My friend and I had such a wonderful experience renting the BlueBikes and biking along the Charles. They have a $10 per day deal, and the first two hours are free. We biked about 1.5 miles of the path, starting in Allston and heading to Cambridge. There is a lot of space to bike even on a busy day and the asphalt is nicely paved. Would absolutely recommend biking here on a sunny day in Boston. read more

Terrific bike path. Plenty of places to enjoy along the river, sunbathing, harvard square, mit, bu across the river, Watertown Square, Waltham, etc. read more

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Most of the bike path is really beautiful, but be careful for Charles River Park "1". I stumbled upon that......um.......area and there seems to be a full blown sod-o-mee or.gy going on there. Not surprising in trash B.oston, but still. Did a bit of searching on the matter. https://tinyurl.com/2s37rud2 Won't be bringing the kids by there, that's for sure! Safer in NH! read more

I just love running down here when I come to Boston! Plenty of areas that cross over the highway, and some nice straight shots with some rolling hills. Always keep an eye out for cyclists especially when the paths narrow, and run in a single file if in a group. Great views, not super busy earlier in the morning. read more

The river bike path is one of the greatest scenery you can have while biking. People were enjoying walking and running. read more

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If you want to explore the trial further Boston and Cambridge, I urge you download the Trail Link app. Otherwise you'll be crossing busy streets searching for where the trail continues. One of the biggest negatives was that on a trail I like to get on my bike and go. Here, after Cambridge I have to hop off and start searching for the continuation. Some of the crossings not being as simple as crossing the street compounds the confusion. To be fair it would have been possible to keep making a loop between Cambridge and the Science Museum. Before I am accused of being a negative Ned, there are of course some positives! There's some pretty nice scenery alone the Charles River, including the Hatch Shell. Some areas are a little more wooded, but the trail remains paved, packed gravel, or wood planks. I also liked that the elevation changes were very gentle, if there at all. With the aforesaid app, finding restrooms and water fountains wasn't too difficult. They're in several places along the trail (but decrease towards Watertown/Waltham). Be advised though, because it's there doesn't mean it is open/functioning. While it is not too wide in some places, it generally wasn't too packed. Passing people every 30 seconds, or having them pass you was not an issue when I visited. They do host bike tours more toward Boston, so be aware. Despite everything, it's still a pretty nice urban bike trail. If you want something less confusing, I recommend the Minuteman Bikeway. It's located right by Alewife Station is pretty much a 10 mile straightaway. read more

would highly recommend these paths. bunch of different plants and animals throughout. great views of the river read more

Charles River Bike Paths - squirrel!! - Parks Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This place is beautiful for a stroll or just some "me" time. There's a decent size parking lot free of charge. Plenty of benches to sit on and relax. I have seen people kayak and noticed a community garden. I believe people rent out space in their to plant. For the most part the place was clean but sadly I have noticed in the area where people were barbecuing they have left trash on the grass. It's highly disgusting not sure why is it so hard to clean up after yourself and keep the park clean. Trash bins are located throughout the park. On leash dogs are welcomed for a stroll as well and please clean up after your pups. Nice place for kids as well there's a playground next to the parking lot. read more

The Soldier's Field Road side if my favorite. The trails are narrow but there are such nice views. The stretches go for great long flat distances so any length run is great. Tons of parking down on Soldier's FIeld too. The Artesani Park 5K group runs their road races on a course here too and they are always great. read more

Not exactly the most relaxing bike ride along the Charles River. I rented a Hubway Bike in Cambridge, and tried to tackle this park after riding across the Longfellow Bridge. It wasn't easy. There are several major roads that intersect this path, making things a bit hairy in a few places while on a rented bike with poor brakes. The geese have totally taken over parts of the trail, squawking at passersby in a menacing manner! I guess this park connects with the Esplanade, and offers some scenic views of Boston and the Longfellow Bridge. It's a beautiful ride from the Longfellow Bridge, and seeing all the scenes along the river. The bike path isn't as historic as the Freedom Trail, but still is nice. I didn't manage to find any public restrooms along the trail. For being a bike path, you'd think that Hubway would put in more bike kiosks to encourage people to get out there and pedal it up. There aren't many bike kiosks. I did enjoy how many park benches there are along the way, so it's a nice place to sit and reflect, if only the birds would leave you alone! read more

