Whether you’re looking to run, go on a brisk walk, or simply take your time and view the scenery, these trails and paths will help you escape from the big city life.
The Emerald Necklace http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/index.cgi
Designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York, the Emerald Necklace is a group of six parks – the Back Bay Fens, Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Park, Arnold Arboretum and Franklin park. This makes up about a five mile stretch of a green, lush environment to run (or walk) through. Spending time in this area just may cause you to temporarily forget you’re in the middle of a huge, bustling city.
Charles River and Back Bay – Connecting Boston to Cambridge
The Dr. Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path doubles as a 23-mile jogging loop. Being car-free for the most part, this is an ideal spot to run along the scenic river and not have to really worry about traffic. The section between the Longfellow and JFK bridges near Harvard (Boston lying on one side of the river and Cambridge on the other) provides the most popular running paths of different lengths.
For a map of the paths, see this website: http://www.bikexprt.com/massfacil/pdwhite.htm
Charles River to Waltham
Heading along the Charles River from Cambridge and through Watertown to Waltham is a nice, scenic few miles and another area which separates you from the crowded city life. This area is like stepping out of Boston without ever leaving it.
Harbor Loop (9 miles)
The South Boston waterfront is noted at providing the best seaside running path in Boston. Beginning at the waterfront near the University of Massachusetts, you can follow the shore around for scenic views as well as city cultural and historical attractions. Some of the things you’ll pass are the JFK Library and Museum, Castle Island (otherwise known as the Sugar Bowl area), and the beginning of Broadway, which is one of the main routes through historic South Boston. Here you’ll pass a great many Irish pubs and restaurants, and have a chance to immerse yourself in the famous South Boston Irish culture.
For a map of this running trail, see here: http://www.bu.edu/today/node/6992/ and choose “Harbor Loop”.
Quincy Shore and Neponset River
Here lies a collection of running and walking paths through different environments such as a park, a salt marsh edge along the Neponset River, a beachfront which stretches about a mile and a half, and trails through the Neponset River Reservation.
Newton, Brookline and Back Bay (9.7 miles)
This is where the final leg of the famous annual Boston Marathon takes place (which is about 26-miles long in total) and narrows down to a nice 9.7 miles for everyday runners, walkers and bikers to enjoy. You’ll pass through stretches such as Heartbreak Hill, the only uphill part of this part of the course, and beautiful residential sights to see.
For a map of this running trail, see here: http://www.bu.edu/today/node/6992/ and choose “Boston Marathon Lite”.
