Emerald Necklace
Length: 7 mi
Created in the 1860’s, this beloved Boston landmark makes up half of Boston’s park acreage. Take the Emerald Necklace’s winding path of over 7 miles, and 1,100 acres of historic landmarks, gardens, and picturesque water views.
Arnold Arboretum
Length: 5 mi
Technically this free public park is part of the Emerald Necklace, but it’s worth noting that it was established in 1872, making it the oldest public arboretum in America. Take the nearly five-mile-long loop that boasts an impressive collection of temperate trees, vines, and shrubs.
Minuteman Bikeway
Length: 10.1 mi
This multi-use rail trail runs from Alewife station in North Cambridge to Bedford and passes through Arlington and Lexington. Sites along the way include Spy Pond, Alewife Brook Reservation, the historic Battle Green in Lexington, and abandoned tracks from a former rail line.
Paul Dudley White Bicycle Path AKA the Charles River Bike Path
Length: 22.9 mi
Probably the busiest bike path you’ll find in the city, and for good reason. Running almost 23 miles along the Charles River, this multi-use path has some of the most breathtaking views of the Boston skyline.
Mystic River Greenway
Length: 4 mi
Still a work in progress, this path is part of the Mystic Greenways trail system which plans to connect the Charlestown Waterfront to Arlington and Cambridge. The path stretches through manicured parks alongside Mystic River.
Stony Brook Reservation
Length: 12 mi
This reservation is home to many beautiful ponds (Turtle Pond is a favorite), parks, trails, scenic landscapes, tennis courts, and great picnic areas. Located in West Roxbury, this path has something for the whole family.
Neponset River Greenway
Length: 8.2 mi
Just south of Boston, this path stretches from Dorchester to Milton. The pathway passes through Pope John Paul II Park and the Lower Mills and offers sweeping views of the Neponset salt marshes.