I have looped many parts of these paths countless times on my blades during college. Circumventing mobs of people on the trail, how like dodging orange cones. I so often ended up on the adjacent grass. Check out the upper Charles for more sparsely populated paths. Yes, I know rollerbladers are dorks. Yes, I am aware of the feud between skaters and bladers. No, I don't wear spandex. If you ride/skate/jog/stroll down the Cambridge side past MIT on the way up to the Museum of Science, there's a dock across from the Prudential that is perfect for lying on your back and hanging your head over the side for the perfect upside down view of the skyline at night. read more

If this review was for the Charles River Paths, I might have given it 5 stars... But for the misleading title, I have to put some weight in my rating on the bike aspect.... 5 stars for continuity and providing residents with a direct connection to the gorgeous Charles River (thank you, Olmstead!). A paved path continuously loops from the Science Museum and beyond the Eliot Bridge via Boston and Cambridge. Be careful when crossing vehicle bridges (especially Western Ave on the Cambridge side). Direct access to Boston's sailing club. Access to all the bridges, although the BU bridge is the bridge that requires some backtracking to get up to (Boston side only). Handy little exercise gyms throughout (well maintained) and water fountains Literally at the river's edge amongst grassy and sometimes wooded park Very easily accessed on Cambridge-side, but in Boston you may need to take a footbridge over Storrow Drive to get there. 1 star for maintenance and upkeep related to actual bike riding pleasure... Said paved path could use some major help due to the number of roots invading through the surface, and damaged asphalt, and it really isn't recommended for people to use for cycling exercise (please go to Minuteman; or better yet, stay on the main road!). It's too narrow and too crowded for speedy, spandex-laden racers. OK if you're just cooling down. Please do not use the paths in the dark... Please use the paths in lieu of Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side (yes, you cyclists) Please do not J-walk on Memorial Drive Please do not feed the geese (crossing grass puts you at risk of getting green poo all through your treads) Please wear a helmet and respect the path and tell runners/rollers/strollers if you are passing and for how many bikes are with you read more

I will award you with five stars once you repave this path. Also, people with double wide strollers need not use the bike lane, mmmkay? I do like when "they" shut Mem Drive down on Sundays from April to November. I think the MDC is the department that does the shutting down for Mem Drive. It really is a nice experience to ride around and take in the sights of the river, trees, and whoaa..watch out for the potholes... read more

Us kids know No cars go Where we know Little babies, let's go! Women and children, let's go! Old folks, let's go! (but, um rollerbladers, you stay home, k? You're a public menace. And cyclers, kindly keep right. THX!) Update: My associates inform me that neither planes, nor ships, nor subs go here either. Perhaps space ships are restricted as well? read more

Fruit, Bread and Cheese Plate to- go from Otherside Cafe, $10 2 mini cans of Sofia champagne from Bauer Wine and Spirits, $12 (4 for $20) Gorgeous picnic on a perfect day with my guy and the puppy, PRICELESS! The Esplanade is pretty much my favorite green space in Boston. In the late afternoon, grab a bench or a patch of grass facing the water and relax as you take in the beautiful views of the city (especially pretty at sunset)! I spend early mornings and late afternoons walking my puppy Josie along the river whenever I can. I love that as long as I stay out of the way of bikers and joggers, that she can walk just at my heels without a leash! Its my special place :) the perfect spot to get out of the city and just reflect on life, without actually leaving the city :) read more

