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Alewife Brook Reservation
4.7 ★★★★★ 250 Google reviews · Running trail in Cambridge, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Alewife Brook Reservation's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
120 acres of protected wetlands, woods & meadows offering limited areas for hiking & bird-watching.
What runners say about Alewife Brook Reservation
“The paths are well maintained and the pedestrian crossing to the Cambridge Discovery Park office area has a blue light safety system.”
“There’s a beautiful mix of shaded paths, open green spaces, and even quiet spots to sit and reflect.”
“Alewife Brook Reservation is a peaceful escape tucked right into the city.”
🌳 A hidden gem in Cambridge! Alewife Brook Reservation is a peaceful escape tucked right into the city. Perfect for a morning walk, an afternoon jog, or simply relaxing with nature. The trails are clean and easy to navigate, and the views by the water are especially calming.
A beautiful natural path winding elegantly through the luxury apartments of North Cambridge. Biking and walking trails flank bodies of water containing swans, ducks, geese, and assorted birds. Wooden dock-like walkways also stretch across certain ponds.
An endearing stretch of bike path surrounded by nature. The "boardwalk" area is maintained and has a beautiful view. Plenty of birds and wildlife all around!
2021-06-02 Popular and pleasant walk on the paths. Look for small off paths near the water. Various wildlife.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are clean and easy to navigate, and the views by the water are especially calming.”
“Alewife Brook Reservation is a peaceful escape tucked right into the city.”
“I just love going for walks and runs in this area, plus so accessible being right next to the bike path and Alewife train station.”
“The "boardwalk" area is maintained and has a beautiful view.”
Plan your run at Alewife Brook Reservation
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone+1 617-727-9693
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Cambridge
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Alewife Brook Pathway
4.6 ★★★★★ 108 reviews
City park with a paved trail suitable for walking, biking, skating, and bird-watching.
Alewife Linear Park
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Danehy Park
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50-acre green space with activities such as softball & soccer, plus paths for jogging & a dog park.
Seven Hills Park
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Park in Davis Square with a bike path, open space, and music, good for kids.
Fresh Pond Reservation
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Popular spot for spotting wetland birds & deer with wooded walking routes around a tranquil pond.