Length:                 Upper Mystic River Path; 4.7 miles.

                                Upper Mystic River Path Loop; 2.2 miles.

                                Mystic Riverbend Park Spur Trail; 1.1 mile Loop.

                                Lower Mystic River Paths; North Side; 1.5 miles. 

                                Lower Mystic River Paths; South Side; 3.7 miles

                                Wellington Greenway/Malden River Greenway; West Side; 1.6 miles

                                Malden River Greenway-East Side/Lower Mystic River Paths; North Side; 4 miles (with on-road sections)

                                Spot Pond Brook Greenway; 1.1 miles

 Difficulty:            Upper Mystic River Paths; Easy. Flat, paved or stone-dust surface plus some hard packed dirt surfaces.

                                Lower Mystic River Paths; Easy. Flat, paved or stone-dust surface.

                                Malden River Greenway; Easy. Relatively flat paved trail.

                                Spot Pond Brook Greenway; Easy. Flat, paved trail. 

Directions:

Upper Mystic River Paths: From the junction of Routes 2 & 3/16 (Alewife Brook Pkwy) travel east on Routes 3/16 (Alewife Brook Pkwy):

To Start from the Wedgemere Station parking lot in Winchester [Northern End]; (Fee; $1 per hr 7 am and 6 pm M-F, maximum charge $5 per day. Otherwise Free) Head left on Route 3 for 4 miles to Church St and turn right. Quickly come to Bacon St and turn right. Just before the RR bridge turn right on Mystic Valley Pkwy. Parking lot is on your left.

To Start from the Decatur Street parking lot in Arlington [Southern End]; Continue north on Route 16 (Alewife Brook Pkwy) to the Mystic Valley Pkwy and turn left. Cross over Alewife Brook and turn left on Decatur St. Parking lot on your left. This is also the Northern terminus of the Alewife Brook Greenway .

To Start from Veterans Memorial Park parking lot in Medford [Eastern End]; Continue north on Route 16 (Alewife Brook Pkwy) to the Mystic Valley Pkwy and turn right. You'll cross over the Mystic River. Just before you cross over the Mystic River again, the parking lot will be on your right.

Lower Mystic River Paths; North Side:

To Start from the Mystic Riverbend Park, Freedom Way parking lot in Medford [Northwestern End]; From I-93 southbound take exit 22 to the Mystic Valley Pkwy (Route 16) and travel left across the Mystic River. Immediately turn left on Locust St then left again on Freedom Way towards Hormel Stadium. Come to a stop sign. The Lower Mystic River Path and *Trail Circle is on your left along with a small parking area. Big parking lot straight ahead. Start from the *Trail Circle.

To start from Torbert Macdonald Park in Medford [Northern Section]; From the junction of Routes 16 & 28, take Route 16 (Mystic Valley Parkway) west and immediately turn left into McDonald Park. The State Police building is straight. Turn right for the parking lot.

To start from Gateway Center trail parking lot in Everett [Central Section]; From the traffic circle and junction of Routes 16 & 99 follow Route 16 (Revere Beach Pkwy) west to a 2nd traffic circle. Take the Mystic View Rd exit alongside the Gateway Center. Take your second left into the Gateway Center parking lot and spot the reserved parking spots on your right for the trail. Green Map Board located here.

To start from Encore Boston Harbor Casino in Everett [Central Section/Southern End]; From the traffic circle and junction of Routes 16 & 99 follow Route 99 (Broadway) south to the Casino. You can turn right into the Casino parking garage or left on Mystic St to exterior parking lots.

The Upper Mystic River Reservation [West of I-93] connects 4 Parks (Clippership Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Dugger Park & Mystic Lakes State Park) via Paths alongside the Mystic River (Medford North Side of river & Arlington South Side of river). At it's Northern End you can access the Tri-Community Greenway in Winchester. At its Center you can access the Alewife Brook Greenway  in Arlington.

