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Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 140 Google reviews · Running trail in Westford, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 25 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bruce Freeman Rail Trail'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.
Leafy paved trail along a disused railway route, for walking, cycling, jogging & rollerblading.
What runners say about Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
“A great rail trail with a few more road crossings at the northern end but well maintained and great scenery.”
“Spanning 11 miles, it winds through scenic landscapes, with well-maintained asphalt and gravel paths.”
Beautiful nature walk or bike on a paved trail with tree cover. Enjoyed the 5 mile walk ( and 5 miles back) and quite surprised how well maintained the trail is. Spotted deer along the way.
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Massachusetts is a cycling and walking paradise. Spanning 11 miles, it winds through scenic landscapes, with well-maintained asphalt and gravel paths. The trail offers picturesque views of ponds, wetlands, and forests, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
This recently completed section of this rail trail is marked along the way with signs and markers of the history of the trains and how they operated in this area. The paved trail runs for a short distance near one of the walls of MCI Concord and into the business district of town with shopping and restaurants.
Wonderful rail trail that starts in Lowell with plenty of parking at the old Crosspoint building. You travel under the Route 3/495 highway interchange in a tunnel (but it's well lit and feels safe) and continue through Chelmsford, Westford, Acton and Concord. It's well laid out and wide through most sections.
Trail conditions & character
“The paved trail runs for a short distance near one of the walls of MCI Concord and into the business district of town with shopping and restaurants.”
“Spanning 11 miles, it winds through scenic landscapes, with well-maintained asphalt and gravel paths.”
“Spanning 11 miles, it winds through scenic landscapes, with well-maintained asphalt and gravel paths.”
“You travel under the Route 3/495 highway interchange in a tunnel (but it's well lit and feels safe) and continue through Chelmsford, Westford, Acton and Concord.”
“Wonderful rail trail that starts in Lowell with plenty of parking at the old Crosspoint building.”
“This recently completed section of this rail trail is marked along the way with signs and markers of the history of the trains and how they operated in this area.”
Plan your run at Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance25 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitebrucefreemanrailtrail.org
- Phone+1 978-580-6190
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–5 pm |
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