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Massachusetts has plenty of bike trails and bicycling rentals in town and country

Massachusetts > State > Outdoor Activities > Biking

Start pedaling and you’ll discover that Massachusetts is bike friendly for all ages and abilities. In country or in town you can travel former railroad and trolley tracks, riverbeds and shoreline, parks and greenways. There are paved roads, car-free service roads and off-road trails. Bike through historic and indescribably scenic places, on flat and hilly terrain, on marked and handicap accessible stretches. You’ll find comfort stations and concession stands, bike rentals, parking, and access to public transportation. Stay in a cozy B&B or relax at a nearby spa after a day out. Ah!

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Biking at Blue Hills - Discover Quincy - Quincy, MA
Discover Quincy

Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center - 1250 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-770-1175

Blue Hills Reservation boasts miles of trails fun for bikers of all abilitie

With its 7,000 acres of varied terrain, from rocky outcrops and challenging climbs to paved pathways through gently rolling landscapes, the Blue Hills Reservation is a must-see stop for bikers of all ages and abilities. In this urban oasis, you can pedal through forests, along ponds, across pine woodlands and bogs. Visit the Blue Hills Weather Observatory or one of more than a dozen other important sites that tell the tales of local history. Mountain bikers are welcome: Their reward for a rugged climb is always a spectacular view. Outside of the reservation, bikers in Quincy have access to beaches, historic sites and cozy neighborhoods.
Bike Path Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club Brewster Massachusetts
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

2907 Main Street (Route 6A) Brewster, MA, 02631 Phone: 508-896-9000 Toll-Free: 800-343-6074

Explore 429 acres and beyond at your own pace

Discover the beauty of Cape Cod and the 429 emerald acres of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club on the Resort’s shiny and sharp fleet of Freedom Flyer bikes. Enjoy direct access to the 26-mile scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail, which has become a haven for bikers, walkers, and joggers, and is dotted with plenty of opportunities to visit beaches and ponds, or to grab lunch or an ice-cream cone. Be sure to check the Resort’s seasonal package offerings, which often include bike rentals. Whether you are new to the area or looking to find a new spot, guests will love the Resort’s bike itineraries, which highlight local favorite spots stretching from Brewster to Provincetown.
Mountain Biking 500x250 - Berkshire East Mountain Resort - Charlemont, MA
Berkshire East Mountain Resort

66 Thunder Mountain Road Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 413-339-6617

Thunder Mountain trails challenge beginners, expert bikers

Mountain bikers have come home to the Berkshire East Mountain Resort. Beginners to double-black trail riders can experience the thrills of racing down intricately crafted courses at the resort’s Thunder Mountain Bike Park, New England’s fastest growing downhill mountain bike park. Lifts take bikers up to trails, many designed by Gravity Logic, that range from gently descending to steeply elevated and narrow. Obstacles, natural and manmade, range from tight trees to wood ramps and challenging jumps. The park supplies high-end rental bikes and safety gear, certified instructors offer lessons, and an on-site technician is available for repairs. At the end of an exciting day, enjoy a meal at the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill.
Bike Trail at Wompatuck State Park

Union Street HIngham, MA Phone: 781-749-7160

Total Length: 12 Miles

Wompatuck State Park is named for a 17th century Indian Chief whom the colonists knew as Josiah Wompatuck, and was later used by the U.S. military during World War II as an ammunition depot. Bicyclists who venture to Wompatuck State Park will find 12 miles of paved bike trails flanked by a peaceful wooded campground. One of the park’s main attractions is Mt. Blue Spring, a natural source of fresh drinking water to which visitors can help themselves at no cost. Trail Map
Falmouth Shining Sea Trail

Total Length: 10.7 miles

Starting just outside Falmouth Center, the Falmouth Shining Sea Trail provides a fairly level ride on paved bike path between Falmouth and Woods Hole.  The trail boasts some beautiful scenery, running through extensive salt marsh, cranberry bogs, and farmland, with beautiful ocean views. Access to the trail can be found on Locust Road in Flamouth. Trail Map
Charles River Bike Paths in the Charles River Reservation

Total Length: about 18 miles

This 14-mile loop follows both banks of the Charles River from the Museum of Science in Boston to Watertown Square in Watertown. The quality varies from 12 feet wide with center stripes to 4 feet wide with 6-inch drops at the edges. In some places it is barely wide enough for one bicycle to pass another; in others, there are separate bicycle and pedestrian paths. The path can be entered at any point on the Cambridge and Watertown sides, from all but the Longfellow and Boston University bridges on the Boston side, and from footbridges over Storrow Drive. The Urban Parks Division of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages and maintains this path.
Assabet River Rail Trail