The Lower Mystic River Reservation [East of I-93] connects 8 Parks (Drane Park, Mystic Riverbend Park, Torbert Macdonald Park, Station Landing Park, Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park, Draw Seven State Park, Ryan Playground & Mary O'Malley Park via Paths alongside the Mystic River (Medford, Everett & Chelsea on North Side of river & Medford, Somerville & Charlestown on South Side of river). At its Center you can access the Malden River Greenway in Medford & Northern Strand Community Trail in Everett. At it's Southern End you can access the Boston Harborwalk; Charlestown in Cambridge.

The parks are run by the Metropolitan District Commission and admission to the reservation and its parks is free. For more information visit; MYSTIC RIVER RESERVATION & MYSTIC RIVER GREENWAYS .

 In Cambridge at Alewife T- Station, a stop on the commuter rail line into Boston is a "Hub" for 5 Trails (plus interconnecting Trails). 

The Upper Mystic River Reservation Paths refer to the Paths along the Mystic River West of I-93. The Northern Section of these Paths travel alongside Mystic Lakes. The Southern Section travels along both sides of the Mystic River. You can also access the Alewife Brook Greenway from the Southern Section.

Starting from the Wedgemere Station parking lot in Winchester [Northern End]; You can also access the Tri-Community Greenway here. Exit the parking lot out to the Mystic Valley Pkwy. 

Note; In 2023 a design is underway to complete the Upper Mystic River Path; Mystic Lakes South for 2 miles.

Travel South on-road (wide shoulder available) along the Mystic Valley Pkwy. After crossing the Aberjona River you'll pick up the paved Upper Mystic River Path; Mystic Lakes and come to an intersection at 0.3 miles. 

 Note; Straight leads to the Shannon Beach parking lot.

I haven't checked out this section. Turn right where the paved path  loops around Shannon Beach Park next to Upper Mystic Lake then back out past Shannon Beach & Shannon Playground to the Mystic Valley Pkwy. Here the trail continues between the Pkwy and Upper Mystic Lake (I believe as stone-dust). Pass by 2 parking lots before crossing into West Medford. Pass by 2 more parking lots before coming to a road at 1.3 miles. 

Note; Right leads to the Mystic Lakes Dam and parking lot.

The trail continues between the Pkwy and Lower Mystic Lake (I believe as stone-dust). You lose the lake and the trail turns to hard packed dirt. Come to the High Street Bridge after 2.1 miles.  

Note; Southeast of here the Upper Mystic River Paths follow along both the North Side (Medford) & South Side (Arlington) of the Mystic River. However, the North Side is not complete, so for mileage purposes I utilize the South Side.

Starting from the High Street Bridge in Medford; [Continuing Mileage] Head South along the hard packed narrow dirt Upper Mystic River Path; North Side alongside the Mystic River. After passing through Dugger Park (Playground & sports courts) you'll cross over Harvard Ave where the trail continues south. Come to the Boston Ave Bridge after 2.9 miles. 

Note; Past here homes and RR tracks block any possible trail extension.

Head right over the Mystic River to connect to the Upper Mystic River Path; South Side.

Starting from the High Street Bridge in Arlington; [Continuing Mileage] Head South along the hard packed narrow dirt Upper Mystic River Path; South Side alongside the Mystic River. At some point the trail turns to stone-dust. Cross River St as the trail turns East. You come alongside the Mystic Valley Pkwy where you'll find a crosswalk at 2.9 miles.

Note; Crossing over the Mystic Valley Pkwy brings you to the Decatur Street parking lot & Alewife Brook Greenway . 

Continuing East the trail is now paved. Cross over Alewife Brook where the trail parallels the Pkwy. Cross Boston Ave and travel underneath the RR bridge. Come to Auburn St at 3.3 miles.

Note; East of here the Upper Mystic River Path; South Side is not complete, so for mileage purposes I utilize the North Side.

Upper Mystic River Path; North Side:

Head left over the Mystic River to a crosswalk over Auburn St in Medford. Another crosswalk takes you over the Mystic Valley Pkwy where you'll pick up the wide paved Upper Mystic River Path; North Side. Here the trail travels through the open field to Veterans Memorial Park where it splits.

Note; Straight brings you to the intersection of Winthrop St & Mystic Valley Pkwy.

Note; Past here homes block any possible trail extension.

