Minuteman Bikeway and Reformatory Branch Trail
Minuteman Bikeway and Reformatory Branch Trail
3.2
(18)
57
riders
Minuteman Bikeway and Reformatory Branch Trail
02:51
44.3km
130m
Cycling
Embark on a moderate touring cycling adventure along the Minuteman Bikeway and Reformatory Branch Trail, covering 27.5 miles (44.3 km) with a gentle 438 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain. This route offers a diverse experience, blending the smooth, paved surfaces of the Minuteman Bikeway, which passes historical sites like the Lexington Battle Green, with the more rugged, unpaved sections of the Reformatory Branch Trail. You can expect to complete this journey in about 2 hours and 51 minutes, enjoying varied terrain and scenery throughout.
When planning your visit, be aware that while the Minuteman Bikeway is well-maintained and accessible, the unpaved Reformatory Branch Trail can become muddy with soft dirt after rain. For the best experience on the unpaved sections, a cross-terrain or mountain bike is highly recommended. You will find amenities like restaurants and bike shops conveniently located near the paved bikeway. Remember that cycling is not permitted within the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge itself, which the trail skirts.
This trail uniquely combines a journey through significant Revolutionary War history with an immersion into serene natural beauty. You will transition from suburban landscapes to quieter, natural settings, skirting conservation areas and offering views of the Great Meadow Park Common Land. It provides a fascinating contrast between historical exploration and a nature-focused adventure, making it a notable route for those seeking both cultural insight and outdoor activity.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Alewife Brook Reservation
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
10.5 km
Lexington Battle Green
Highlight • Historical Site
It was at this site that the opening shots of the Battles of Lexington and Concord were fired on April 19, 1775, starting the American Revolutionary War.
Tip by
14.5 km
Minuteman Bikeway
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
20.6 km
Great Meadow Park Common Land
Highlight • Viewpoint
This reserve offers visitors many landscapes and habitats to explore while enjoying many activities throughout the year such as hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting and boating on the Sudbury and Concord Rivers.
Tip by
22.2 km
Moore's Swamp Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
44.3 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
34.4 km
8.76 km
641 m
353 m
120 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
34.0 km
9.42 km
453 m
434 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (70 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Thursday 21 May
23°C
10°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the terrain like on the Minuteman Bikeway and the Reformatory Branch Trail?
The Minuteman Bikeway is a smooth, paved asphalt path, generally 12 feet wide and easy for all skill levels. In contrast, the Reformatory Branch Trail is an unpaved dirt path with roots, rocks, and potentially muddy sections, making it a more rugged and moderate experience.
What type of bike is best suited for this route?
For the paved Minuteman Bikeway, any bicycle is suitable. However, for the unpaved Reformatory Branch Trail, a cross-terrain, mountain, or hybrid bike is highly recommended due to its variable surface of dirt, roots, and rocks.
What historical sites and natural features can I see along the way?
The Minuteman Bikeway traces historical routes, passing by sites like the Lexington Battle Green and the Lexington Visitor Center. The Reformatory Branch Trail offers a more natural experience, skirting conservation areas and leading near the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and eventually towards historical sites in Concord.
Where can I park to access the Minuteman Bikeway and Reformatory Branch Trail?
Parking is available at various points along the Minuteman Bikeway in towns like Bedford, Lexington, and Arlington. For the Reformatory Branch Trail, you can typically find parking near its connection points with the Minuteman Bikeway or in nearby town centers.
How can I access the trail using public transport?
The Minuteman Bikeway connects directly to the Alewife MBTA Red Line station in Cambridge, providing convenient public transportation access. Public transport options directly to the Reformatory Branch Trail are more limited, but it can be reached via its connection to the Minuteman Bikeway.
Is the route dog-friendly?
Yes, both the Minuteman Bikeway and the Reformatory Branch Trail are generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them, following local regulations for multi-use paths.
What is the best time of year to cycle this route?
Spring, summer, and fall are generally excellent for cycling. However, be aware that the unpaved Reformatory Branch Trail can become very muddy and have soft dirt sections after rain, potentially requiring you to dismount and walk your bike. The paved Minuteman Bikeway is less affected by wet weather.
Do I need any permits or pay entrance fees to use these trails?
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to use either the Minuteman Bikeway or the Reformatory Branch Trail. They are publicly accessible multi-use paths.
Are there places to eat or resupply along the route?
Yes, the Minuteman Bikeway passes through several village centers in Bedford, Lexington, and Arlington, where you can find restaurants, pubs, markets, and bike shops. The Reformatory Branch Trail is more secluded, so plan your resupply around the Minuteman Bikeway sections.
Is this route suitable for families with children?
The Minuteman Bikeway is very family-friendly due to its paved, mostly level surface. The Reformatory Branch Trail, with its unpaved and sometimes rugged terrain, might be more challenging for younger children or those on road bikes, but it can be an adventurous option for families with hybrid or mountain bikes.
Does this route connect to other trails, or can it be done as a loop?
The Minuteman Bikeway connects to other paths like the Alewife Brook Greenway and the Fitchburg Cutoff Path. The Reformatory Branch Trail extends from the Minuteman Bikeway. While this specific komoot tour is an out-and-back, creative riders often combine sections of these and other local trails to form loop routes, such as utilizing local roads or other segments of the Bay Circuit Trail.