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Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United States
Massachusetts
Middlesex County
Arlington

Minuteman Bikeway

Hard

3.2

(14)

60

hikers

Minuteman Bikeway

07:51

30.6km

130m

Hiking

The Minuteman Bikeway offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it a popular choice for a long day out. This 19.0 miles (30.6 km) hiking route, rated difficult due to its length and 7 hours and 51 minutes duration, features a mostly flat, paved surface with…

Last updated: June 10, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

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12.2 km

Arlington's Great Meadows

Nature Reserve

2

15.3 km

Church of Our Redeemer (Episcopal), Minuteman Bikeway

Highlight • Religious Site

Episcopal church along the Minuteman Bikeway

Tip by

3

15.3 km

Lexington Battle Green

Highlight • Historical Site

Lexington's Battle Green is the exact location of the the Battle that took place on the morning of April 19, 1775.

It was at this site that the opening shots …

Tip by

4

16.3 km

Parker Meadow

Highlight • Forest

Parker Meadow is a small, 17-acre park in Lexington, perfect if you're looking for a dose of nature while in the Boston suburbs.

Tip by

5

16.5 km

Parker Meadow Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Parker Meadow is just off the side of the Minuteman Bikeway. While you can't bike the boardwalks and short trails in the nature preserve, you can stay on the paved …

Tip by

6

19.1 km

The Lafayette Trail

Highlight • Historical Site

The Lafayette Trail isn't a regular trail in the sense that it's meant to be traveled from one end to the other. Instead, its purpose is to trace the final …

Tip by

7

19.5 km

Downtown Lexington

Highlight • Settlement

The heart of the town of Lexington, downtown Lexington is a true historic gem, still with modern shops and restaurants.

Tip by

24.2 km

Arlington Reservoir

Lake

25.0 km

Covenant Church

Place Of Worship

27.5 km

Highrock Church

Place Of Worship

11

28.7 km

Spy Pond

Highlight • Lake

Spy Pond is a 103-acre freshwater kettle pond located in Arlington, Massachusetts. It formed thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age and is part of the Mystic River …

Tip by

12

30.3 km

Alewife Brook Reservation

Highlight • Forest

Very close to the city, yet it feels like you're in the middle of the countryside. A visit or stop is definitely worthwhile.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

13

30.3 km

Alewife Brook Reservation

Highlight • Forest

Alewife Brook Reservation is a 120-acre urban wild in Cambridge and Arlington, Massachusetts, offering a surprising mix of wetlands, woodlands, and paved paths near the Alewife T station. It’s a …

Tip by

14

30.4 km

Yates Pond

Highlight • Lake

This picturesque pond in the Alewife Brook Reservation is visible from the Minuteman Bikeway and is one of the first things you can see coming out of the Alewife Station.

Tip by

B

30.6 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.9 km

3.27 km

2.30 km

1.85 km

109 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

14.6 km

8.94 km

4.25 km

1.32 km

1.16 km

308 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (70 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Saturday 11 July

28°C

18°C

25 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Minuteman Bikeway?

The trail offers numerous access points and parking areas along its route, particularly in towns like Bedford, Lexington, and Arlington. It also connects to public transportation at the Alewife MBTA station, providing convenient access.

Is the Minuteman Bikeway dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, please ensure your dog is always kept on a leash, and remember to clean up after your pet to keep the path enjoyable for everyone.

When is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The trail offers diverse scenery throughout the year. Summer provides lush greenery, while fall is particularly beautiful with colorful foliage. It can be enjoyed year-round, though it may be more crowded on weekends and during peak commuting hours.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail or visit Freedom's Way National Heritage Area?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Minuteman Bikeway itself. As part of the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area, the trail is freely accessible to the public.

What is the terrain like on the Minuteman Bikeway?

The trail is primarily a paved rail trail, offering a largely flat surface with only gradual grades. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, including hikers, walkers, and those using wheelchairs.

What notable sights can I see along the route?

The trail features a diverse landscape, from natural beauty to charming townscapes. You can see historical sites like the Lexington Battle Green and The Lafayette Trail, as well as natural points of interest such as Spy Pond and the Alewife Brook Reservation. It also passes through Downtown Lexington.

Does the trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the Minuteman Bikeway is well-connected. At its Bedford end, it links to the Narrow Gauge Rail-Trail and the Reformatory Branch Rail Trail. At its Cambridge terminus, it connects to the Fitchburg Cutoff Path and the Somerville Community Path, which extends towards downtown Boston. The route also passes through sections of the Minuteman Bikeway (76%), ALC ACROSS Lexington Route C (23%), ACROSS Lexington Route A (18%), ACROSS Lexington Route E (16%), and ACROSS Lexington Route L (12%).

Is the Minuteman Bikeway suitable for beginners or those with limited mobility?

Absolutely. The trail is consistently rated as "easy" due to its paved and mostly flat surface, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels, including leisurely strolls, invigorating walks, and wheelchair users.

Are there amenities like restrooms or food options along the way?

Yes, along its route, hikers can find various amenities, including restrooms, benches, and designated parking areas. As it passes through towns like Bedford, Lexington, and Arlington, you'll also have access to shops and food vendors.

Is the Minuteman Bikeway a loop trail?

No, the Minuteman Bikeway is primarily an out-and-back trail, spanning approximately 10 to 11 miles one-way from Bedford to Alewife Station in Cambridge. You can turn around at any point to customize your distance.

What's an insider tip for hiking this trail?

While the trail is generally easy, it can become quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak commuting hours. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting on a weekday or during off-peak times to enjoy the scenery with fewer people.

Nearby routes

Moderate

4.7

716

Freedom Trail

03:57h

15.2km

100m

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