Upper Mystic River Path; South Side:

Note; The paved path to your right is a spur out to South St.

Head left across the Mystic Valley Pkwy and you'll rejoin the paved Upper Mystic River Path; South Side. Come to the John D Hand Memorial pedestrian bridge on your left.

Note; This pedestrian bridge travels over the river and brings you to High St in Medford. 

Continue straight along the trail and you'll come to Main St at 4.3 miles. 

Note; Future plans will continue the trail East another 1 mile along the South Side. 

Utilize the crosswalk and then turn left up Main St along the sidewalk back across the river.

Upper Mystic River Path; North Side:

This brings you to Clippership Drive on your right where you'll find a sidewalk and BIKE LANE. A narrow greenway along your right constitutes Clippership Park where you'll find an informational sign and benches overlooking the river. Come to Riverside Ave at 4.5 miles. 

Note; Currently, as of 2023, a gap exits between the Upper and Lower Mystic River Paths. Plans are underway for the gap, called the Clippership Connection to connect the two sections in 2023.

Note; If you travel right on-road along Riverside Ave (sidewalk available) you'll come to the entrance to Andrews & McGlynn Middle Schools (Freedom Way). Turn right down Freedom Way and bear right past the school. This brings you to the paved Mystic Riverbend Park Trail after 5.1 miles [0.6 mile detour].

Continuing from Andrews & McGlynn Middle Schools (Freedom Way) (Gap between Upper Mystic River Path; North Side) [Re-zeroing Mileage]

Note; Currently, as of 2023, a gap exits between the Upper and Lower Mystic River Paths. Plans are underway for the gap, called the Clippership Connection to connect the two sections in 2023 from here. See; Map Above.

Note; The paved Mystic Riverbend Park Trail Loops around the park. Left the trail travel behind the school, however, during school hours this section should not be utilized. Bear right at the fork through Drane Park (sports fields) and travel past the Drane Park parking lot bearing left past the Community Garden. This will bring you past the McGlynn Elementary School (playground) to the 2nd Trail Circle and the Lower Mystic River Path; North Side.

Heading Right along the paved Lower Mystic River Path; North Side (utilizes the Mystic Riverbend Park Trail) you pass by the Medford Labyrinth and come to the Mystic River. Informational signs are located all along the trail.

Note; Right is where the future Clippership Connection will emerge.

The trail continues South alongside the Mystic River. Pass by the Medford Dog Park, Trail Circle, Hormel Stadium and boat launch before coming to the *Trail Circle (where a small granite circle is embedded in the path) and Freedom Way parking lot after 0.6 miles. BLUEbikes STATION located nearby. A Map Board is located here next to some granite benches. The trail splits here.

Note; To access the Lower Mystic River Path; South Side bear left alongside Freedom Way. See; Lower Mystic River Path; South Side Below.

Note; Future plans will continue the trail North alongside the river to Medford Street. Another short section of trail exists South of Medford Street but dead ends.

Note; From Medford St you can cross the Malden River to access the Malden River Greenway; East Side & Northern Strand Community Trail. Further North is the Spot Pond Brook Greenway. See Below.

 

Note; A gap exists to the Southern Section of the Lower Mystic River Path; North Side located in Mary O'Malley State Park East of here along the Mystic & Island End Rivers. See; Mary O'Malley State Park Below.

The brick pavers Lower Mystic River Path; North Side travel Southeast around the Casino. Travel around a Garden circle and keep straight at an intersection. Lots of greenery. Keep straight at the next intersection. Come to the Mystic River side of the casino [Walk Bike when crowded]. Pass by an entrance to the Casino, where you'll find a Water Taxi dock. They did a great job with plantings (artificial grass). Follow the inlet out to the Mystic River, past a a gazebo and come to a BLUEbikes STATION . Straight ahead is a RR bridge. Left a piece of land juts out to the river.

Note; A pedestrian bridge is scheduled to be built in 2024 that will cross the Mystic River and connect to Draw 7 Park in Somerville and the Lower Mystic River Path; South Side. See; *Map Below.

