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Massachusetts

Travel west from Boston along the Charles River Bike Path — busy year round with runners, cyclists, walkers, and boaters —before following the Blackstone River Greenway through the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.

Total Miles, Spine Route

171

Miles of Protected Greenway

Click the map for an interactive version

Current Progress

The East Coast Greenway in Massachusetts passes through a mix of landscapes, from downtown Boston to coastal communities, rural farmland, and mill villages. Many trails are being constructed in the North Shore region, including the Border to Boston Trail and the Northern Strand Community Trail.

Heading west from Boston to Waltham, the Greenway follows the Charles River Bike Path for 12 miles past the Museum of Science in Cambridge and the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham. From there, the future Mass Central Rail-Trail will take Greenway users to the Wachusett Reservoir, just north of Worcester. From Worcester to the Rhode Island line, the East Coast Greenway follows the Blackstone River Greenway in a region that was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.

A coastal route is being developed to link Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, via Cape Cod, using ferry service between Boston and the Cape. Click for more on the ferry service, which runs May 16-October 10, 2022.

Trails that may become part of this complementary route include the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Cape Cod Canal Bikeway and Phoenix Rail-Trail in Fairhaven, Mass. This route will cross from Swansea, Mass., to Warren, R.I., where the trail will head north along the East Bay Bike Path to Providence.

Traveling by train?

Quick tips when using Amtrak with your bike: Do your research in advance; each train line features different bike rack equipment and loading procedures. Check Amtrak for the latest and when in doubt: call the station if you have questions. Click for more: https://www.amtrak.com/bike

Massachusetts Contacts

Designated Trails in Massachusetts

Mileage counts reflect the portion of each trail that is part of East Coast Greenway.

Border to Boston Trail: Salisbury, Newburyport, Wenham, Danvers, & Peabody sections; 9.1 mi
Peabody Independence Greenway, Peabody; 1.7 mi
Salem Bike Path, Salem; 0.6 mi
Lynn Beach Promenade, Lynn; 1.65 mi
Lynnway sidepath, Lynn; 0.9 mi
Northern Strand Community Trail, Malden & Everett; 3.3 mi
Everett Bike Path, Everett; 1 mi
North Bank Park path, Boston-Cambridge; 0.6 mi
Charles River Bike Path, Boston-Watertown-Newton-Waltham; 12.5 mi
Blackstone River Bikeway, Worcester–Milbury; 2.4 mi
Blackstone RIver Bikeway, Blackstone; 3.7 mi

Complementary Routes

Mattapoisett Rail Trail, Mattapoisett; 1 mi
Cape Cod Rail Trail, 23 mi

Greenway Guidance

While the East Coast Greenway Alliance is constantly improving the safety of the Greenway route through its advocacy efforts, many of the current on-road connections, including those on the Greenway’s interim routes, have little or no special provisions for bicyclists or pedestrians. Long-distance travel via on-road sections of the Greenway is recommended for experienced cyclists only. Many lengthy traffic-free segments of the Greenway are suitable for families and cyclists, walkers and runners of all ages and abilities.

The current on-road routing is housed on low-traffic roads whenever possible. We aim to be as clear as we are able about the conditions riders can expect by including alerts for known stressful sections on our online mapping tool at map.greenway.org. Directional signage may or may not be present along the route. Users are advised to review state traffic laws, research current road conditions and discuss plans with people familiar with area roadways.

This website provides information for the public about trails and roads for traveling the interim route of the East Coast Greenway and their general suitability for long-distance cycling and walking. The East Coast Greenway Alliance and those involved with the development and publication of this website do not assume any liability for injuries, damage or loss to persons using this information or the routes suggested. People using this information are responsible for their own safety and should take appropriate precautions.

Itinerary • Boston to New Hampshire

Border to Boston Trail

Explore trails from Boston to New Hampshire with rides from 17-75 miles recommended by David Read

Itinerary • One-Week Bike Trip

Boston to Cape Cod Loop

Sample the best of southern New England. From Boston, travel south to Providence, R.I., down the Narragansett Bay and east to Cape Cod, then ferry back to Boston.

Itinerary • Portland, ME, to Newburyport, MA

New England Coastal Ride

Two-day cycling tour recommended by Molly Henry

View All Itineraries

News and features of interest

May 18, 2023

Holliston Rail Trail added to Massachusetts Greenway route

March 22, 2023

East Coast Greenway expansion gains record $22.4 million in new Congressional funding

January 17, 2023