As an avid runner, I love to look up the local running routes before traveling. Running is a great way to see a city and explore trails you may not otherwise go to. I lived in the Boston area for years and am a marathon runner, so I have explored many different parts of the city. Not all of these paths are directly in the city (Boston is pretty small), but all are within a reasonable distance. Here are some of my favorites:
1. The Charles River
The Charles River is a staple of the Boston running community and stretches out for miles. There are paths on both sides with bridges connecting the two, making it easy to take a short stroll or to build in a longer run.
Although parts of this path are next to the very busy Storrow Drive, it’s easy to forget the cars, as you soak in the views. It’s also easy to extend your run beyond here by exploring Hardvard Square, Fresh Pond, or the Bike Trail.
2. Castle Island, Boston
Castle Island has a short loop where you will bypass a fort and can watch the planes land. It’s perfect for a walk, to grab a bite, or to run. If you want to extend your run, you can continue along the beach.
3. Mystic Valley Parkway
Mystic Valley Parkway stretches through Somerville and Arlington. You can run along the river on a really pretty path. There are a few bridges that connect one side of the river to the other. However, if you choose the longer way, you will need to run alongside the road on the way back.
Recommendation: You can run from Mystic Valley Parkway through Winchester, which is a cute town outside of Boston.
The path on Mystic Valley Parkway
4. The Minuetman Bike Path
The Minuteman Bike Path stretches for miles and even features a few paths you can explore that are in the woods (Be sure to get bug spray). This is an especially pretty tail in the fall, where you can see the changing leave, and in the summer, it provides shade from the sun, making it feel much cooler than the surrounding area.
The trail passes through four towns, including Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge. The path can get crowded in the summer, especially in Arlington and Cambridge, so just be aware of your surroundings, since people on bikes are also using the path.
Also, this path can connect to other paths. As you make your way to the Alewife train station, you can add on trails such as Fresh Pond. Alternatively, if you are at the main intersection in downtown Arlington, it’s easy to go to Mystic Valley Parkway.
Pro Tip: If you head through Arlington, Kickstand is a popular place to grab a bite to eat, especially if you are biking.
Fall leaves alongside the bike trail
Views from the bike trail
Added benefit of the bike trail: Since many people use the bike trail to commute to work, the towns do plow it (as you can see in the image below). This also makes this an ideal location for running in the winter (especially since the Boston area can get a lot of snow).
5. Fresh Pond, Cambridge
Fresh Pond is a beautiful trail that is located near Alewife Station. The reservation includes a lake spanning 155 acres and 162 acres of land. It’s shaded and even has a water station and bathrooms, making it a great place for a run (especially in the summer). The path is about 2-3 miles long.
6. Wollaston Beach, Quincy
If you are south of the city, Wollaston Beach is a pretty area to run. You can get great views of Boston while running alongside the shore.
Pro Tip: Be sure to also check out Marina Bay, which has great restaurants and is particularly fun in the summer time.
7. Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield
This trail spans about 3 miles and is where I ran the Virtual Boston Marathon in 2020. It’s a really nice path, as you get views of the water. There is also a gas station alongside the road, so you have access to a bathroom and can grab water as needed.
8. The Fells
If you are an avid trail runner, the Fells is a really popular location for running. It’s a vast area, spanning over 2,000 acres in nearby Boston towns such as Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester. The most popular trail is the Skyline Trail, where you will be able to get amazing views of the city.
The Fells
View from the Skyline Trail
Final Thoughts
Boston, the home of one of the most famous marathons, has a large number of trails to explore. No matter if you are looking for a short run or a longer run, there are numerous places to go. Any recommendations you have? Leave them in the comments below.
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