Minuteman Bikeway – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Mary Cummings Park
Minuteman Bikeway – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Mary Cummings Park
2.5
(28)
29
riders
Minuteman Bikeway – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Mary Cummings Park
02:01
32.1km
110m
Gravel riding
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
6.02 km
Minuteman Bikeway
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
7.87 km
Bedford Railroad Depot
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
8.54 km
Moore-Miller Con Restriction
Nature Reserve
9.31 km
Start of Reformatory Branch Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
11.3 km
Reformatory Branch Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
14.0 km
Moore's Swamp Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
14.9 km
Mill Brook Way
Nature Reserve
17.9 km
Reformatory Branch Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
19.3 km
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – Concord Unit
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
19.6 km
Great Meadow Park Common Land
Highlight • Viewpoint
This …
Tip by
32.1 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
10.9 km
9.89 km
4.21 km
3.98 km
3.15 km
Surfaces
15.7 km
13.0 km
1.90 km
1.25 km
213 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Thursday 25 June
29°C
15°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a gravel biking adventure that truly mixes things up, the Minuteman Bikeway – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Mary Cummings Park is a difficult 20.0 miles (32.1 km) route with 359 feet (109 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 1 minutes to complete. This popular route offers a fantastic blend of smooth pavement and rugged unpaved sections, making it ideal for experienced gravel bikers seeking diverse terrain and a good workout.
What to expect on Minuteman Bikeway – Reformatory Branch Trail loop from Mary Cummings Park
This loop offers a journey through contrasting landscapes, starting with the paved, multi-use Minuteman Bikeway that glides through suburban areas and historic sites. You'll then transition to the Reformatory Branch Trail, which is a significant shift to an unpaved, hard-packed gravel path, better suited for mountain or gravel bikes. This section immerses you in nature, passing through woodlands, fields, and important wildlife refuges like the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, known for its wetlands and abundant bird species. Expect some rougher conditions with roots, rocks, and potential mud after rain, requiring more attention and suitable equipment, but rewarding you with a more natural, wilder feel.
Planning your visit
Mary Cummings Park serves as an excellent starting point, offering parking and access to its own network of unpaved woodland trails if you wish to extend your ride. While the Minuteman Bikeway passes through towns with amenities, the Reformatory Branch Trail is more remote, so plan accordingly for water and snacks. The varied terrain means this route is best enjoyed on a gravel bike, hybrid, or mountain bike, especially if you're tackling the Reformatory Branch Trail. Consider visiting during drier seasons to avoid the muddier sections of the unpaved trails.
Trail details
- Distance: 20.0 miles (32.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 359 feet (109 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 1 minutes
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