covering 690 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
I took a ride on a gravel bike from Putnam to Willimantic and back yesterday. I crossed the bridge in Putnam from Kennedy Drive (a nice paved path there along the north shore of the river!) to pick up the Air Line, which my map app shows as starting there. Though there were some short bits of various trails there, none of them went anywhere. I ended up back on roads and made my way to Town Farm road where the Air Line commenced, with signage. However, the next several miles were very rough, and I would not recommend riding there except with a balloon tire mountain bike with front and back suspension. But from the Pomfret Station on to Willimantic, it was either beautiful, or at least fine, except for some road crossing s with very steep and rocky ramps on both sides. For most riders, those ramps have to be negotiated off the bike. But overall, I had a great experience!
Did the whole thing west to east and back in one ride. Enjoyed the history for the trail that was posted along the trail. Give you a chance to stop, slow down and just enjoy the ride. Half of the trail is stone dust but still good. No big ruts and water channels (even with all the rain we had recently). Plenty of parking along the way is you want to jump into a section of the trail. There are even repair station on the trail if you have a bike problem. Greatly appreciate the convenience of it. Enjoy the ride!
I’ve skated every inch of this path dozens of times over many years. There’s a badly done asphalt patch at mile nine plus 100 yards (from the south end) that has a sharp lip that can face plant you. There are a fair number of root heaves that need your attention but can be skated or stepped over. There’s a public bathroom in the lobby of the Warren police station 150 feet from the trail (around mile 4 from the south end). Walk up the stone stairs from Joyce St.
July 19 2025
Just rode from Pomfret west to the Rt6 overpass. Most of the trail is good riding except for some rocky sections, but the overgrowth is starting to close off the trail in sections. It is down to just one lane. It would be nice if the state could mow the weeds.
Thoroughly enjoyable, three hour ride, passing chest at the beach, through neighborhoods, wildlife conservation areas, and over bridges. The Bristol parking lot is being redone and cannot be used, but we found parking on the streets. There were at least two detours in Barrington, but that made it only more exciting. only nice people on the trail and drivers stopped very politely at every of the many intersections. Overall, this ride was a pleasure and worth the 1 Hour drive to get there.
What a perfect ride on a Monday afternoon. Delighted to stop at Plant City for refreshments before we turned around and headed back to Bristol.
Trail is nicely shaded, paved and fun scenery. Yes, 6 mile round trip is indeed quite short for us - and hence the rating of 4. We combined this with the Blackstone River Greenway (20 mile R/T), one of our favorites. Around a 30 minute car drive between the two. This trail does have rest facilities about half way at a public park. The Blackstone has none.
Easy walk but the trail is not paved on the Medfield side; perfect if you want to minimize the impact on your knees
Rode the trail on Saturday 7/5/25. Liked that it was well shaded, rode by water, not many cross overs where you had to stop for cars and not crowded. I liked the trees on both sides. My only complaint would be you really need to make sure you have front end suspension when riding as there are alot of tree roots growing up under the asphalt- bumpy- outside of that it was a great ride!
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