Trail Length: 5.6 miles

The Assabet River Rail Trail flanks the scenic Assabet River for 5.6 miles (with plans to expand to 12 miles in the future) through the towns of Hudson and Marlborough. This 12-foot wide, paved trail is great for bicyclists who want a forested, scenic ride, with minimal traffic crossings. The trail crosses over the river several times, at one point over an historical, wrought iron railroad bridge. Cyclists can pick up the trail in Hudson along Route 62, where a restored 1921 blue caboose marks the trailhead parking area. Other trail parking areas are: 157 Washington Street at Rite Aid Pharmacy in Hudson; 417 Main Street in Hudson; 40 Hudson Street in Marlborough. Trail Map
The Bruce Freeman Trail

Total Length: 6.8 miles

The first phase of this proposed 25-mile rail trail is a 6.8 mile stretch connecting the towns of Lowell, Chelmsford, and Westford. When finished, the rest of the trail will link Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Sudbury, and Framingham -- following the 25-mile route of the old New Haven Railroad Framingham & Lowell line. Trail Map
Cape Cod National Seashore Bike Trails

Total Length: 1.6 miles, 2 miles, and 5.45 miles, respectively

The Cape Cod National Seashore maintains three bicycle trails ranging from 1.6 to 7.3 miles long. Use of motorized vehicles, including mopeds, on these paved trails is prohibited. Bicycles may be rented within the towns.

 Nauset Trail in Eastham connects Salt Pond with Coast Guard Beach. (1.6 miles).

Head of the Meadow Trail in Truro skirts a freshwater marsh and provides glimpses of the marsh and dunes. From High Head Road in Truro to Head of the Meadow Beach (2 miles).

Province Lands Trail in Provincetown winds among beech and oak forests, sand dunes and freshwater ponds.
Trail map.
The Minuteman Bikeway

Total Length: 10.13 miles

The Minuteman Bikeway passes through the historic area where the American Revolution began in April 1775. Built by Massachusetts on an inactive railroad, the trail is used by local residents as a convenient, eco-friendly way for commuters to reach train stations. The path is 12 feet wide, plowed in the winter time, and includes lots of stops for refreshments and restrooms at Depot Park in Bedford, the Lexington Visitor’s Center, Alewife Station, and business districts along the bikeway. Trail access in Bedford is available at the intersection of South Road and Loomis Street (exit 31B from I-95); at Lexington Center and Arlington Center, and at the Alewife T-Station. Trail Map
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Total Length: 11.2 Miles

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a former railroad corridor converted into a 10-foot wide paved, universally accessible, passive recreation path. The trail runs parallel to Route 8 through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, with the southern end of the rail trail beginning at the entrance to the Berkshire Mall off MA Rte. 8. and ending 11.2 miles north at the center of Adams. Cheshire Reservoir, the Hoosic River, and associated wetlands flank much of the trail offering outstanding views of the scenery and abundant wildlife. Parking lots and restrooms are available at selected locations along the way. Trail Map
Chesterfield Gorge

River Road Chesterfield, MA, 01012 Phone: 413-532-1631

Mountain biking is allowed on the Chesterfield Gorge property, but only on River Road (also called East Branch Trail). Bikers can get access to this road / trail from the parking lot. See full description of Chesterfield Gorge, with information on hours, admission, what to see and do.
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park Trail

Trail Length: 3.5 miles

The Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park recalls the role of canals in transporting raw materials and manufactured goods between emerging industrial centers. Walk along restored sections of the Blackstone River Canal from the River Bend Farm Visitors Center. Straddling the town line between Uxbridge and Northbridge is a 1,000-acre natural area with walking and hiking paths, canoe access, picnic areas and a broad expanse of the Blackstone River known as Rice City Pond. Directions: Massachusetts Turnpike to exit 11; Route 122 south to North Uxbridge; set of lights; left onto East Hartford Avenue; follow signs. Trail Map
Southwest Corridor Park

Along the Orange Line of the MBTA Back Bay in Boston to Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, MA Phone: 617-727-0057

Total length: 6 miles

The Southwest Corridor Park is a 4.7 mile, 52-acre, linear park stretching from the Back Bay to Forest Hills. It links the neighborhoods of South End, Back Bay, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain with a street-level, green open space for parkland and recreation. Approximately a quarter of the parkland is decked over the railroad tracks. Adjacent Streets, starting from the Boston Back Bay T station, include Carleton Street, Columbus Avenue, Tremont Street, Centre Street, Lamartine Street, Amory Street. Adjacent to Arnold Arboretum at the southern end.
Nashua River Rail Trail

