The best cycling routes around Boston

There are over 10 touring cycling routes around Boston, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 290 times.

Yes, Boston offers at least one easy touring cycling route. While specific easy routes are not detailed here, the region features a mix of flat sections and riverside trails, providing accessible options for different skill levels.

Touring cycling routes around Boston traverse a diverse landscape, from coastal paths along the Atlantic to routes winding through urban parks and historic neighborhoods. You'll find a mix of flat sections, gentle hills, and riverside trails, often following established greenways and converted rail trails.

Yes, Boston features several longer routes. For instance, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Elizabeth is a challenging 95.3 miles (153.4 km) path with extensive riverside views, taking approximately 9 hours 25 minutes to complete.

For a moderate challenge, consider the Homestead Pump House – View of US Steel Plant loop from West Mifflin, an 18.2 miles (29.3 km) trail through urban and industrial landscapes, typically completed in about 1 hour 50 minutes. Another option is the Homestead Pump House – View of US Steel Plant loop from McKeesport, which is 33.4 miles (53.8 km) long.

Experienced touring cyclists can tackle routes like the Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Sutersville. This 58.8 miles (94.6 km) trail features a significant elevation gain of 1571 feet (479 meters) and takes around 5 hours 52 minutes to complete.

Many routes offer scenic views, particularly along riverside paths and through urban greenways. You can expect a mix of natural landscapes and glimpses of historic and industrial architecture, such as views of the US Steel Plant on some loops.

Along the routes, you might encounter various points of interest. Notable attractions include the McKeesport Connecting Railroad Bridge, the unique Red Waterfall, and the historic Dravo Cemetery. For broader trail experiences, parts of the Great Allegheny Passage are also accessible.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Bike loop from Sutersville, which is a moderate 26.9 miles (43.2 km) ride, and the longer Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Sutersville.

The touring cycling routes in Boston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the network of urban greenways, and the extensive riverside paths.

Elevation gains vary significantly across routes. For example, the Bike loop from Sutersville has a moderate ascent of 519 feet (158 meters), while more challenging routes like the Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Elizabeth can feature ascents of up to 2390 feet (729 meters).