Bike the Historic Battle Road Trail & Minuteman National Park

Here's your chance to join us for a history-filled day, as we ride along the trail used by the British when they retreated from their battle with colonists on April 19, 1775, the start of the American Revolution. This unpaved 5-mile trail begins at Meriam's Corner, in Concord, and winds its way through the eastern section of Minuteman National Park to Lexington. We'll be passing through farming fields, wetlands and forests, with the trail surface varying from packed dirt and crushed stone dust to boardwalks over a few marshy areas. Note that there will be a few small hills but nothing too difficult. A hybrid or mountain bike is necessary for this ride (I did it easily with a hybrid).

This will be a relaxed, meandering sort of sightseeing ride ON THE WAY OUT, as we pass the historic sites along the trail. There will be brief stops to view the various historical markers that we'll encounter, including the site where Paul Revere was captured by the retreating British soldiers. Feel free to take lots of pictures!

After a quick water/snack break at Fiske Hill, which marks the end of the trail, in Lexington, we'll double back to Meriam's Corner. From there, we'll take an easy shortcut through a cemetery and connect to the Reformatory Rail Trail. We'll then bike to the western section of Minuteman National Park to view the Old North Bridge, the site of the famous "shot heard around the world." After we bike around the park and up to the visitor's center, we'll stop for lunch on the benches near the bridge. When lunch is done, we'll head back onto the Reformatory Trail, then take the shortcut back to our starting point at Meriam's Corner. The total distance for this trip is approximately 17 miles over trails of hard-packed dirt.

NOTE: Rest rooms are located at Meriam's Corner and at the Old North Bridge.

IMPORTANT PARKING NOTE: The parking area is located AROUND THE CORNER from Meriam House, on Lexington Road. Put the address for Meriam House, 34 Old Bedford Road, Concord MA, into your GPS; then just drive around the corner. See Google map in the Photos section.

Battle Road Map (PDF)

Minuteman National Park Map (PDF)

Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides.

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 other similar 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 events is prohibited.