The Charles really is beautiful to walk or bike along... just don't jump in! Ick! Unfortunately, the majority of the Cambridge side (especially between about Harvard and Kendall) is really bumpy and eroded, and needs badly to be repaired. City of Cambridge, if you are reading this, please re-pave! But the Boston side is glorious. I especially love biking along the path early on a summer morning, or as the sun is setting. These are some of the prettiest moments I've experienced in Boston, with the paths quiet and the sun glistening off the water. It really is wonderful to live in a city where there are safe outdoor spaces like the Charles Bike Paths for people to get outside and exercise. Being originally from Philly (aka the fattest city in the country), I really appreciate these sorts of community resources. Summer, you can't come fast enough! read more

I love you Charles River Path, I really do, I ride along the path on my bike almost every day, it's close to my apartment, and quite amazing that it exists! I remember vividly my first ride...how amazed I was at your beauty! I haven't stopped going since. I am kind of addicted. There is nothing more exciting then flying on your bike along the river, watching the ocean slowly move across the horizon of the city and enjoying the sights and sounds of people along the way. Did I mention all the beautiful people that run/bike on this path? It's better than any bar I've ever been to! Too bad no one can stop. But wait, we need to stop right there because there are a few problems we need to discuss. 1. I am sick of your potholes along the Cambridge Side. Seriously, a racing bike cannot handle these. Fix yourself. We pay enough taxes. 2. I have now managed two bike accidents and millions of close ones every day because of stupid pedestrians and narrow lanes. Today I flipped over a ten year old boy because the Cambridge side once again sucks..and people don't look where they are going. 3. I lose your trail almost every time I attempt to go into Newton/Watertown area. Totally confusing. I hate that there are no signs. But I love you, and I am grateful for you being with me everyday. I could never fathom the winter season. read more

because my bike is a very vintage 3 speed I'm not one to go mountain biking so bike paths are usually a good thing. I appreciate the Charles river bike paths, and I am sure were great back in the day. Now, Everyone is on them, no one follows the rules, and the damn rollerbladers piss me off beyond belief. They need to be re-done and widened to make everyone a lot happier. don't get me wrong, I am glad they are there, but I'm not the biggest fan (The Minuteman bike trail is way better!) read more

Oh Esplanade, I'd marry you if I wasn't already hitched. I was first introduced to the Charles running paths way back when, when I first moved here. Within two weeks of living in the area, I joined NikeTown running club and did the 5.5mile loop. I've been hooked ever since. I've lived in many, many neighborhoods and metro areas of Boston, and no matter where I paid the rent, I've always made the Charles a priority. I'd drive in on the weekends or go running during lunch just to make sure I got my fix. My favorite things about the Esplanade: And by this, I know I'm lying. I actually mean the stretch between the Hatch Shell all the way down Storrow to where Storrow ends and meets Routes 2, 3, etc... back up on the Cambridge side, past the Mass Ave bridge and across the salt & pepper bridge. Anyway, back to my favorite bits, in no particular order: 1) crossing Arthur Fiedler Footbridge 2) my dock, where I rest, read, gather thoughts, sunbathe, etc... 3) crossing the salt & pepper bridge 4) running here at times when there's hardly anyone else around (rain, very early morning, frigid temps) and I feel like I can hear nothing but my breath going in and out and the city seems to be totally asleep 5) watching the community boats at dusk 6) being there with my dog who would love it more only if I let her offleash more often read more

I love to run here and can't wait to go rollerblading too in the summer. (Don't worry, rollerblade haters--I am really good about knowing my place on the path, as I will get into.) Minus one half star for people who are completely inconsiderate on the path. The path is narrow at parts, but people love to walk three, four, and five across. When you hear someone shout "Excuse me!" or "On your left!", that's a sign you should move over, though ideally you wouldn't have been blocking the path in the first place. As another reviewer noted, pretend you're driving. Stay to the right, move left to pass slower moving people, then get back to the right. Also, if we do happen to make physical contact because you weren't on the right or were moving erratically, I'm not sorry that I sweated on you. Also minus half a star for inconsistent plowing in the winter. There was a big to-do about New Balance funding snow removal here to facilitate people training for the marathon. While the paths have been plowed, they've been almost impassable some days. Without my running cleats I would not have been able to make it. They don't use salt or sand here, supposedly to avoid polluting the river, although I wonder where they think the street drainage ends up going. When the snow melts, there can be some terrible puddles. Smartwool socks help, but you will still be cold and wet. Aside from these two negatives, the Charles River Bike Paths rock. They're beautiful, clean, and safe. The terrain is mostly flat to give you more control over how challenging your run is. It's a deep green in the summer thanks to all the trees. And you get amazing views of the city. Love it! read more

