Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Bike The Battle Road Trail
NPS Photo
The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. Much of the trail follows the original remnants of the Battle Road: Where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought a bloody engagement on April 19, 1775. In some areas the trail leaves the historic road to follow the route of the Minute Men traversing farming fields, wetlands, and forests. Aside from it's significance as a hallowed battlefield, the trail is known for it's scenic beauty, biodiversity, and natural resources.
Bicycling the trail is welcome and a great way to enjoy the park. The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Bicycles, e-bikes and traditional, are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public. Before arriving, we recommend reading the following precautions, policies and laws. We require that all laws and regulations listed below be followed while visiting the park.
Precautions:
- Visit our Maps and Directions page for more information or pick up a park map at either park visitor center. The Minute Man page of the NPS Mobile App also includes location based GPS mapping.
- Traffic on park roads can be very busy during summer months and weekends in the spring and fall. Park avenues intersect with busy public roads and traffic can be heavy at those intersections so please observe STOP signs and use caution when passing through intersections.
- Bicycle racks are located at both visitor centers. Riders are urged to use locks and security devices while bikes are left unattended.
- The National Park Service urges bicyclists to wear proper safety equipment and bright colored clothing so that you can be easily seen by motorists who may be distracted by the park scene.
- Bicyclists in Middlesex County should check on-line for advice on bike trails and paths through this area. All of the roads into Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord are heavily traveled throughout the year and few have adequate shoulders to keep riders out of harm's way. Route 2A is the primary access road to the North Bridge Visitor Center and Main Visitor Center.
Where can you ride?
Bicycles are allowed in Minute Man National Historical Park in the following areas and trails with special exceptions noted below
- North Bridge Trail
- Battle Road Trail
Riders must dismount and walk bikes on the following sites: boardwalks, the North Bridge, on the Vernal Pool and Fisk Hill Loop Trails, the Buttrick Garden Paths, the Buttrick Mansion/North Bridge Visitor Center Paths, and other places as indicated. Bicycles may not be ridden in fields, on lawns, or in undeveloped areas or off-trail. Riding abreast of another rider is permitted on the Battle Road Trail as long as it does not impede other visitors, or otherwise create a hazardous condition.
What is an e-bike?
The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).How to ride an e-bike in the park?
- E-bikes are allowed in Minute Man National Historical Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited.
- All e-bikes must utilize pedaling while riding the bike. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor exclusively to move an electric bicycle for an extended period of time without pedaling is prohibited.
- The speed limit for bicycle on the above trails is 10mph.
- Riders must yield right of way to pedestrians.
- Operation of bicycles must comply with Massachusetts law. Except as specified in the Superintendent Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Minute Man National Historical Park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made part of the Superintendent Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
Details
Duration
1-4 Hours
Biking the battle road trail comes in many forms. Enjoy a short ride from historic site to historic site or journey the entire trail length.
*Note: The Battle Road Trail is 5.5 miles in length one direction.
*Note: The Battle Road Trail is 5.5 miles in length one direction.
Activity
Biking
Bicycling the trail is welcome and a great way to enjoy the park.
The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Bicycles, e-bikes and non-electronic, are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public. Before arriving, we recommend reading the following precautions and policies and laws. We require that all laws and regulations listed below be followed while visiting the park.
The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Bicycles, e-bikes and non-electronic, are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public. Before arriving, we recommend reading the following precautions and policies and laws. We require that all laws and regulations listed below be followed while visiting the park.
Where can you ride? Bicycles are allowed in Minute Man National Historical Park in the following areas and trails with special exceptions noted below:
- North Bridge Trail
- Battle Road Trail
Riders must dismount and walk bikes on the following sites: boardwalks, the North Bridge between monuments, on the Vernal Pool and Fisk Hill Loop Trails, the Buttrick Garden Paths, the Buttrick Mansion/North Bridge Visitor Center Paths, and other places as indicated. Bicycles may not be ridden in fields, on lawns, or in undeveloped areas or off-trail. Riding abreast of another rider is permitted on the Battle Road Trail as long as it does not impede other visitors, or otherwise create a hazardous condition.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
The Battle Road Trail
The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Visit our Maps and Directions page for more parking information and pick up a park map at the Minute Man Visitor Center.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The Battle Road Trail The trail is surfaced in a mix of packed sand and clay and is wheelchair accessible. However, conditions vary depending on the weather and some areas can be softer than others.
The grade is mostly level though there are a few short hills at Brooks Hill, beyond Tanner Meadow, and at Fiske Hill.
The trail can be accessed by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Visit our Maps and Directions page for more parking information and pick up a park map at the Minute Man Visitor Center.
The grade is mostly level though there are a few short hills at Brooks Hill, beyond Tanner Meadow, and at Fiske Hill.
The trail can be accessed by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Visit our Maps and Directions page for more parking information and pick up a park map at the Minute Man Visitor Center.