Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Great Brook Farm State Park
Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Great Brook Farm State Park
3.5
(23)
38
riders
Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Great Brook Farm State Park
02:02
31.9km
190m
Gravel riding
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
8.71 km
Buehler Ponds Conservation Area
Nature Reserve
12.8 km
Minuteman Bikeway Terminus
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
13.8 km
Start of Reformatory Branch Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
15.8 km
Reformatory Branch Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
17.0 km
Great Meadow Park Common Land
Highlight • Viewpoint
This …
Tip by
17.2 km
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – Concord Unit
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
18.3 km
Reformatory Branch Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
18.7 km
Moore's Swamp Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
19.9 km
Old North Bridge
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
31.5 km
Great Brook Farm State Park
Nature Reserve
31.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
13.5 km
10.8 km
3.28 km
2.91 km
1.24 km
194 m
Surfaces
13.0 km
11.3 km
5.70 km
1.70 km
251 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Friday 26 June
25°C
17°C
81 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a gravel biking route that truly offers the best of both worlds, the Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Great Brook Farm State Park is a fantastic choice. This moderate 19.8-mile (31.9 km) ride, with 637 feet (194 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 1 minutes, is perfect for riders seeking a varied experience, blending smooth paved paths with adventurous unpaved sections. It's one of those popular routes that delivers on both historical immersion and natural beauty.
What to expect on Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Great Brook Farm State Park
This route takes you on a journey through diverse landscapes and historical sites. You'll start on the well-known Minuteman Bikeway, enjoying wide, paved asphalt that glides through wooded corridors and past significant landmarks like the Lexington Battle Green. As you transition to the Reformatory Branch Trail, the terrain shifts dramatically to unpaved dirt, gravel, and packed earth, offering a more secluded feel as you traverse wildlife refuges such as the Elm Brook Conservation Area and the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Expect some bumps, roots, and potentially sandy sections on these unpaved segments, making it a moderate challenge that suits gravel bikers with a good fitness level and a desire for varied conditions.
Planning your visit
The loop conveniently starts from Great Brook Farm State Park, which offers ample parking. Given the mixed terrain, hybrid or mountain bikes with wider tires are highly recommended for comfort and control on the unpaved sections of the Reformatory Branch Trail and within the state park. While the Minuteman Bikeway can get busy, especially on weekends, the Reformatory Branch Trail often provides a quieter, more peaceful ride. Consider an early start to enjoy the tranquility and avoid peak times.
Trail details
- Distance: 19.8 miles (31.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 637 feet (194 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 1 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free