Boston's Best Bike Trails
Cyclists don't have to leave the city to find great trails. Boston is designed as one of the best walking and cycling cities in the country. It has numerous parks and paved pathways for cyclists to get exercise and commute to work. There are even plans to expand some of the city's trails to make it even easier to travel by bicycle. Whether people are getting out with the family for some exercise or hustling to get to work in the morning, Boston has a beautiful route for it.
Minuteman Bikeway
Bedford to Cambridge
www.minutemanbikeway.org
The Minuteman Bikeway is a rail trail cleaned up for cyclist and pedestrian use in the early '90s. It passes through the area where the American Revolution began at the Battle of Lexington Green. That is why it is called the Minuteman Bikeway. Today, instead of passing fighting militia, it passes by multiple train and bus routes, making it easier for commuters to bike to public transit. There are also a number of sites near the bikeway, such as the Old Burying Ground and Arlington's Great Meadows, so it's easy to sightsee on a bike in Boston.
Borders Boston and Brookline
www.emereldnecklace.org
The Riverway is a 34-acre park boasting trails along the Muddy River. It is one of the beautifully designed Olmsted parks in Boston's Emerald Necklace, so the landscape is gorgeous. Cyclists will spot many historic stone bridges in the park, as well as a stone gazebo. Trails take visitors over and under these romantic bridges as they make their way through the park. The park is near several bus and T stops, so commuters can use public transit to and from it.
Stony Brook Reservation
Boston and Dedham
www.mass.gov
With a whopping 475 acres, Stony Brook Reservation has plenty of room for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. The Stony Brook Reservation Parkways consist of a number of roads that allow motorists to come in and out of the park. Cyclists will find the best routes on the reservation's trails, which are best suited to mountain biking. The reservation has picnic areas, a fishing pond and even a pool.
Charles River Bike Path
Boston to Newton
www.mass.gov
The Charles River Bike Path is an extensive mixed-use trail that goes both up and down the Charles River for more than 14 miles. It is mostly smooth and thus suited to daily travel. It goes from tree-lined paths to following along busy roadways and is near various public transit lines. The paths are used by pedestrians, so it is important for cyclists to keep an eye out, as the path can get busy when the weather is nice. There are plenty of places to park and enter the trail along the way.
Southwest Corridor Bicycle Path
Southwest Corridor Park
www.swcpc.org
The Southwest Corridor Bicycle Path is part of the Southwest Corridor Park. It runs just a little over 4 miles, but is an important part of Boston's commuting layout. It is close to many T stations and bus stops, as well as some Hubway bike sharing stations for those who do not own bicycles of their own. There are separate pedestrian and bike paths, but pedestrians do often crossover. There are also several playgrounds along the way. Cyclists should use caution when riding near play areas.
Related: Best Winter Hikes Near Boston
