Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

A NPS Ranger speaking to a school group about the Battle of Fort Wagner.

Matt Teuten

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of the Black community in 1800s Beacon Hill.

The Black Heritage Trail^® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community struggled and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad.

This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Register for the tour in advance on eventbrite. It begins across the street from the Massachusetts 54^th Regiment Memorial in front of the Massachusetts State House and ends at the Museum of African American History, covering about 1.4 miles.

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For the 2025 season from May 24 - October 13, Black Heritage Trail Tours will occur Wednesday through Sunday at 10am and 1pm.

Sign up in advance on Eventbrite. If you have a group larger than five people, please e-mail us or call us at 617-429-6760.

*In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App.  

Details

Duration

60-90 Minutes

The Black Heritage Trail^® Tours typically lasts 1.5 hours.

Activity

Guided Tours

Age(s)

8 and Older

This tour is best suited for individuals aged 8 and above.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed while walking through Beacon Hill. The Museum of African American History only allows service animals into its buildings.

Please visit our page on Accessibility to learn more about General Guidelines for Visitors with Service Animals.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

Yes

Guided tours are offered in the summer and into the fall. 

For the 2025 season from May 24 - October 13, Black Heritage Trail Tours will occur Wednesday through Sunday at 10am and 1pm. Register for the tour in advance on eventbrite.

*In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App.  

Season

Summer, Fall

Guided tours are offered in the summer and into the fall.

For the 2025 season from May 24 - October 13, Black Heritage Trail Tours will occur Wednesday through Sunday at 10am and 1pm. Register for the tour in advance on eventbrite.

*In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App.  

Time of Day

Day

For the 2025 season from May 24 - October 13, Black Heritage Trail Tours will occur Wednesday through Sunday at 10am and 1pm. Register for the tour in advance on eventbrite.

*In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App.  

Accessibility Information

This trail navigates a hill and consists of sharp inclines and small and uneven concrete sidewalks. Occasionally there are obstructions on the sidewalk that may be difficult to navigate around.