This Fun on Foot runners' guide details top running/walking
trails in and around Greater Boston. Places covered include
Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Gloucester, Lexington,
Marblehead, Medford, Nahant, Newton, Quincy, Salem,
Stoneham, Swampscott, Waltham, Watertown, and
Winchester. Here are snapshots of some of the best routes:

Lower Charles River and Back Bay
The Charles River is the heart of running and walking activity in Boston and
Cambridge.  See at first hand MIT, Harvard University, and the Charles
Esplanade.  Continue through Boston's classic Back Bay district, ending
where the historic Freedom Trail starts.  Running, jogging, and walking
conditions are excellent throughout.

Charles River to Waltham
A running or walking trail from Cambridge through Watertown to Waltham - a
pleasant escape from the hordes in central Boston.  Enjoy nice scenery, a
little seclusion, and the wildlife along the river.  Waltham is a pleasant
riverside city and an ideal place to wind-down from your on-foot exercise.

The Emerald Necklace
The Emerald Necklace extends from Bosotn's Back Bay through the Fenway
area and Brookline to Jamaica Plain.   It was designed by Frederick Law
Olmsted, designer of New York's Central Park.  Run or walk through a
variety of environments where Bostonians fill their leisure hours, including
the Arnold Arboretum.  Finish at one of the most famous Irish restaurants in
Boston and, when done, catch a convenient "T" back to anywhere in the city.

South Boston Shore
Follow a beautiful ocean-side running, jogging, walking trail, passing
popular beaches and attractions including the JFK Library and Fort
Independence on Castle Island.  Run or walk through one of Boston's most
famous residential areas, Irish-cultured South Boston
[map].  Sample the
hospitality of some of the best Irish pub-restaurants in the country.

Quincy Shore and Neponset River
Experience a mix of excellent on-foot environments including running,
walking trails through a natural park, along a marsh edge, along a 1.5-mile
beachfront, and along a dedicated rail trail through the Neponset River
Reserve. Catch the T subway to the start and back from the finish.

Gloucester
We recommend an outstanding 7.1-mile loop trail, starting and ending
downtown near the Fishermen's Memorial.  This is convenient to the
Gloucester T commuter rail station - take the commuter rail here from
Boston's North Station.  Go around the Gloucester Harbor, past Rocky Neck,
and loop around to and along the Back Shore.  Running conditions are
excellent and the scenery is breathtaking. Pass Bass Rocks and Good
Harbor Beach and return to downtown Gloucester.
Erratum:  In the first impression, on page 127 the scale bar on the map is incorrectly
labeled 1 Mile. It should be 0.5 mile.

Lexington-Concord
The Minute Man Battle Road traces the path of the first fighting of the
American Revolution as the British retreated from Concord to Lexington, and
subsequently back to Boston.  This is an amazing route for its historical
attractions, and is also an excellent running, jogging, or walking trail.  We
show you how to do this trail on foot, and also take in the historic centers of
Lexington and Concord. This can all be done via public transit from Boston.

Rockport
You can construct a beautiful 4.5-mile loop, starting and finishing at the T
commuter rail station - take the commuter rail here from Boston's North
Station.  There is a trail that takes in beautiful scenery, including the ocean,
beaches, and rocky headlands, and allows you to finish up exploring this
picturesque seaside town.
Boston Resources
for Runners, Walkers

Public Transit (MBTA)


Bill Rodgers Running Ctr
Boston Running Company
Marathon Sports
Search this Site
BOSTON
Information, ideas, maps and books for Boston region
runners and walkers. Running and walking - exercise
that is free and fun!
Transport
Stores
Fun on Foot in New England
New England's top running guide & walking guide Fun
on Foot in New England by Warwick and Nola Ford
tells where to run, walk around Greater Boston and the
main population centers of the 6 New England states.
©  2005-2009, Wyltan, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Fun on Foot is a trademark of Wyltan, Inc.
Wyltan, Inc. never sells, rents, or shares customer email addresses. All financial transactions through this site secured by Yahoo! Stores.
For Cape Cod & the
Islands,
click here.
RUNNING
CLUBS
EVENT
CALENDAR
PUBLIC
TRANSIT
PARKS &
TRAILS
BOSTON
MARATHON
BOOKS AND
MAPS
PLACES TO
SEE
TRIVIA QUIZ
Reviews &
Details
$10.99