*Future Bridge connecting the Lower Mystic River Paths & Northern Strand Trail between the Encore casino & Draw 7 Park [Scheduled for construction in 2024]

The paved trail continues North,  past the casino, and traveling underneath the RR bridge to the rear of Gateway Center at 0.6 miles.

Note; On your right is the Southern End and start of the Northern Strand Community Trail .

The trail continues out to and across Mystic View Rd bringing you to an overlook of the ***Craddock Locks at the Amelia Earhart Dam (See; Bottom of page) as you enter Gateway Park. Here the Malden River meets the Mystic River. This is the start of the paved Malden River Greenway; East Side which travels North alongside the Malden River. 

[Continuing Mileage] Come to an intersection after 1 mile.

Note; Right leads up to and across Mystic River Rd where you'll find the Gateway Center trail parking lot and Map Board.

Heading left, the Malden River Greenway; East Side utilizes the Village Landing Park Trail, which travels North alongside the Malden River. The trail currently ends at a parking lot after 1.8 miles. 

Note; As of August 2023, construction is underway to bridge the current gap to the next section in Rivergreen Park, which travels around Rivergreen Park and is called the Everett Riverwalk. 

Current Detour; To access the next section you'll need to travel right through the parking lot out to Santilli Hwy. Turn left following the BIKE LANE, then left again on Air Force Rd (low traffic). This will bring you to Rivergreen Drive and the Rivergreen Park parking lot after 2.3 miles. 

Note; Right, across the road, you can access the Northern Strand Community Trail along with a BLUEbikes STATION just north up this trail.

Again, the Malden River Greenway; East Side utilizes the wide, paved Everett Riverwalk. The trail travels West alongside Rivergreen Drive before bearing left around an industrial building and above a stream. Come to an intersection and bridge on your left.

Note; As of August 2023, construction is underway to bridge the current gap to the next section, Village Landing Park Trail. A new bridge over the stream has already been constructed here. 

Come to the Malden River at 2.6 miles. Now, the trail heads North, along the river passing by an overlook on your left and coming to Rivergreen Dr.

Note; On your left is a canoe/kayak launch.

Pass by a pavilion on your right and a parking lot. You travel around the park (sports fields, sports courts, playground and trails throughout) curving right East past a Dog Park out to the Northern Strand Community Trail after 3.3 miles.

Note; On your right you can access Everett Parkland which has a 0.3 mile paved figure 8 Loop Trail around a grassy knoll. 

Note; Another gap currently exists, as of 2023, North to the next section at Medford St. This is National Grid property and I'm not sure they will try to build a trail around it.

Here, the Malden River Greenway; East Side, utilizes the paved Northern Strand Community Trail which travel North to Medford Street in Malden. Cross Medford St and head left. Just before the bridge over the river you'll pick up the Malden River Greenway; East Side on your right at 3.8 miles. The open, stone-dust trail continues North alongside the river bringing you out to Canal St after 4 miles.

Note; Future plans call for continuing the trail North to Charles St, where the river is underground. Plans possibly include uncovering the Malden River and extending the trail to Centre St.

Note; Future plans also call for a connection the Spot Pond Brook Greenway, which is partially built, North of here. See Below.

Starting from the Encore Boston Harbor Casino entrance at Horizon Way & Broadway below the Encore sign in Everett; Detour; To connect to the Lower Mystic River Path; North Side-Mary O'Malley SP & Island End River Trail from here you'll need to travel on-road. Head left (north) on Broadway utilizing a BIKE LANE. Turn right on Beacham St at 0.3 miles and head east along another BIKE LANE which ends at 0.9 miles. Continue on-road around a sharp bend. Pass Market St and a boat yard before turning right on Justin Dr (may not be a street sign) after 1.2 miles. This road follows alongside the boat yard to a boardwalk, however, you are unable to access the boardwalk here. Follow the boardwalk to the Marina at Admirals Hill in Chelsea at 1.3 miles. Here you can access the Island End River Trail. 

Note; Right the Island End River Trail follows a boardwalk along Island End River out to Island End Park at 0.1 miles where you'll find a small gazebo, picnic tables and informational signs. Dead End. 

