What are the best spots to ride your bike in Boston? Let’s find out!
Boston is a beautiful city - filled with scenic routes, historic monuments, and great weather (okay, in the summer and spring).
Seeing this city on two wheels is a special way to explore the neighborhoods and street.
Whether you’re a resident, out-of-towner, or looking to lose a few for wedding season, we gotcha covered with our 10 favorite Boston bike routes.
1- Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path
Distance: 17 miles
Time: 1.5-2hrs
Level: Intermediate (trail is narrow and close to the road at parts)
Sometimes called “The Charles River Loop,” this path runs on both sides of the Charles River and gives you plenty of options for sightseeing. You can cycle the whole path, or stop for a detour and see the Museum of Science or Watertown Square. Who doesn’t love a little break in the middle of their ride?
2- Neponset River Greenway
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: <1 hr
Level: Novice
The Greenway connects Boston Urban Wilds, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Dorchester and Milton. As of now, it’s a short trail with another 2-mile trail to Quincy, but when it’s completed, it will have a 10-mile walking and bike trail - just perfect for an hour’s worth of cycling. While you’re waiting for the completion of the project, take up the opportunity to bike along the Neponset River Estuary, through the Neponset Marshes and down to the gazebo at Adams Inn.
3- Minuteman Bike Path
Distance: 11 miles
Time: 1 hr
Level: Novice
This path is a beautiful, somewhat secluded ride alongside a railroad. Expert bikers who really want a good workout can ride the path in both directions. Non-expert bikers, pay attention - this is a flat path, so many speed demon cyclists will whiz by and may forget to warn “on your left” as they rip past you.
The path is also said to be an estimated replicate of Paul Revere’s famous ride through Lexington and Arlington - so make sure to take photos and brag about it to your history-obsessed friends.
4- Arnold Arboretum
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: <1 hr
Level: Novice
The arboretum’s path is quick trip, but it’s a sight you have to see. At 150 years old, it’s the oldest public arboretum in the United States. You can also stop and hike up the 200-foot-long Peters Hill, which is a great workout and leads to a breathtaking view of Boston.
5- Stony Brook Reservation Bike Paths
Distance: 12 miles
Time: 1 hr
Level: Novice
475 acres of scenic ponds, paths and parks - including 12 miles of hiking and bike trails, which should give you a little over an hour’s worth of sweet ride. Turtle Pond is probably the best park of the reservation, and is home to sunfish and perch. The reservation also has tennis courts, picnic areas, a pool, and even an ice skating rink during the winter (if you’re not sick of snow yet!). Spend an entire day exploring, and hunker down by the pond to fish or take a break.
6- Muddy River Bike Path
Distance: 1 mile
Time: <1 hr
Level: Novice
This path is part of the Greenway Project, and runs along the north bank of the Muddy River to Brookline Ave in Brookline. What better way to see Brookline than from your bike? Both Boston and Brookline maintain this path. This super short path can probably be tackled in 10 minutes, but you can use the spare time to detour to the Museum of Fine Arts.
7- Franklin Park
Distance: 3 miles
Time: <1 hr
Level: Novice
Why not bike through Franklin Park? You can stop and take a tour of the Franklin Park Zoo, or bike along the beautiful Scarborough Pond path. Several roads in and around Franklin Park are closed to traffic, making it even safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Take a ride through the park, or detour over to nearby Harambee Park.
8. Charlestown Waterfront
Distance: 1 mile
Time: <1 hr
Level: Novice
Another short but beautiful route, this path is perfect for a short ride along the ocean filled with history. You’ll pass the USS Constitution and the Charlestown Navy Yard. It’ll only take you a minute or two to bike it, so why not relax by the waterfront when you’re done?
9- Millenium Park
Distance: 6 miles
Time: <1 hr
Level: Novice
Wheelchair and bike-accessible paths makes for a 30- to 40- minute ride that you can share with friends and relatives. There’s also a canoe launch, and at the bottom of the park you can visit the Charles River. Come alone, or bring your friends and family - and even a dog - along for the ride!
10- Southwest Corridor Park
Distance: 1.7 miles
Time: <1 hr
Level: Novice
This short route is a popular commuter biking route that links the South End, Back Bay, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain. The route will only take about 10 minutes to complete, so chillax and enjoy the park itself. The park is home to two spray pools, seven basketball courts, five tennis courts, two street hockey rinks, two amphitheaters, and jogging/walking paths, making it the ultimate stop for those looking for a good workout. Bike part of the route with some friends and bring balls along so you can take a break for a quick basketball tournament or a round of tennis.
Did we miss any of your favorite Boston bike paths? Have you traveled any we mentioned? Let us know in the comments below. Now get your bike and start exploring Boston!