Map of bike paths / walking paths in the Boston area

Recreational trails for walking, running and cycling in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is located in Eastern Massachusetts. It is the largest city in the state and serves as the state capital.Other cities in the area include Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Chelsea, Winthrop Town, Revere, Medford, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown Town, Brookline, Milton and Quincy.

This area is rich in history, has a vibrant downtown area, a dynamic waterfront area, and is home to Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The Boston area has numerous recreational trails for bike riding, walking and running. These trails provide a great way to get some exercise, commute to work or to school or to take in the sights.

Harborwalk

The Harborwalk is a system of paved public pathways that are located along the waterfront near Downtown Boston. The system or pathways is part of the city's waterfront revitalization program and when completed will connect neighborhoods with recreational facilities, historic attractions, commercial areas and offices.

The HarborWalk currently consists of multiple separate segments that wrap around wharves, go through waterfront parks, past residential areas and over bridges.

Read more about the Boston HarborWalk

Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path & Charles River Greenway

The Dr. Dudley White Bike Path travels alongside both banks of the Charles River for over 8-miles, with over 16-miles of trail. The paved trails extend from the bridge for State Route 28 to Galen Street. The trail meets up with the HarborWalk pathways on the east end and the Charles River Greenway on the west end. The trail system goes past Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University as well as a number of other points of interest.

The Charles River Greenway continues along the river to the west.

Read more about the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path and the Charles River Greenway

Northern Strand Community Trail

The Northern Strand Community Trail is an 8-mile long paved pathway that stretches from Everett through Malden and then to Saugus. These communities are located on the north side of the Boston urban area. The trail was constructed along an abandoned railroad right-of way and connects residential neighborhoods, parks and natural areas. The trail will eventually continue through Lynn and reach the beaches in Revere.

Read more about the Northern Strand Community Trail

Emerald Necklace

The Emerald Necklace is a series of parks and greenspaces located in Brookline to the south of the Charles River. There is a system of paved and unpaved pathways within the parks that wrap around lakes and follow alongside roadways. The trails go past Northeastern University and Hellenic College.

The trails within the Emerald Necklace allow connections to other recreational trails in this area, namely the Southwest Corridor Park Trail, Southbay Harbor Trail and the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path.

Minute Man Commuter Bikeway

The Minute Man Commuter Bikeway is a 10-mile long paved pathway that stretches between Alewife Station in Cambridge, Lexington and Bedford. The route goes through the residential neighborhoods and past commercial areas. The Minute Man Commuter Bikeway is a rail-trail and the historic train depots at Bedford and Lexngton are two of the attractions along the trail.

Read more about the Minute Man Commuter Bikeway

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the recreational trails located in Boston, Massachusetts.