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Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Bedford

Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Bedford

Moderate

4.9

(5861)

7,357

riders

Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Bedford

02:55

51.0km

280m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 20, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

425 m

Minuteman Bikeway Terminus

Highlight • Cycleway

The terminus of the Minuteman Bikeway is at the northwest end of the 10-mile rail trail. Here, you'll find bathrooms, a drinking fountain, and a bike shop called Bikeway Source. Lots parking is available to start or end your adventure.

Tip by

7.55 km

John F. Leary Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Crossing this bridge, you have a beautiful view of the Concord River.

Tip by

13.7 km

Thanksgiving Forest

Nature Reserve

15.6 km

Great Brook Farm State Park

Nature Reserve

44.5 km

Reformatory Branch Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Reformatory Branch Trail, ideal for gravel bikes connects the historic towns of Bedford and Concord along a nearly 4-mile dirt road through wildlife refuges that ends a short distance from the North Bridge.

Tip by

45.0 km

Moore's Swamp Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Tip by

46.2 km

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – Concord Unit

Highlight • Natural

The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a 12-mile wetland conservation area and home to a large variety of birds and turtles. A well-maintained trail circles the pond's perimeter with marshes and beautiful lotuses that bloom in summer. There are a few short trails and a path leading to the Concord River with benches, which are ideal for relaxing and taking in the scenery. It's a favorite spot for families and photographers, with an observation tower that provides excellent views. Parking is free but limited, with clean restrooms (closed in winter) and a port-a-potty available.

Tip by

46.5 km

Great Meadow Park Common Land

Highlight • Viewpoint

Here is a beautiful view of the Great Meadows. This National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the eight sanctuaries that make up the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge complex.

This reserve offers visitors many landscapes and habitats to explore while enjoying many activities throughout the year such as hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting and boating on the Sudbury and Concord Rivers.

Tip by

47.5 km

Reformatory Branch Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Reformatory Branch Trail stretches 3.9 miles through Middlesex County, connecting the historic towns of Bedford and Concord along a dirt path. This rail trail, built in 1873 by the Boston & Lowell Railroad, offers activities like mountain biking, walking, and cross-country skiing in winter. It begins at Depot Park, near the North Bridge, site of the "shot heard round the world." Along the way, the trail passes through wildlife refuges, including the Elm Brook Conservation Area and the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which are home to over 220 bird species and other wildlife. While the trail's rough conditions make it ideal for foot or mountain bike/gravel bike travel. The trail concludes at Lowell Road, where nearby parking and restrooms are available.

Tip by

49.7 km

Start of Reformatory Branch Trail

Highlight • Trail

Any gravel bike or a road bike with gravel tires will do.

Tip by

51.0 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.2 km

12.9 km

11.1 km

7.15 km

5.57 km

935 m

164 m

Surfaces

32.2 km

12.4 km

4.53 km

1.36 km

460 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Thursday 16 July

31°C

16°C

34 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Minuteman Bikeway Terminus – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Bedford

Minuteman Bikeway Terminus

John F. Leary Bridge

Reformatory Branch Trail

Moore's Swamp Overlook

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – Concord Unit

Great Meadow Park Common Land

Reformatory Branch Trail

Start of Reformatory Branch Trail

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