Total length: 11 Miles

In 1848, the Worcester & Nashua Railroad opened for business with over 46 miles of track between Worcester and Nashua, New Hampshire. In 1982 the route was shut down for good, and it would be 20 more years until the Mass Highway Department completed what today is the Nashua River Rail Trail, built on the railroad’s former path, stretching 11 miles through the towns of Ayer, Groton, Pepperell and Dunstable. The trail offers a 10-foot wide paved surface for the entire length, and is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, inline skaters, wheelchairs, and cross-country skiers. The trail is popular for it’s scenic overlooks, impressive foliage in the fall, and for its access to commuter rail service between Boston and Fitchburg. Trail Map
Cape Cod Canal Bikeway

Total Length: 7 Miles

The service roads which parallel both sides of the Cape Cod Canal, partially maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, make for great scenic bicycling. Each service road is approximately 7 miles long, with parking areas, comfort stations and picnic areas provided at various access points along both sides of the Canal. The trail is relatively level, making it ideal for children and families. See map for access locations. Trail Map
Cape Cod National Seashore Bike Trails

The Cape Cod National Seashore maintains three bicycle trails ranging from 1.6 to 7.3 miles long. Motor vehicles, including mopeds, are prohibited on bike rails. Bicycles may be rented within the towns.
Nauset Trail:
This trail connects Salt Pond with Coast Guard Beach. It leads through pine and oak forest with vistas of Nauset Marsh along the way. This trail is wheelchair accessible. Distance is 1.6 miles.
Head of the Meadow Trail:
This level trail skirts the edge of a freshwater marsh and provides glimpses of the marsh and dunes. Distance is 2 miles.
Province Lands Trail:
This hilly trail winds among beech and oak forests, sand dunes and freshwater ponds. The loop trail is 5.45 miles, with spurs to Herring Cove Beach, Race Point Beach and Bennett Pond.
Riverbend Park

Memorial Drive Boston, MA Phone:

Total length: 1 mile

Riverbend is not a park, but rather the informal name for a one-mile stretch of Memorial Drive in Boston from Eliot Bridge to Western Avenue that is closed to vehicle traffic on Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. from the last Sunday in April through the second Sunday in November.
Norwottuck Rail Trail

Begins at Elwell State Park, Damon Road Northampton, Hadley, & Amherst, MA Phone: 413-586-8706

Total Length: 11 Miles

The Norwottock Rail Trail is an 11 mile path linking Northampton, Hadley, and Amherst along the former Boston & Main Railroad, built in 1887. The path's level terrain provides safe passage for bicyclists of all ages and abilities and both ends of the path offer free parking for trail users – Elwell State Park on Damon Road in Northampton and Station Road in South Amherst. Historians believe that the Native Americans who lived here before the European settlers were called the Norwottucks. Translated, norwottuck means “in the midst of the river.” Public restrooms are available at the parking area at Elwell Recreation Area. Trail Map
Mystic River Reservation

Off Mystic Valley Parkway Medford, Somerville, Everett, MA Phone: 617-727-5380

Series of parks and green spaces along Mystic River; accessible by MBTA trains; walking, biking, picnicking, swimming

The Mystic River Reservation is a string of parks and greenways along the Mystic River. It includes lots of trails for biking and walking. Accessible from Boston and Cambridge by MBTA commuter trails.
See full description of Mystic River Reservation.
See bike trails map of Mystic River Reservation.
Emerald Necklace Parks

This is a series of links between parks from the Public Garden to Franklin Park, also passing through Back Bay Fens, Riverway, Olmsted Park, Riverway, and Arnold Arboretum. Trail Map
Cape Cod Rail Trail

Total length: 22 miles

The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows a former railroad bed for 22 miles through Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. Its paved surface, few hills, and well-marked road crossings make it ideal for cyclists. The trail has a wide unpaved shoulder on one side to accommodate horseback riding, walkers, and runners.
There are many places to get off the trail and visit a beach. Food and water are available and restrooms can be found at Nickerson State Park, Salt Pond Visitors Center at Cape Cod National Seashore, and the National Seashore Headquarters. Bike rentals are available at many points . A limited number of hand-cycles are available for rent at some bike concessions. See trail website for list of free parking areas. Trail Map
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

125 Arborway Boston, MA Phone: 617-524-1718

This 125-year-old Boston city park and Harvard research center was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and has a wonderful set of paved roads that are mostly closed to motorized traffic. Peters Hill, on which you now have to walk the last 200 feet to the summit, provides the best grounded view of Boston from within its boundaries. Click here for a Trail Map (PDF)