Bike the Reformatory Rail Trail to Minuteman National Park

Join us for an exploratory ride on the unpaved and little-known Reformatory Branch Rail Trail, followed by a jaunt around historical Minuteman National Park, where we'll stop for lunch or a snack. In case you've forgotten your history, the old North Bridge in Minuteman was the location for the "shot heard around the world" and the start of the American Revolution in 1775.

NOTE: I'm labeling the ride "exploratory" because I've not ridden this trail before. Friends who have ridden the trail tell me it's a good ride, even if it's a little bumpy in spots. There are a few manhole covers to avoid, so we'll watch for those. This trail is doable with a hybrid bike (that's what I'm bringing).

https://www.traillink.com/trail/reformatory-branch-trail/

Built by the Boston & Maine Railroad in 1873, the trail starts in Bedford (not far from the Bedford Depot and the Minuteman Bikeway) and makes its way through several wildlife conservation areas as it heads toward Concord. Locals dubbed it the "reformatory trail" when the railbed was extended in 1879 to pass the old Concord Reformatory (now known as MCI Concord). The branch trail was eventually abandoned in 1962, and the right of way was purchased by Bedford and Concord. This 4-mile, unimproved dirt trail passes through lovely woods and fields and alongside the popular Great Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, in Concord. Please note that you'll need a hybrid or mountain bike for this ride, as there is NO pavement.

Our ride starts just down the road from the Bedford Depot, at the trail head's dirt parking lot on Railroad Avenue. If parking is tight at the trail head, you can always park at the depot or behind the Bikeway Source bike shop and then make your way a short distance down Railroad Avenue to the Reformatory Trail. The trail head will be on your left. See the parking options map in the photos section.

We'll stay on the trail until we reach the crossing on Monument Street, in Concord. From there, we'll take a right-hand turn and ride on the road for approximately a quarter mile until we reach the Old North Bridge and Minuteman National Park. We'll turn into the park and ride around for a while before stopping for lunch or a snack. Be sure to walk your bike over the historic North Bridge. Bikes are allowed everywhere in the park, but be mindful of the walkers on the trails. There are restrooms near the park headquarters, and there are benches by the bridge. In the park, don't forget to check out the Old Manse, the historic house where Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne once lived.

Ride nitty gritty:
Trail surface: unpaved, packed dirt, sandy in a few spots
Bike type: mountain or hybrid
Restrooms: Bedford Depot, Minuteman National Park
Round trip distance: approximately 10-12 miles, depending on what we do at Minuteman National Park.
Safety: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides.
Lunch: Bring lunch or a snack
Post-ride food & libations: The Red Heat Tavern

Minuteman National Park Map:
https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/upload/MIMA%20Park%20Map.pdf

Red Heat Tavern
152 Great Road
Bedford, MA
781-538-4330
https://redheattavern.com/
https://redheattavern.com/menu/appetizers-salads/

AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS MEETUP, YOU AGREE TO: Hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the Meetup group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this meetup. Kayaking, camping, hiking, bicycling, and such other activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment. As organizers, we make no claims regarding any expertise for this outing. This is not a guided tour.

Consuming alcohol before or during any of our rides is not allowed.