The best MTB trails around Waltham

This well-packed dirt and gravel road loops through the reservation. Here, across the low stone wall, you can see Metfern Cemetery.

Rock Meadow Conservation Area in Belmont, Massachusetts, is a 70-acre mix of meadow, wetlands, and woodland trails, offering a peaceful escape just outside Boston. It's especially popular for walking, trail running, birdwatching, and dog walking. The wide, flat paths make it family-friendly, and the open fields provide great opportunities for spotting butterflies and wildflowers in warmer months. The Western Greenway Trail runs through the area, connecting to nearby conservation lands. Biking is allowed on designated trails, though the terrain is best suited to casual or hybrid riding rather than technical mountain biking. Parking is available off Mill Street.

Lone Tree Hill Conservation Land in Belmont, Massachusetts (often called Lone Tree Conservation Area) offers a peaceful mix of forest, meadow, and historic carriage roads. Popular with walkers, runners, and dog owners, its wide trails wind through oak and pine woodlands and open fields with views toward Belmont Hill. Interpretive signs highlight the area’s history, including former estate grounds and stone walls. While biking is permitted on the main access roads, it’s limited—narrower trails are for foot traffic only. It's a great local spot for a quiet outing close to town, especially in fall when the foliage lights up.

Rock Meadow Conservation Area in Massachusetts is a natural gem, with meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. Its serene trails provide opportunities for wildlife observation and peaceful escapes into nature.

This historic masonwork bridge is named for its echoing acoustics, and also offers a nice view of Newton Falls. You'll need to walk your bike along a set of stairs on either side of the bridge.

Along the scenic Western Greenway Trail you will cross a long section of narrow boardwalk through the woods and wetlands. This is a pretty part of the trail and a great spot to look for birds and other wildlife. Be aware, however, that it is quite narrow and there are no railings, so it is recommended to walk your bike, especially if there are hikers or other users on the boardwalk.

Kendrick Pond, also known as Cutler Pond, is located in Cutler Park, which is one of the largest remaining freshwater marshes on the middle Charles River. The pond brings in a number of beautiful species including great blue herons, warblers, and hawks and there's a walking trail that circles the entire pond area, so you can get a close look.

From here, you can enter Cutler Park Reservation, an area of over 700 acres of parkland that stands to protect the largest remaining freshwater marsh on the Charles River. Whilst this parkland is accessible to bikes, the ground can be uneven and may only be suited to mountain bikes.