Massachusetts, the cradle of America’s first railroad, is a haven for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that the Bay State, beyond its historical landmarks and vibrant capital city of Boston, is crisscrossed with an impressive network of over 460 miles of multiuse trails spanning 93 trails. These bike trails in Massachusetts cater to every kind of rider, from leisurely cyclists to seasoned adventurers. The state is also at the forefront of interconnected trail systems, knitting together routes like the Coastal Trails Network, the Landline Network, Vision 88, the New England Rail-Trail Network, and the East Coast Greenway. These initiatives are expanding and connecting existing trails, creating seamless pathways across the state, the wider region, and up and down the Eastern seaboard.
Whether you’re seeking a long, scenic bike ride around the iconic Cape Cod, or a shorter, invigorating trail experience closer to the city, Massachusetts bike trails offer something for everyone. Here are ten of the top trails that showcase the best of Massachusetts for biking:
1. Minuteman Commuter Bikeway: A Ride Through American History
Cyclists on the paved Minuteman Commuter Bikeway in Massachusetts, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Massachusetts’ Mass Central Rail Trail | Milo Bateman
County: Middlesex
The renowned Minuteman Commuter Bikeway is a jewel among bike trails in Massachusetts, stretching 10.1 miles from the Boston suburbs towards the city center. A comfortable hour-long ride in one direction, this paved path is a popular commuting route and a recreational haven, drawing hundreds of thousands of users annually since its 1993 opening. Recognized for its excellence, it was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2008.
This bikeway loosely traces the historic route of Paul Revere’s midnight ride, “The British are Coming!”, and historical markers along the trail highlight key sites from the American Revolution. Beyond history, the Minuteman Bikeway is lined with amenities including bakeries, local shops, and even a bike repair station. For those looking to extend their outdoor adventure, nearby Spy Pond offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and dog swimming, while the expansive 183-acre Arlington’s Great Meadows beckons hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.
A section of the Minuteman Bikeway, showcasing its smooth paved surface and green surroundings, with cyclists in the distance.
2. Mass Central Rail Trail: Exploring the Heart of Massachusetts
A scenic section of the Mass Central Rail Trail in Massachusetts, showing the trail winding through a wooded area in autumn.
Massachusetts’ Mass Central Rail Trail | Photo by TrailLink user cathleen_bradley
Counties: Hampshire, Middlesex, Worcester
The Mass Central Rail Trail is an ambitious project creating a cross-state route, currently offering nearly 50 miles of open segments for bike trails in Massachusetts. Local advocacy groups like the Friends of Northampton Trails, the Mass Central Rail Trail Coalition, and Wachusett Greenways are driving the development of this planned 104-mile trail. Its central location makes it a crucial spine of the New England Rail-Trail Network, connecting to numerous other Massachusetts bike trails.
Starting from Boston’s northwest suburbs, the eastern section incorporates the Somerville Community Path, Alewife Linear Park, and the Fitchburg Cutoff Path, also providing a connection to the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway. Between Sterling and Barre, known as the Wachusett Greenways Section, the trail passes the popular West Waushacum Pond, a favorite for fishing. Further west, the Hardwick Section leads to the Norwottuck Branch, formerly the Norwottuck Rail Trail, which runs through Connecticut River Greenway State Park and past Amherst College. This section also links to the Art Swift Bike Connector for access to the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus and the Manhan Rail Trail into downtown Northampton. The westernmost segments take riders near Florence’s Look Park and along the scenic Mill River.
Volunteers cleaning up the Capital Crescent Trail, showcasing community involvement in trail maintenance.
3. Nashua River Rail Trail: A Testament to Environmental Restoration
The Nashua River Rail Trail in Massachusetts, featuring a paved surface winding through lush greenery and trees.
Massachusetts’ Nashua River Rail Trail | Photo by trailink user sc302
Counties: Hillsborough (New Hampshire), Middlesex (Massachusetts)
Extending 12.3 miles from southern New Hampshire into Massachusetts, the Nashua River Rail Trail parallels the Nashua River. Built on a former Boston and Maine Railroad line and opened in 2002, this trail begins in New Hampshire and quickly transitions into Massachusetts, winding through picturesque wetlands and waterways.
