Neponset River Greenway and Blue Hills Reservation Loop

This loop is designed for touring cyclists and typically takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your cycling pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or points of interest.

The terrain varies significantly. The Neponset River Greenway section is mostly an easy, flat, paved multi-use path, with a short 0.3-mile hard-packed section that's still suitable for road bikes. In contrast, the Blue Hills Reservation offers a more diverse and challenging experience with fire roads, double-track, and single-track trails that can be gravelly, rocky, and quite hilly, requiring good fitness.

You'll experience a mix of urban and natural beauty. The Neponset River Greenway offers views of the river, salt marshes, and a tree canopy, passing through urban areas, recreation fields, and historical sites like the former chocolate factory. The Blue Hills Reservation provides a 'green oasis' with forests, meadows, scenic waterways, and panoramic vistas of Boston and the south shore from its hills, including Great Blue Hill.

Along the route, you can enjoy several highlights. On the Neponset River Greenway, look out for the Harvest River Bridge, creatively painted retaining walls, and boardwalks offering waterfront views. In the Blue Hills Reservation, you'll find scenic viewpoints like Chickatawbut Road and the tranquil St. Moritz Pond, along with panoramic views from the summits of its 22 hills.

Spring and fall are generally ideal for cycling this loop, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially on the shaded sections of the Greenway. Winter cycling is possible on the paved Greenway, but the Blue Hills Reservation's unpaved trails may be challenging due to snow and ice.

While the loop connects two distinct areas, you can find parking at various points along the Neponset River Greenway, such as near Pope John Paul II Park, or at designated parking areas within the Blue Hills Reservation. It's advisable to check specific trailhead parking availability depending on your chosen starting point.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Neponset River Greenway or within the Blue Hills Reservation. Both areas are publicly accessible for recreational use.

Yes, both the Neponset River Greenway and the Blue Hills Reservation are generally dog-friendly. Dogs are typically allowed on leash on multi-use paths and trails. Always ensure your dog is under control and follow any posted regulations regarding pets in specific areas.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll cycle along parts of the Neponset River Greenway, Claire Saltonstall Bikeway, and the Boston HarborWalk. Within the Blue Hills Reservation, it utilizes portions of the Skyline Trail and various other paths like the Accord Path and Headquarters Path.

It's important to know that a fully dedicated, seamless loop trail connecting these two areas for touring cyclists is still largely in development. While both offer excellent cycling, bridging the gap between the Greenway's southern end and the Blue Hills Reservation's trailheads currently requires navigating some sections that are not yet part of a continuous, dedicated path. This might involve riding on streets or less direct routes.

The Neponset River Greenway portion is very beginner-friendly due to its flat, paved nature. However, the Blue Hills Reservation section includes significant hills and varied terrain, which can be challenging for beginners. If you're new to cycling, consider starting with just the Greenway or exploring the easier paved sections within the Blue Hills before attempting the full loop.