Neponset River Greenway, Boston - Change your heart, look around you. It will astound you. I need your loving, like a sunshine, and everybody's gotta learn sometime... 🎵🎵
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Neponset River Greenway Boston

4.6
·107 reviews·Boston, United States

An 8.2-mile urban oasis along the Neponset River, perfect for biking, walking, and connecting to Boston's waterfront.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful ride

CrowdLow
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Neponset River Greenway, Boston - Change your heart, look around you. It will astound you. I need your loving, like a sunshine, and everybody's gotta learn sometime... 🎵🎵

Neponset River Greenway Boston

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful ride

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An 8.2-mile urban oasis along the Neponset River, perfect for biking, walking, and connecting to Boston's waterfront.

4.6
(107 reviews)

"This is one of the best bike trails in Boston area, I have been biking around MA, this is one of my favorites."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Connect to Harbor Walk

Extend your ride to Castle Island or beyond by linking up with the Boston Harbor Walk. :bike:

⬆️ Head towards Blue Hills

For a more challenging workout, ride west from Mattapan Square towards the Blue Hills. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Trolley Views

Vintage Trolley Views

Near Mattapan Square

Ride alongside historic trolley cars on a scenic stretch, offering a unique urban nature experience.

Dorchester Extension

Dorchester Extension

Tenean Beach to Morrissey Blvd

Enjoy a car-free path connecting Tenean Beach to Morrissey Blvd, a significant improvement for cyclists and walkers.

Riverfront Scenery

Riverfront Scenery

Various points along the river

Experience calming views of the Neponset River, perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Urban Trail

The Neponset River Greenway offers a refreshing escape within Boston. While sections are dedicated paths, be prepared for some street riding to connect areas. Check maps for the best routes, especially if you're aiming for longer journeys or specific destinations like Castle Island. Reddit

Connect to the Coast

This greenway is a fantastic connector! It links to the Boston Harbor Walk, allowing you to extend your journey to places like Castle Island or even Revere Beach. Plan your route to take advantage of these connections for a more comprehensive exploration. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful ride
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
All year round
Why
Open for all seasons
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@eastcoastgreenway #bostontiktok #salemmassachusetts #massachusetts #northshoretiktok #hikingtiktok #hikingadventures #urbanhike #eastcoastgreenway
@juliamrobertson
2.8K likes • 43.8K views

🗺️ Connect to Harbor Walk

Extend your ride to Castle Island or beyond by linking up with the Boston Harbor Walk. Reddit :bike:

⬆️ Head towards Blue Hills

For a more challenging workout, ride west from Mattapan Square towards the Blue Hills. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Great ramble in Boston on the Neponset River Greenway Trail. Full length the trail starts at Blue Hills and ends in Dorchester Bay 8 miles start to end. Opted to start in Mattapan Square and do an out and back. Perfect Labor Day weekend weather.
chuckcarmone
15 likes • 302 views
Impromptu Adventures are the best... The Neponset River Greenway is open I was uber excited, so I did a 3 mile loop on the new section of the Boston Harbor Walk. #InDezStreetz #LivingAudaciously #marathonsportsambassador #bostonharbornow #indezstreetz #neponsetrivergreenway
sweetroezgetsfit
15 likes • 218 views

🚗 Be mindful of street sections

Some connections require riding on city streets; stay alert and use bike lanes where available. Reddit :warning:

🐦 Spot local birds

Keep an eye out for murals of local birds along the Dorchester section. Instagram :bird:

🌅You’ve gotta check out this hidden gem! The Neponset River Greenway has a trail that is open all year, open to walking, running or biking and suitable for all ages and abilities! Alice Brown of @bostonharbornow wrote about the Neponset River Greenway in an article on Boston Magazine saying, “Regardless of the weather, the path will have other users of all ages and backgrounds enjoying it too. ...
bostonwaterfrontcoalition
35 likes • 323 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Connect to Harbor Walk

Extend your ride to Castle Island or beyond by linking up with the Boston Harbor Walk. Reddit :bike:

⬆️ Head towards Blue Hills

For a more challenging workout, ride west from Mattapan Square towards the Blue Hills. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🚗 Be mindful of street sections

Some connections require riding on city streets; stay alert and use bike lanes where available. Reddit :warning:

🐦 Spot local birds

Keep an eye out for murals of local birds along the Dorchester section. Instagram :bird:

🚶‍♀️ stroller-friendly path

The new extension is great for strollers and wheelchairs, offering accessibility for all. Instagram :wheelchair:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(107 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Neponset River Greenway, calling it one of Boston's best bike trails for its scenic river views and clean, safe environment. It's praised for its accessibility and the recent extension that provides a great car-free experience, though some note the challenges of connecting street sections. InstagramReddit

"We always go here for quick 15-mile rides.
I wouldn't hesitate to think it's our most favorite one despite it's somewhat short. We looped many places a few times to reach this distance.
It's exclusively for pedestrians and bicyclists. It's clean and safe. There are only 2 crossings, and they're pretty safe."

N Pham

"This is one of the best bike trails in Boston area, I have been biking around MA, this is one of my favorites, the other two are both in Cape Cod, Shining Sea Bikeway and Cape Cod Rail Trail. If you don't want to drive for one and a half hours to Cape Cod, this one is perfect for you."

Weidi Wu

"Great view. My kid loves walking here during the day."

