Watertown & Cambridge Rail Trails, MA

• 3-star trails
• 1 to 4 miles each way
• Easy | Low gradient
• Watertown & Cambridge, MA | Northeast Region
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There are plenty of ways to enjoy a rail trail!

The recently extended Watertown-Cambridge Greenway utilizes the former route of the Watertown Branch Railroad to connect East Watertown with Cambridge's Fresh Pond, providing a relatively quiet and scenic recreation and commuting corridor through an otherwise busy Boston metropolitan area.

The trail from Arsenal Street to the shores of Fresh Pond clock in at around 2.2 miles, though as described on our map there's an additional short section 1.2 miles further west known as Watertown Linear Park that can be accessed via bike lane and road biking. The greenway also serves as a great 3 mile connector between Alewife T station to the North and the Charles River Bike Path at the South.

Asphalt,

Bike Lane,

Road,

Live Rail,

No Access, ⬤ Parking Expand ↓ Map

3★ Watertown Rail Trails 3.8 miles each way, easy, gain 50 ft (75ft E-W)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

The railroad, chartered in 1846, merged with the Waltham and Watertown Railroad to create the Watertown Branch. Construction began in 1847, reaching downtown Waltham by 1851 as a major passenger line. The Boston and Maine Railroad took over in 1900. Competing with streetcars and cars, passenger traffic declined and lead to station closures. Passenger service ceased in 1938 and the second track was removed by 1940. The middle section of the line was abandoned in 1960. In 1991 and 2000, further sections were abandoned. In 2011, the final 1.72 miles were approved for abandonment. By 2013 most of the line was under public ownership and became the trail we know of today.

It's easy to forget where you are on the modern trail, passing by avenues of trees and cutting through the more urban sections of landscape. At fresh pond the rail trail takes a direct route parallel to the highway, but we've marked a detour on our map in blue if you would prefer a route that provides more shoreline views.

A paved pathway running through a natural area with trees on either side under a clear blue sky, with shadows cast on the path indicating sunlight.

The extended rail trail by Cambridge's Fresh Pond.

A panoramic view of a serene outdoor scene with a large body of water reflecting the blue sky. Tall buildings are visible on the far side, suggesting an urban skyline. In the foreground, a grassy area with leafless trees and a metal fence runs parallel to the water. A person with long hair, wearing dark clothing and carrying something yellow, walks along the fence on a path or sidewalk

A runner by Fresh Pond.

Heading west beyond the greenway, a grade separated bike path shares the sidewalk along Arsenal Street that runs parallel to but not on the former railroad route. When this ends some road biking is required to reach the 0.3 mile long Watertown Linear Park that begins at Saltonstall Park behind Watertown Hall.

Possibly best suited as a quiet walkway for pedestrians, bicycles are still welcome here on this wide and smooth asphalt path. The historic railroad route continues on towards Waltham where it merges with active rail, but there are no significant sections to ride here. Instead, consider connecting with the excellent 23 mile Charles River Bike Path. Also check out the connections to several other rail trails by Alewife station - we provide links to these at the bottom of our article.

Trail Conditions: Smooth asphalt throughout with no discernable gradient. The main trail connects to the short Linear Park via 1 mile of bike lane and road biking.

A vibrant mural with the text ‘Good Watertown Vibes’ in bold, stylized lettering on a black background. The text is adorned with multiple colors creating a 3D effect, arranged in an undulating pattern

A welcoming sign on a rail trail-adjacent Arsenal St store.

A street view in a town during the daytime, featuring a two-lane road with yellow dividing lines and a red-marked bicycle lane on the right. Buildings with storefronts, including a dental office, are on the right side, while residential buildings are on the left. A white pickup truck is driving down the road, with various traffic signs and power lines visible under a clear blue sky.

Arsenal St bike path between the Greenway & Linear Park.

An outdoor scene with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds. A pathway runs through the center, flanked by grassy areas with rocks and trees. Two individuals are walking away from the viewpoint on the right side of the path. To the left, a long mural on a wall depicts various scenes, including trees, buildings, and people biking

The short and orphaned Watertown Linear Park.

Tangents:
• TrailLink: Watertown-Cambridge Greenway
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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