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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ride
Neponset River Greenway Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful ride

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 8.2-mile urban oasis along the Neponset River, perfect for biking, walking, and connecting to Boston's waterfront.
"This is one of the best bike trails in Boston area, I have been biking around MA, this is one of my favorites."
🗺️ 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Trolley Views
Near Mattapan Square
Ride alongside historic trolley cars on a scenic stretch, offering a unique urban nature experience.

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
Various points along the river
Experience calming views of the Neponset River, perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Urban Trail
Connect to the Coast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ 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:🚗 Be mindful of street sections
Some connections require riding on city streets; stay alert and use bike lanes where available.
:warning:🐦 Spot local birds
Keep an eye out for murals of local birds along the Dorchester section.
:bird: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.
:bike:⬆️ Head towards Blue Hills
For a more challenging workout, ride west from Mattapan Square towards the Blue Hills.
:athletic_shoe:🚗 Be mindful of street sections
Some connections require riding on city streets; stay alert and use bike lanes where available.
:warning:🐦 Spot local birds
Keep an eye out for murals of local birds along the Dorchester section.
:bird:🚶♀️ stroller-friendly path
The new extension is great for strollers and wheelchairs, offering accessibility for all.
:wheelchair:What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No advance booking is necessary. As a public greenway, you can visit anytime without needing to purchase tickets or make reservations.
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.
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.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The Neponset River Greenway spans approximately 8.2 miles, offering a substantial route for biking and walking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚴 Budget-Conscious Cyclists
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.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Connections: Street Riding
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.
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.
The Evolution of the Greenway: From Advocacy to Open Path
Connecting to the Wider City: Harbor Walk and Beyond
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit