I love spending time in the great outdoors, but sometimes I’m just not up for a long, strenuous hike in the woods. Years ago, in the midst of the COVID quarantine, I revisited a fantastic alternative outdoor pastime that I had forgotten could be so enjoyable. I got back on my bike and hit the eerily desolate roads of my urban surroundings. Since then, these same roads have become much busier, and I, in turn, have taken a shine to bike paths; safer, less congested options for traveling on two wheels. There are hundreds of fantastic paths and rail trails throughout New England, but none as unforgettable as this scenic bike trail in Massachusetts that will take you to some of the most historic sites in America.
Where This Rail Trail Is and What Makes It Unique
The Minuteman Commuter Bikeway tops my list of the best trails in Massachusetts because it has a little bit of everything that you could ever want to experience in a bike ride. As you pedal across the path’s smooth paved roads, you will notice that the scenery is constantly changing. Hop on this trail and move from a quaint New England town to a bustling urban landscape and encounter the vast history of the area in between.
The top-rated bikeway runs one way for 10-11 miles from Bedford, Massachusetts, to Cambridge’s Alewife MBTA Station (or vice versa). The legendary trail was established in 1992 and sits on the site of a former railroad corridor. The 12-foot-wide path is flat and considered to be a fairly easy ride, appropriate for families and riders of various skill levels. You can complete the entire trail in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, but I highly suggest making a day of it and stopping to see some of the interesting sites along the way.
What You’ll See Along the Way
The Minuteman Bikeway passes through four quintessential Massachusetts communities. Each place has its own special charm. If you choose to start your journey in the peaceful town of Bedford, you will take off from the Bedford Depot Park, where you can check out a restored train depot dating back to 1874. The path continues through wooded areas and lovely Fawn Lake.
When you arrive in Lexington, get ready to see some of America’s oldest landmarks. The path runs right through the historic Lexington Battle Green, where the first gunshots of the Revolutionary War rang out. If you decide to stop off in town, there is much more to see. Head over to the Lexington’s Visitor’s Center, where you will find information about local attractions, a gift shop, and some interesting war exhibits. There are also restroom facilities here. For more history, I suggest making a brief detour to nearby Buckman Tavern, a historic tavern-turned-museum that served as the militia headquarters in April 1775.
After you complete the 3 to 4 miles of the Lexington section of the path, you will find yourself in the town of Arlington, where you will pass by an old mill, meadow, and scenic Spy Pond. I also recommend stopping to view the Uncle Sam Memorial Statue along the way.
And if you keep trekking for 3 to 4 miles into the city of Cambridge, you have almost made it!. This final section of the path runs for less than a mile and ends at the Alewife MBTA Station, a convenient spot for jumping on the train and heading home. Or if you want to keep on riding, just turn around and hit the trail in reverse!
Tips for Visiting
Because the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway is considered to be one of the most popular bike trails in the state, it tends to get crowded. Along with bikers of all abilities, you will also find people walking and jogging. I myself once rollerbladed here (but that is an unfortunate story for another time). The bikeway is open year-round and is most congested in the warm-weather months, especially on weekend mornings. As I mentioned above, there is a lot to see, so don’t feel like you have to complete the whole path in one swoop. There are plenty of places to grab a drink or snack along the way, as well as many pretty spots to stop for a picnic…