Kalejaye Akintoba

What People Like

Scenic river views
Clean and safe path
Car-free extension

What People Dislike

Street connection challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can access the Neponset River Greenway from various points. A popular starting point for many is Mattapan Square, accessible via the MBTA Red Line. Other access points include Tenean Beach and areas near the Blue Hills. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Mattapan Square end of the greenway is easily accessible via the MBTA Red Line's Mattapan Trolley. This makes it a convenient starting point for many visitors. Reddit

Connecting to downtown requires navigating some street riding, particularly along Morrissey Boulevard. While plans are in place for future improvements, you might need to use sidewalks or carefully claim the lane. Reddit+1

Parking availability can vary depending on the access point. Mattapan Square may have limited street parking, while areas near parks like Tenean Beach might offer dedicated lots. It's best to check local parking regulations for your chosen starting point. Instagram

Absolutely! The greenway is a key connector, linking to the Boston Harbor Walk, which can then lead you to places like Castle Island and beyond. It also offers access to trails heading towards the Blue Hills. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Neponset River Greenway is a public park and is free to access. You can enjoy walking, running, or biking without any admission fees. Instagram

The Neponset River Greenway is open year-round, from dawn until dusk. Its accessibility makes it a great option for a quick stroll or a longer adventure at any time. Instagram

No advance booking is necessary. As a public greenway, you can visit anytime without needing to purchase tickets or make reservations. Instagram

The Greenway is primarily for pedestrians and bicyclists. It's important to be courteous to other users, stay on marked paths, and follow general park rules. Reddit

Yes, the trail is designed to be suitable for all ages and abilities. The newer sections are particularly well-maintained and accessible, making it enjoyable for families and individuals with varying mobility needs. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

The Neponset River Greenway spans approximately 8.2 miles, offering a substantial route for biking and walking. Reddit

You'll experience a mix of urban and natural beauty, including views of the Neponset River, wooded areas, and even glimpses of vintage trolley cars. The Dorchester extension offers waterfront vistas. TikTokInstagram

Many users find the Greenway to be clean and safe, especially during daylight hours. The presence of other walkers and cyclists contributes to a sense of security. Reddit

Yes, there are areas like Finnegan Park that offer pavilions for shade and rest. You'll also find benches along various sections of the trail. Reddit

The newly opened Dorchester extension from Tenean Beach to Morrissey Blvd is highly praised for being car-free. The section near Mattapan Square with the vintage trolleys is also a unique highlight. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for shots of the Neponset River, the vintage trolley cars, and the murals of local birds along the Dorchester extension. The waterfront views offer great scenic backdrops. TikTokInstagram

The riverfront location can offer beautiful light during sunrise and sunset, especially along the open water sections. The changing colors on the water can be quite picturesque. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow. Weekdays will also offer fewer people in your shots. Instagram

The vintage trolley cars near Mattapan Square are a unique photographic subject. The new bridge connecting to Morrissey Boulevard and the waterfront views are also popular spots. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage in public parks and greenways is often restricted. It's advisable to check with the local authorities or park management regarding drone regulations before flying. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Neponset River Greenway is a fantastic choice for families. The newer sections, particularly the Dorchester extension, are well-paved and offer a safe, car-free environment for children to bike or walk. The presence of murals of local birds and the unique vintage trolley cars near Mattapan Square provide engaging points of interest for younger visitors. TikTokInstagram

Consider starting at Tenean Beach for easy access to the car-free path. While the full 8.2 miles might be a bit much for very young children, shorter out-and-back trips are easily manageable. Remember to bring snacks and water, and enjoy the peaceful river views together. Instagram

🚴 Budget-Conscious Cyclists

For cyclists looking for an excellent, free recreational experience, the Neponset River Greenway is ideal. It offers a substantial length for a good workout without any cost. The ability to connect to the Harbor Walk further extends your free exploration options. Reddit+1

While some sections require street riding, planning your route to minimize this can help save on transportation costs if you're using public transit to reach the Greenway. The Mattapan Square access point is convenient for those using the MBTA. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Walkers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Connections: Street Riding

While the Neponset River Greenway boasts significant car-free sections, connecting to other parts of Boston often involves riding on city streets. The stretch along Morrissey Boulevard, in particular, has been a point of discussion among cyclists. While recent extensions have improved the Greenway itself, the transition onto Morrissey can still be challenging due to high-speed traffic. Reddit+1

Travelers have noted that while there are plans for future bike lanes on Morrissey Boulevard, current options include riding on the sidewalks (which can be uneven and shared with pedestrians) or carefully claiming a lane on the road. Some advise crossing Morrissey to the north side near UMass Boston for a slightly better experience, especially when construction is ongoing. Reddit+1

For those less comfortable with busy roads, exploring routes that utilize smaller side streets or the Hub on Wheels route (when available) might be a safer alternative. Always prioritize safety and be aware of your surroundings when navigating these transitional areas. Reddit

The Evolution of the Greenway: From Advocacy to Open Path

The Neponset River Greenway is a testament to decades of advocacy, land acquisition, and policy-making. What was once a vision has transformed into an 8.2-mile recreational asset for the city. Key milestones have included the development of various sections, culminating in recent extensions that significantly improve connectivity. Reddit

Connecting to the Wider City: Harbor Walk and Beyond

One of the most exciting aspects of the Neponset River Greenway is its role as a connector. The recent opening of the Dorchester extension now allows for a continuous journey from Hyde Park all the way to Castle Island, with minimal street crossings. This seamless integration with the Boston Harbor Walk opens up a vast network of possibilities for exploration. Reddit+1

This connectivity means you can easily extend your ride or walk to iconic Boston landmarks like Castle Island, or even venture further towards the beaches of South Boston and Revere Beach by following the Harbor Walk. It transforms the Greenway from an isolated trail into a vital artery for active transportation and recreation across the city. Reddit+1

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