The Esplanade is such an amazing place to run, bike, and take a walk, especially when it's warm. The views are absolutely beautiful and there are so many benches and places to relax along the way. It's the perfect hybrid between city life and nature. I've set up a hammock along the Esplanade at night and let me tell you, it's absolutely gorgeous listening to nature and looking at all the lights across the river. I would still be a bit weary with going around the Esplanade at night because it can get kind of scary, but that's an obvious unspoken rule. You can do a bunch here and I love how people friendly this all is! However, it's a bit frustrating that some people don't understand the meaning of the lanes. It's especially dangerous when you have fast bikers and runners trying to pass and some people are straying in the middle of the lanes without a clue. I know they don't do it on purpose, but I just wish it were more clear. read more

If you're searching for bucolic landscapes or perhaps a little solitude, don't be deceived by the term 'path.' But if you don't mind sharing footage with hordes of other patrons in fine fettle, come on down! For the sake of ease, here's the good and the bad: Pros: -since it's a 15-mile almost-continuous stretch, you can run/bike/lollygag for an endless amount of time (admittedly, this could also be a con) -behold, you're in a city yet in your line of sight are objects that actually exist in nature -a fresh(ish) breeze vs. canned air at the gym -well-intentioned runners have worn a path through the grass for those who value their knees! Cons: -wind gusts (i.e. ferocious gales) will render you immobile should you choose the wrong direction (this has happened to me) -fire-breathing runners who twitch and snarl, then dart ahead and cut off others who dare run faster than they (again, happened to me) -the mere existence of weekends here, especially in the mornings, spells chaos in the form of trail cloggers -the redolence of the sewage-kissed river water in warm weather -the possibility of veering a tad off course will land you in oncoming traffic! read more

I love walking and biking this path. The Charles River Path is absolutely gorgeous down towards Watertown, Waltham and West Newton. Even in Cambridge after the Weeks Bridge it's really relaxing. I love doing an hour loop from Cambridge into to West Newton and back. It's calming and wonderful, especially for those days when it's way too nice out to go to the gym. I love the wildlife. Geese, ducks, frogs, lily pads - it's definitely a nice break from my daily rides through congested traffic. The only reason I give it four stars instead of five is because there are a lot of people on this path who do not pay attention to others who are trying to use it. Even if you are listening to your ipod you should be aware of other people around you! Otherwise this path is a joy. I love it. read more

Wow! I came here for Earthfest, and was it ever packed. But I'm so glad I did--what a beautiful place to have in the middle of the city. I got there by way of the Charles/MGH T stop. I can't wait to walk the entire path. It is a gorgeous place too sit and watch the water and admire the sailboats in the setting sun. It's a great place for walking, running, biking and people watching. And obviously, a great place for festivals. read more

I commute on the Charles River bike path every day, from Waltham through Watertown into Allston. Occasionally I take the path down into MIT if I'm going to an event there. The other yelpers on here are right: it's definitely quieter in Waltham/Watertown. Once you get to the point where you're following Memorial or Storrow Drive, the paths become completely overpopulated on a nice day. As a cyclist, I don't actually mind the slightly overgrown, bumpy paths in Waltham/Watertown. Makes the ride a little more fun. You just have to be more careful riding this stretch: even though there are fewer pedestrians, the path is really twisty turny and you could easily turn a corner and run into someone. In Allston/Cambridge you can see clear down the path for a long distance, so there's no surprises. Anyway, I feel privileged that I get to commute on such a nice path. Stuff like this just doesn't exist in, say, DC where I grew up. read more

