10 Best Bike Trails: Massachusetts

If you cycle in Massachusetts, you should learn about 10 best bike trails in your area. These trails are easily accessible and are found all over Massachusetts. Whether you want to go for a casual ride or embark on a serious adventure, check out these best bike trails.

1. Arnold Arboretum The Arnold Arboretum is a Harvard research center that was once closed to cyclists, but now is a cyclist's haven. Peters Hill takes you 200 feet to the summit and provides a scenic view of Boston. The Arnold Arboretum connects to the Stony Brook Reservation and other bike trails. Arnold Arboretum: 125 Arborway. Boston, MA 02130.
2. Paul Dudley White Charles River This bike trail consists of a fourteen-mile loop through the banks of the Charles River from the Museum of Science in Boston to Watertown Square. This trail is best for more experienced cyclists because of the narrow paths and six-inch drop offs in some parts. Start your ride at any point on the Cambridge and Watertown sides or from various footbridges. Paul Dudley White Charles River: 251 Causeway St. Boston, MA 02114.
3. Franklin Park Franklin Park's various bike paths are only opened to cyclists and pedestrians. This bike trail extends for 527 acres. Scarboro Pond is said to be especially beautiful. Franklin Park is the last of the "Emerald Necklace" and it is a famous place of national cross-country meets. Franklin Park: Walnut St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.
4. Pierre Lallement Southwest Corridor Bike Path The Pierre Lallement bike path is named after its founder who invented the pedal bicycle. This trail is one of the best in Massachusetts only open to cyclists and pedestrians. The trail follows the Southwest Corridor Linear Park. Along the rapid transit Orange Line are four miles of separate bicycle and pedestrian paths. This path provides an alternative route to the polluted downtown Boston roads. This bike trail takes you by the house of the late Pierre Lallement. Pierre Lallement Soutwest Corridor Bike Parth: 38 New Heath St. Jamiaca Plain, MA 02130.
5. Melnea Cass Bike Path This path was built at the same time as Melnea Cass Boulevard and leads from the Southwest Corridor Linear Park at Ruggles MBTA station toward South Boston. The surface is less than ideal, more suitable for experienced cyclists. Melnea Cass Bike Path: 1010 Harrison Ave. Boston, MA 02119.
6. Millenium Park This 350-acre park, opened on the former Gardner Street Landfill in November 2000, contains several miles of paved bike/pedestrian trails and has great views of the Charles River and the MDC’s giant Cutler Park wilderness. The bridge over Sawmill Brook connecting the parks paved paths to Brook Farm Reservation’s unpaved ones. Drainage on the Brook Farm paths is poor and they should be walked when muddy. Millenium Park: 398 Gardner St. W. Roxburry, MA 02132.
7. Nickerson State Park This 1900-acre park in Brewster is known for its 420 campsites and cycling trails. There are seven main areas throughout the park, all are connected by paved bike trails. The park includes several trails which venture out into the woods where you can see the wildlife and vegetation of Cape Cod. Nickerson State Park: 3488 Main St. Brewster, MA 02631.
8. Martha’s Vineyard Bike paths parallel most of the major roads, but you won't be slowed down by traffic because there are few intersections. At Menemsha there is a bike ferry, which costs four dollars per bike but cyclists say it's worth it for making a loop through Aquinnah. Martha's Vineyard: Pond Rd. Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
9. Cape Cod Rail Trail The Cape Cod trail is a 25-mile bike trail also accessible to runners. It extends to South Wellfleet with parts of the trail allowing you to view the ocean. The Cape Cod trail connects to Nickerson State Park, where you will find many paved bike paths and trails. Cape Cod Rail Trail: Route 134 S. Dennis, MA 02660.
10. Jamaicaway Bike Path This bike trail path starts at Route nine near Leverett Pond. It continues along Jamaicaway to the Jamaica Pond. This bike trail follows the bridle path of Frederick Law Olmsted’s 1891 design. The Jamaicaway connects to various other trails, like Brookline’s Muddy River path. Jamaciaway Bike Path: 38 New Heath St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.