One of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking with my family. We have been doing this for years, and it has become a wonderful activity we all enjoy. When my kids were younger, we started taking walks on rail trails. These repurposed hikes are great for beginners because they are typically well marked, flat, and have multiple spots where you can pick up the trail. Now that my kids are older, we have explored more difficult hikes. However, when we want to take an easy, laid-back walk in the woods, a rail trail always tops our list. We’ve shared some great Massachusetts rail trails like the Cape Cod Rail Trail and the Nashua River Rail Trail before, but the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail starting in Lowell is a newer walk that you may not have heard of – but let me tell you, it is worth checking out.

The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a beautiful place to walk, bike, or jog. You can even rollerblade and ski here! The trail runs for 25 miles on the former New Haven Railroad Framingham & Lowell line.
Joe Murray/AllTrails
It starts in Lowell and ends in Framingham, running through Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, and Sudbury.
The first portion of the trail opened in 2009 and has been expanded over the years to include additional sections. The trail is named in honor of Bruce N. Freeman, a state representative and supporter of the rail trail project.
Romulo P/Tripadvisor
The trail is paved and runs 10 feet wide, so it is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
Peter Plumb/Google Reviews
Road crossings are well-marked and the trail is mostly flat.

Related Stories

Massachusetts Just Broke Ground On Its Newest National Park

Massachusetts Just Broke Ground On Its Newest National Park

 The Iconic Hiking Trail In Massachusetts Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take

The Iconic Hiking Trail In Massachusetts Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take

 Enjoy A Secluded Stroll On A Little-Known Path Along This Pretty Massachusetts Pond

Enjoy A Secluded Stroll On A Little-Known Path Along This Pretty Massachusetts Pond
Along the way, you will cross over bridges, under tunnels, and pass by beautiful ponds, beaches, and forests. The trail even ventures into a few downtown areas.
Joe Murray/AllTrails
You may see wildflowers, horses, birds, and other animals.
Tio Med/AlllTrails
As well as some breathtaking natural scenery.
Hairuo Tu/AllTrails
The trail passes by several bodies of water, including Heart Pond in Chelmsford. There is a playground and swimming area that is open for public use.
Linda Kennedy/AllTrails
It's a fun place to stop if you are hiking with little ones or if you just want a nice place to relax and have a picnic.

Note: There are multiple places along the trail where you can park and hop on for a walk or a bike ride. For more information, please visit the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail website and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Facebook page. You can also download a map on the AllTrails+ app.

If you have walked or biked potions of the rail trail or completed the whole route, please tell us what you thought of it! For more great hikes, check out our list of the best trails in Massachusetts.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Massachusetts

Featured Addresses
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Parking Lot, Lowell, MA 01851, USA