While the common is lackluster compared to my expectations for a city park, the Esplanade side of the Charles River surpassed my expectations multiple times over. It's so peaceful, expansive, and really feels like an escape from the city. I went here for 4th of July a couple years ago and it was an amazing setting to spend the evening with great friends (also, 4th of July has never been great since I'm from the West Coast where no one gives a shit since we were not directly impacted by the Revolutionary War). There were several other evenings of running, biking, and lying out by the river to watch the sun rise. An amazing place I never would have discovered otherwise. read more

I cannot give this 5 stars because of a few things, but lets start with the positive. 1. I live across from the Charles River Path in Watertown, so it's very convenient to me. 2. The scenery is very pretty 3. The Path in Watertown is great beacuse it's clean, new and has is a separate path (at least for 2 miles) from joggers and walkers. 4. There are lots of benches facing the river, so it's a great place to take a water/snack break. Dislikes, 1. It's only a 14. something mile loop if I start out in Watertown and head to the Museum of Science. I want to bike some more and not have to go in circles like a hamster. 2. The paths in the Cambridge area are awful. The tree roots, are a good time. I am not sure what i am more worried about...my bike or my bum because it hurts when they catch you off guard. 3. The paths can get very narrow at times. So when you're passing another cyclist or jogger coming the opposite way, you either get hit with a lot of bushes and tree branches, or wipe on on the railing like my bf did to avoid the person coming toward you. 4. Wayyyy too many people when it's nice out. I don't mike the leisurely bike ride, however, I ride to get a workout in and it's really annoying to slow down all the time....thus, slowing my heart rate down. read more

Fantastic place to run. Well kept, even in the winter, and gorgeous views of Cambridge and Boston, depending on the side of the river you choose. Very seldom interrupted by traffic crossings. read more

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I recently joined a running club in an effort to rekindle the stress relief and adventurous aspects of running. Having run a few marathons, I largely consider myself a 5k runner who does it for fun (and to compete within myself). Upon moving to Boston, I noticed people run on concrete here. Land of the oldest marathon in America and everyone is running on concrete! I was confused. Having been to the Charles path now several times lately, I do see the joy in this area. I wonder how winter will affect that, but for now, I am content. I have determined one thing, if I end up in Boston, my residence must be within a block or two of this path. Try it! read more

so many uses for the trail along the banks of the charles. it extends from the museum of science all the way out to watertown. i think it's what make boston one the best cities for runners. it's also nice for a romantic stroll at sunset. many free concerts at the bandshell throughout the year. and dont forget the boat houses where you can rent a sailboat or kayak for a couple of hours. bonus, memorial drive (from western ave to mt. auburn st) is closed to traffic every sunday, from the last sunday of april until the second sunday of november. read more

Just took my first bike ride of the season along the esplanade! So refreshing! the paths are well-maintained and the traffic is pretty orderly. It can get pretty busy, but people mostly stay out of each others' ways. I could do without the random skateboarders threatening near-miss accidents and collisions! My favorite section is between back-bay and the museum of science; the worst section is along storrow drive between central and harvard. If thats where you want to ride/walk/run, it is better to cross over to memorial drive. read more

Pros: just about everything. Great way to commute to Boston. Like Helen says--the extension into Watertown and Waltham is awesome--really beautiful and tranquil. Cons: (1) as on any bike path you get lots of people who don't treat it like public space and do dumb things (e.g. roller blade with i-pod on, NOT look over shoulder, swerve into left lane; jog down ramp from Mass Ave bridge, take left turn onto path without looking right despite lots of bikers and roller bladers in area--and thereby make me almost crash and scream ugly, obscene things). (2) Intersection at Cambridge Street. (3) The weird yogurty garbage stench on some mornings along the Allston rail yards. Roberto, there are bathrooms at the hatch shell that are usually open. read more

