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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Massachusetts
Middlesex County
Somerville

Powder House Square – Mystic River loop from Ball Square

Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Massachusetts
Middlesex County
Somerville

Powder House Square – Mystic River loop from Ball Square

Easy

3.3

(4)

22

riders

Powder House Square – Mystic River loop from Ball Square

01:00

22.7km

110m

Road cycling

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 25, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 3.14 km for 63 m

After 16.2 km for 107 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

661 m

Powder House Square

Highlight • Monument

Powder House Square, also called Powder House Circle, is a prominent rotary and neighborhood in Somerville, Massachusetts. It serves as a 6-way intersection of College Avenue, Broadway, Warner Street, and …

Tip by

2

3.16 km

Mystic River

Highlight • River

The name Mystic River may seem like it alludes to a dangerous and mysterious history, however the name is actually just an Anglicized version of the Massachusett word missi-tuk, which loosely translates to estuary.

Tip by

16.2 km

Mystic Lakes

Nature Reserve

B

22.7 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.3 km

5.05 km

3.79 km

3.09 km

361 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

19.6 km

2.93 km

147 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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

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Weather

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Today

Friday 17 July

28°C

16°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for an easy, scenic road cycling route that packs a lot of charm into a short ride, the Powder House Square – Mystic River loop from Ball Square is definitely worth your time. This easy 14.1-mile (22.7 km) loop features a gentle 357 feet (109 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 1 hour, making it perfect for beginners or anyone seeking a relaxed outing.

What to expect on Powder House Square – Mystic River loop from Ball Square

This route offers a delightful journey through varied scenery, primarily on paved bike paths. You'll cycle along segments of the popular Minuteman Bikeway and the Alewife Linear Path, eventually connecting to the serene paths within the Mystic River Reservation. The terrain is largely flat, with some charming wooden boardwalks, like those on the Clippership Connector, adding to the experience. As you follow the Mystic River, you'll enjoy continuous river views, interspersed with forested sections and small, scenic parks perfect for a quick break. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the Boston skyline, especially near Macdonald Park.

Planning your visit

While the route is mostly on dedicated paths, be aware that some urban crossings can be complex and require caution. The infrastructure around Powder House Square has seen recent improvements, including protected bike lanes, enhancing safety for cyclists. This loop is generally accessible year-round, but always check local conditions. No specific permits are required for cycling these public paths.

Trail details

  • Distance: 14.1 miles (22.7 km)
  • Elevation gain: 357 feet (109 metres)
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Estimated time: 1 hours

Nearby routes

Moderate

4.7

865

Minuteman Bikeway

02:01h

50.0km

190m

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