The trail’s story is intertwined with environmental recovery. Before the Massachusetts Clean Water Act of 1965, prompted by local advocate Marion Stoddart and the Nashua River Watershed Association, the Nashua River was heavily polluted. Today, thanks to this legislation, both the river and the trail thrive, boasting clean water and abundant wildlife. Prime spots for wildlife viewing along this Massachusetts bike trail include Pepperell Pond, J. Harry Rich State Forest, and Groton School Pond. Near the trail’s southern end in Groton, underpasses are decorated with murals by local students, celebrating the trail’s railroad heritage and its current role as a recreational space for all.
A scenic view along the Nashua River Rail Trail, with the paved path curving through a tree-lined area and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
4. Shining Sea Bikeway: Coastal Beauty on Cape Cod
The Shining Sea Bikeway in Massachusetts, showing a cyclist riding along a paved path with ocean views and coastal vegetation.
Massachusetts’ Shining Sea Bikeway | Photo by TrailLink user bonnieblue237
County: Barnstable
The Shining Sea Bikeway, named after Katharine Lee Bates’s “America the Beautiful” lyrics, is a breathtaking coastal trail and a standout among bike trails in Massachusetts. It’s Cape Cod’s only bikeway with a seaside section, the result of nine years of effort led by local advocates Joan Kanwisher and Barbara Burwell.
Starting from its northern point, the trail reveals its railroad origins with remaining railroad ties lining the path. Cyclists soon reach the Great Sippewissett Marsh and then Little Sippewissett Marsh, which offers a campground connection for bikepackers. The marsh also provides stunning views of Chapoquoit Beach and picturesque cranberry bogs. Close to the 10.7-mile trail’s end, riders are rewarded with Atlantic Ocean views and Surf Drive Beach. Future plans by the Friends of Falmouth Bikeways aim to extend the trail north to Bourne, connecting to the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway.
5. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail: Berkshire Mountain Views
The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Massachusetts, showcasing a cyclist riding on a paved trail with mountains and a lake in the background.
Massachusetts’ Ashuwillticook Rail Trail | Photo by traillink user jalden1003
County: Berkshire
Located in western Massachusetts, the 11.9-mile Ashuwillticook Rail Trail offers stunning vistas of mountains, lakes, and rivers in the Hoosic River Valley. This gem among bike trails in Massachusetts passes Berkshire Pond near its southern trailhead, leading to the impressive 418-acre Cheshire Reservoir. Following over 2 miles of the reservoir’s shoreline, trail users can admire Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak, across the water. The reservoir is open for fishing and rich in wildlife, offering chances to spot birds, fish, and turtles.
In Cheshire, the former Boston & Albany Railroad station now hosts a trailside business for refreshments. Approaching the northern end in Adams, bear-themed banners throughout the town celebrate the trail’s popularity and local black bear population. Extensions are planned at both ends, towards North Adams and Pittsfield, to further enhance this already excellent route for bike trails in Massachusetts.
6. Bruce Freeman Rail Trail: Honoring a Visionary in Suburban Boston
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Massachusetts, featuring a cyclist riding on a paved trail through a wooded area with dappled sunlight.
Massachusetts’ Bruce Freeman Rail Trail | Photo by traillink user letswalk4949
County: Middlesex
Named after the late Massachusetts State Representative Bruce N. Freeman, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail extends 11.7 miles on Boston’s outskirts. Freeman, a state representative from 1969 to 1986, was inspired to create this bike path along a former Penn Central railroad line after experiencing the Cape Cod Rail Trail and bike trails in California.
Starting in Lowell, the northern section is more urban, near roads, but quickly transitions to natural settings. The trail passes Heart Pond with a playground and swimming beach, then follows Nashoba Brook and the 123-acre Nashoba Brook Conservation Land. Currently, the trail is in segments with a gap south of Ice House Pond and Concord Road, but resumes for another 2.5 miles to Powder Mill Road in Concord. The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail are actively working on future connections and extensions to make this one of the premier bike trails in Massachusetts.