My only experience is on the south side of the river, mostly from BU to MGH. Because it parallels Storrow Dr, you don't have to stop at cross streets on this section, which is awesome. But it is limited access because you have to get across Storrow to get onto it. I ride this stretch on my bike almost everyday to work and back. The views are great, being on the river, and it's peaceful in the morning. You're just riding smoothly along and then you hit a section of cracked and ridged pavement that will bruise you if you're not expecting it. There are only a few sections of this, but it can really be a hassle, especially if you're on a road bike. The morning is great because at 7 am, there aren't a lot of people. In the morning the runners tend to be the more serious runners and they run on the dirt or grass instead of the pavement. Although a couple runners have stepped out right in front of my bike, and if I had gotten an hour less sleep the night before, I would have slammed into them (luckily I've been able to swerve quick enough). After work, there are people walking with friends and taking up the whole path, and mothers with strollers walking 3 across. It makes for a much slower ride than the morning. If they fixed the cracks and bumps, it would be the best bike path I've been on. read more

Overall, I like the Charles river Bike path, aka The Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path that follows the north and south bank of the Charles river from Watertown all the way to the Science Museum. It's a nice 19 mile loop that shows off some of the best of Boston and the People's Republic of Cambridge. Sunsets blazing on the Boston skyline...the college campuses...kayakers and crew teams...early evening moonrise over the new Tobin Bridge...beautiful college girls out for jogs...Ducks and DUKWs There are sections that need to be repaved in Cambridge as tree roots have heaved the asphalt, and several sections that need to be wider. And there are sections that demonstrate that the painting crew was drunk when they painted the lines down the *middle* of the path. It is not a technically challenging path, being flat for 99% of its distance (one little hill in Watertown being the exception) but one can encounter some natural resistance from the variable winds coming off the river. And artificial resistance from many of the other users. Again, 99% of the users are pretty good about sharing the path, but then there is the 1% who are idiots: the Wanderers: I know it can be difficult to understand that the rules for pedestrians on roads compared to bike paths are difficult to follow. But here is a simple guideline: Are you on a bike path? Is there a green sign that says "Bike Path"? Being on a separate paved surface away from the cars, generally only 2 body-widths wide is usually a good clue that you are on a bike path. Now, knowing you are on a bike path, raise your right hand or identify the right side of your body. Now point (literally or figuratively) at the right side of the path in the direction you are traveling. Now, stay on that side of the path. If you are from some place that still drives on the left, please note that we drive on the right side here in the States. We also walk and cycle on the right side on bike paths. Learn it, love it, be it - or get run over. The groupies: if you are walking/jogging/cycling/blading in a group, note that the path is generally barely big enough for only 1 of you on your side of the path. You are only entitled to 1/2 the path traveling in your direction. The people coming the other way are entitled to the other half of the path. If someone is coming along in the opposite direction, you need to collapse down to single file or you will get hurt. The music lovers: DING! "on the left"! If you can't hear the nice cyclist coming up behind you hitting his bell and announcing that he is passing you on the left, then your freakin iPod is too loud. the dyslexics: "on the left" is short for "I am passing you on the left". It does NOT mean "move to the left" If you are confused, see above experiment to determine your right from left the dogwalkers: I don't care what the freakin AKC says, when you are on a bike path, you need to be trained and your dog needs to be trained to heel-right. See note about staying to the right, above - and your little dog too. Taxi-drivers and tradesmen: apparently killing cyclists is considered great fun in Mogadishu or Southie, or wherever, but the sad reality is that cyclists and pedestrians have the right of way across the various points that the path crosses several of the surface streets (River, Western, JFK, MoS) the spandex brigade: I'm saddened to admit that many other cyclists have given up on civility - either because they have been demoralized by the idiots, or because the cost of their form-fitting spandex and carbon-fiber/spider-silk hi-tech cycles have instilled a sense of arrogance that even riding on the CRBP must be treated like the final stage of the Tour de France. read more

