Bike the Reformatory Rail Trail to Minuteman National Park (+ Bonus Trail)

Built by the Boston & Maine Railroad in 1873 and abandoned in 1962, the Reformatory Rail Trail starts in Bedford, MA, not far from the Bedford Depot and the Minuteman Bikeway. The trail 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. This 4-mile, unimproved dirt trail passes through lovely woods and fields and alongside the popular Great Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, in Concord.

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.

After we ride to the trail's end point, we'll take a quick detour down Monument Street and over to Minuteman National Park. Bikes are allowed everywhere in the park, but be mindful of the walkers on the trails. We'll ride up to the visitor's center for a brief history lesson from a park ranger before coming back down for lunch by the Concord River.

Note: Be sure to walk your bike over the historic Old North Bridge.

There are restrooms near the park entrance.

Historical Note: The Old North Bridge was the location for the "shot heard around the world" and the start of the American Revolution in 1775

Read about the Reformatory Rail Trail

Reformatory Branch Trail Guide (a brief history)

BONUS TRAIL: When we get back to the parking area, we can also check out the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail, which is a short distance down the road. This will add an extra 4-5 miles to our trip. See the map in the photos section.

Read about the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail

Ride nitty gritty:

• Reformatory Rail Trail: unpaved, packed dirt, sandy in a few spots
• Narrow Gauge Rail Trail: mostly paved
• Bike type: mountain or hybrid
• Restrooms: at Minuteman National Park
• Distance: approximately 10 miles, depending on what we do at Minuteman National Park. Add another 4-5 miles for the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail. Total distance for full trip will be about 15 miles.
• Safety: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides. If you don't have a helmet or forget to bring yours, I have spares to lend.
• Lunch: Bring lunch or a snack to eat at Minuteman National Park.
• Money: The park's visitor center has a small gift and book shop. Bring some $$$ if you think you might want to purchase something.
• Post-ride Ice Cream: After our ride, we can head over to Bedford Farms Ice Cream -- 20 North Road, Bedford, MA -- for some frozen treats. Phone: (781) 275-6501.

Maps

• Minuteman National Park Interactive Map
• Minuteman National Park Historical map (pdf format)

The guest option is ON for this ride, so feel free to bring a friend.

IMPORTANT: Be sure your bike is in good working order! Tires should be in good shape and pumped up, gears should shift smoothly, and your brakes should be properly adjusted. If possible, pack a spare tube in case of a flat. A hand pump or CO2 inflator is also desirable, though not absolutely necessary, as many riders will already have these items.

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 prohibited.