7. Cape Cod Rail Trail: A Cape Cod Classic for Cyclists
The Cape Cod Rail Trail in Massachusetts, depicting a paved trail through a sunny, wooded area, popular with cyclists.
Massachusetts’ Cape Cod Rail Trail | Photo by traillink user dj123_45
County: Barnstable
Located on Cape Cod, just 75 miles from Boston, the Cape Cod Rail Trail stretches 27.5 miles across the cape, a must-experience among bike trails in Massachusetts. It’s a key part of both the East Coast Greenway and Vision 88, a planned 88-mile trail network across Cape Cod.
Starting southeast of Barnstable, the trail connects to a local bike path at Peter Homer Park within 2 miles. Crossing the Bass River via a 160-foot bridge, the trail forks around mile 9, with the Cape Cod Rail Trail continuing straight and the Old Colony Rail Trail branching right. Continuing north, riders pass the William & Barbara Hacker Wildlife Sanctuary and reach the 1,900-acre Nickerson State Park by mile 14, offering various recreational facilities.
A worthwhile detour is the Salt Pond Visitor Center and Museum at Cape Cod National Seashore, just 0.5 miles off-trail. The final stretch to Wellfleet provides easy beach access. Future extensions aim to reach Wellfleet Center and westward to Barnstable, further solidifying its status as one of the best bike trails in Massachusetts.
8. Rose Kennedy Greenway: Urban Biking in the Heart of Boston
Massachusetts’ Rose Kennedy Greenway | Photo courtesy Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
Built atop the Big Dig project, the Rose Kennedy Greenway is a premier urban trail in Boston. Named for Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, it passes through Chinatown, the Financial District, and her birthplace in the North End, offering a unique urban bike trail experience in Massachusetts.
Though only 1.9 miles, this urban trail is packed with attractions: free WiFi, food trucks, beer gardens, fountains, pollinator gardens, and public art installations. Historical and cultural landmarks like Paul Revere’s house and a custom carousel add to its appeal. For those seeking short, accessible bike trails in Massachusetts within a city setting, the Greenway is an excellent choice.
9. East Boston Greenway: City Views and Waterfront Parks
The East Boston Greenway in Massachusetts, showing a paved path along the waterfront with the Boston skyline visible in the distance.
Massachusetts’ East Boston Greenway | Photo courtesy Ed Lyons | CC BY-NC 2.0
County: Suffolk
Near Boston Logan International Airport, the 2.8-mile East Boston Greenway links 15 acres of parks and green spaces. Offering stunning city skyline views from across the harbor, this Massachusetts bike trail starts at its southern trailhead and progresses through urban nature.
Along the way, you’ll find Bremen Street Park and the Boston Public Library’s East Boston Branch. Parks like Wood Island Bay Marsh, Piers Park, and Belle Isle Marsh Reservation are also accessible. A restored caboose marks its railroad heritage. Expansion plans by the Boston Planning & Development Agency aim to extend the Greenway to 3.3 miles, enhancing its appeal as one of the accessible bike trails in Massachusetts.
10. Neponset River Greenway: Riverside Trails and Historical Charm
The Neponset River Greenway in Massachusetts, showing a paved trail alongside a river with trees and greenery lining the banks.
Massachusetts’ Neponset River Greenway | Photo by TrailLink user deepak.pannikot
County: Suffolk
Following the Neponset River Valley, the Neponset River Greenway connects Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Milton. Historically used by Indigenous tribes for fishing and later as a trading route in the 1600s, the Neponset River played a key role in the development of Boston and Milton. This greenway highlights the historical and natural beauty of bike trails in Massachusetts.
Hugging the river for 8.2 miles, the trail provides canoe and kayak access points. It meanders through parks, marshes, and green spaces like Dorchester Shores Reservation, Neponset River Reservation, Pope John Paul II Park, Neponset Park, Senator Joseph Finnegan Park, and Tenean Beach, offering views of downtown Boston. Plans for more parks and trail spurs are underway, further enhancing this network of bike trails in Massachusetts.
Special acknowledgments: RTC’s Andrew Dupuy, Amy Kapp, Tom Sexton, Laura Stark and Derek Strout