MAP: http://www.bikexprt.com/massfacil/pdwhite.htm INLINEE SKATING: http://www.sk8net.com/skate/places/charlesriver.html Welcome to the Charles River Reservation, 17 miles of linear park with endless recreational opportunities. Whether your interest is canoeing or ice skating, baseball or in-line skating, the Charles River is a beautiful resource for you. Since 1893, the Metropolitan District Commission has preserved the region's unique landscapes by acquiring and protecting park lands, river corridors and coastal areas; reclaiming and restoring abused and neglected sites, and setting aside areas of great scenic beauty for the recreation and health of the region's residents. The Charles River Reservation is one of our most prized possessions. We invite you to explore and enjoy all that it has to offer The Charles River Bike Path on either side of the Charles River is a great way to spend a day biking with a great view of the Boston Skyline. Start at the Museum of Science and bike along the Cambridge Side for as long as you want to go. For a short ride cross over the Longfellow Bridge and go back through Boston or along the Esplenade past the Hatch Shell. For a medium loop ride Ride or jog down to the BU bridge and Cross the BU Bridge, then walk or ride down Comm Ave to Marsh Plaza (BU Central), and go through the archways to the footbridge over storrow drive. Then cross the footbridge back to the bike path along the Charles into Boston. For a really long bike ride Ride up to Watertown and Back. Enjoy! The best T station to Start at is SCIENCE PARK (GREEN LINE) or CHARLES MGH (RED LINE) read more

This is a nice path, with some great views. The positives are: 1) The Boston side is well paved, and generally seems to be well maintained. 2) There are quite a few nice areas to stop and rest. The negatives of it are: 1) Most of the Cambridge side. This is NOT a bike path, it's a sidewalk. 2) Any of the the street crossings west of the BU bridge. The street crossing are a complete afterthought, on a busy day you have a huge line of cyclists/runners/everyone else bottle necked at these intersections. I'm not sure what the ideal solution is but what is in place is surely not it. Overall I think this is a great resource. read more

The bike paths along the Lower Charles are some of the best in the city, even if you aren't actually biking. But due to their popularity and proximity to most of downtown/back bay/lower Cambridge they get pretty busy during the nice weather. I regularly prefer to ride during the morning hours or the afternoon before dusk, thus avoiding many people since they've gone to work/dinner. A little tip: if you're looking for a good place to rest, follow the path under the bridge on the Cambridge side of the Science Museum and it will take you to Cambridgeside galleria (though it's dirt, not paved). Keep an eye out for security - they can be pretty sensitive and can give a good chase on those segways. read more

So I woke up one weekend morning and decided to jog/walk/pant the entire path from the BU West B green line stop to Cambridge and back around the Boston side when I haven't done anything similar in years. Needless to say, I was limping and I couldn't feel my ankles for a week. But what a great way to enjoy the scenic Charles River, MIT and BU sail boats in the water, MIT campus, Museum of Science, and the Boston skyline! And when you do the annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk along the path, you can contribute to funding research to helping those afflicted and prevention. read more

My daily commute is mostly on the path, and for that, I love it. Except the going to work part. Great little loop around the city, and a great excuse to breathe fresh air. My main problem with the path is that other people, who are not me, use it. Apparently, no-one has told them that the city is mine, and to be used only at my discretion. It is ok for people to ride, jog, rollerblade, or whatever as long as they are not in my sight when they do it. And yes, I lied about rollerblading, that's almost never ok. The absolutelyfreakingGORGEOUS runner-ladies can stay. Or proliferate, whatever. Other than the roving bands of overweight 15 year old girls that walk side-by-side, ignoring my little bike bell, and getting all pissy when I run one of them over, then point and laugh at their smooshed friend, who wasn't really even running anyway, but walking around trying to LOOK like she was running, I like the bike path a lot. Although now that I think of it, one of those old-time train cow-catchers might be a really good replacement for my front fender... read more

Great for joggers too, don't forget us joggers! While I think running along the Boston side (Storrow Drive, the Esplanade) is more accomodating spacially, the view from the Cambridge side (Memorial Drive) can't be beat. Both are visually stimulating though. And that includes all the hotties around you making use of their bikes, rollerblades, & running sneakers. read more

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