The Charles River Path is one of the greatest runs in the United States. The river divides Boston and Cambridge, with paths on both the Boston and Cambridge sides. The path runs from Science Park in Boston, all the way to Watertown, Waltham, and Newton. The heart of the path is from Science Park to Harvard University (JFK Bridge). The best way to experience running on the Charles River paths is to plot a “loop”, using one of the many bridge options to cross back over. Below is a list of distances for various loop options. The route map shows the loop from Science Park to Harvard University, crossing at J.F.K. street, a distance of about 8 miles.
The Upper Charles River paths continue west of Harvard University, to Watertown (Mt. Auburn St, below), and then through Waltham to Newton.
See the terrific map below, courtesy of FunonFoot.
Charles River Loop Options
The Charles River Path is one of the greatest runs in the United States. The river divides Boston and Cambridge, with paths on both the Boston and Cambridge sides. The path runs from Science Park in Boston, all the way to Watertown, Waltham, and Newton. The heart of the path is from Science Park to Harvard University (JFK Bridge). The best way to experience running on the Charles River paths is to plot a “loop”, using one of the many bridge options to cross back over. Below is a list of distances for various loop options. The route map shows the loop from Science Park to Harvard University, crossing at J.F.K. street, a distance of about 8 miles.
The Upper Charles River paths continue west of Harvard University, to Watertown (Mt. Auburn St, below), and then through Waltham to Newton.
See the terrific map below, courtesy of FunonFoot.
Charles River Loop Options
Scroll Down For Route Maps
Essentials
8.6 miles Science Park to Harvard Square Loop
flat
Science Park or anywhere along the river paths
Science Park: Green Line. Harvard Square: Red Line
An Olmsted-designed linear park running 8 miles from the State House to Franklin Park. Highlights: Boston Common, Public Garden, Comm Ave. Mall, Fens, Riverway, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park.
There are 43 miles of path known as the 'Harborwalk'. We've mapped the most scenic 14-mile continuous segment, from Charlestown to UMASSS. Water views, important sites, and a festive scene! Table with segment distances.
The 6-mile segment from Pleasure Bay to UMASS in South Boston is our favorite section of the Boston waterfront for running, with expansive water views. Includes Castle Island, Carson Beach, JFK Library, and UMASS Boston, with its dramatic waterfront setting!
In the 1980s, the old orange line trolley was put underground. The result is a beautiful running path that starts in the heart of Back Bay and continues all the way to Forest Hills, 4 miles one-way.
A great tour of Boston's Back Bay. Includes the Commonwealth Ave. Mall, Public Garden, State House, and a jaunt along the river. Captures so much of Boston in one run!
A tour of Boston's lovely South End, which is easily accessible from Back Bay or downtown hotels. Brownstone lined streets, pleasant, historic squares and parks, and main streets lined with restaurants and boutiques.
Another classic run that includes Boston's history and the water. Run up to the Bunker Hill Monument, and then enjoy the Harborwalk past the USS Constitution and along the water. Near downtown and river paths.
Two of the most famous universities in the world are also popular visitor destinations. We've designed a 'running' tour of both campuses, which are 2 miles apart and are linked by either neighborhood streets or the Charles River Paths.
Fabulous running across the Harbor in East Boston, adjacent to Logan Airport. 2+ miles of gorgeous waterfront paths, then 2+ miles along the East Boston Greenway through Bremen Street Park to Constitution Beach. 10 mins from downtown on the Blue Line.
Great waterfront running on Winthrop Shores Drive, and then the best run you'll ever do around a waste treatment plant, using a 2.5 mile perimeter loop around Deer Isle with 360° ocean views. Do in sections or combine for nearly 8 miles.
Some lovely running options just north of Boston: Scenic, paved multi-use paths along the Mystic River; the ~11 mile Northern Strand Community Path from Everett to Lynn; and 100 miles of mixed-use trails in Middlesex Fells Reservation.
History and scenery combine for fantastic running in historic Concord. Run the 4.6 mile Battle Road Trail, do our Author's Ridge & Old North Bridge tour, or run the Reformatory Branch/Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge loop. Gorgeous in fall!
The Boston Harbor Islands National Park features 34 islands and 35 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Spectacle Island is the most run-able, with 5 miles of trails. Deer Island, accessible by land, has a 2.6 mile path with great views.
Wellesley is a fabulous suburb for running. Enjoy a route around the paths of Olmsted-designed Wellesley College and the 2.75 mile path around Lake Waban, plus adjacent residential streets and the Crosstown Path. Two great running tracks too!
A guide to some of Boston's most attractive neighborhoods for running. Downtown, explore the Back Bay and South end. Just west, we've outlined choice neighborhoods in Brookline, Newton, and Wellesley.
There is nothing quite like the views of cranberries at harvest. The Cranberry Bog has paths along a dike with great views. Enjoy this in combination with 1,000 acre Great Brook Farm State Park, which is 1.5 miles away and has wonderful trails for running.
Three routes in the orchard towns of Harvard, Stow, and Bolton west of Boston around I-495. Lovely roads, with hills and views to orchards and the valley. Enjoy 5 or 10 mile options from the Apple Harvest Ramble, or a route along the Assabet River Rail Trail.
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Essentials
8.6 miles Science Park to Harvard Square Loop
flat
Science Park or anywhere along the river paths
Science Park: Green Line. Harvard Square: Red Line
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!