[Re-zeroing Mileage] Heading left (South) along the narrow, pavers Island End River Trail you travel past the Marina at Admirals Hill and Seaport Academy before coming to Mary O'Malley State Park at 0.3 miles. Here you'll pick up the wide paved Lower Mystic River Path; North Side as it travels through the wide open park alongside the Mystic River. Tennis courts, playground, picnic tables and pavilions. You pass by a long pier before the trail ends at Commandants Way after 0.9 miles. Straight ahead is the Tobin Memorial Bridge. 

Note; A sidewalk follows Commandants Way left (West) past Mary O'Malley State Park where you'll find parking.

Note; If you continue on-road along Commandants Way you'll come below the Route 1 bridge. Turn right along a short drive which leads to a paved trail. This brings you to the Mystic Dog Park & Outdoor Gym, located underneath the Route 1 bridge after 0.2 miles.

Note; To access the Lower Mystic River Path; North Side bear right and continue straight where the trail travels underneath the Mystic Valley Pkwy (Route 16) Bridge. See; Lower Mystic River Path; North Side Above.

Continue left along the wide paved trail as it travels Southeast alongside the river through Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park. A couple of overlooks and dock before coming to an outdoor amphitheatre in Assembly Square/Row at 1.8 miles.

Note; Assembly Square is a neighborhood in Somerville which is named for a former Ford Assembly Plant that was located here. The B&M RR operated here and had lots of RR Spurs that crisscrossed the area. The MBTA's Assembly Station is located here. At the top of the amphitheatre are some relics from the RR days in the form of 4 old iron RR towers. Assembly Row refers to the mixed use development located here which includes lots of shops, restaurants, movie theatre, hotel... Great place to explore and grab a bite to eat. Head up to Great River Rd above the outdoor amphitheatre. If you travel straight, South, along Assembly Row you'll find 3 blocks full of restaurants, shops & entertainment venues. Past Foley St you'll find sports venues and a more park like setting. Another old iron RR tower here. It appears that perhaps an old RR spur used to travel from the outdoor amphitheatre, along Assembly Row and straight through the open air tunnel underneath the Mass General building, located across Revolution Dr. You can travel through the tunnel to a courtyard where a paved path continues straight. On your right a stone-dust path circles the "Great Lawn". The paved trail continues straight out to Grand Union Blvd. This is a distance of about 0.5 miles.

Continuing along the trail you'll pass by a playground before coming to Artisan Way. Head left along a sidewalk past the Winter Hill Yacht Club. 

Note; Across Artisan Way spot a paved trail that travels South between Great River Rd and the RR tracks. It passes by the MBTA's Assembly Station, then alongside Grand Union Blvd before ending at Mystic Ave after 0.6 miles.

Travel underneath the subways “Orange” T-Line where the trail is paved. This takes you past the Craddock Locks at the ***Amelia Earhart Dam (See; Bottom of page) and Draw 7 Park. Nice views of the Encore Boston Casino across the river. You'll find a picnic pavilion, benches and fishing pier here. You can also see the Bunker Hill Monument from here. Travel underneath a railroad bridge at 2.2 miles. 

Note; A pedestrian bridge is scheduled to be built in 2024 that will cross the Mystic River and connect to the Encore Boston Harbor Casino in Everett and the Lower Mystic River Path; North Side and Northern Strand Community Trail. See; * Map Above.

The Charlestown Seawall Trail continues alongside the river through the MBTA’s Charlestown Yards before bringing you to the Route 99 Bridge at 2.6 miles. Across Route 99 is Ryan Playground in Charlestown where the Lower Mystic River Path; South Side continues, however, their is no direct access across this busy road. To access Ryan Playground head right (South) along a SEPARATED BIKE LANE on Alford St South. You'll come to a bridge over Route 99 which contains a BIKE LANE, however, this is a One-Way (wrong way) Lane. Instead continue along the Alford St South BIKE LANE to Maffa Way where a BIKE LANE left takes you over Route 99 to Alford St North and head left (North) along a SEPARATED BIKE LANE. This will bring you past the Ryan Playground parking lot on your right. Continue to the next entrance and turn right then immediately left along the gravel road. This returns you to the Mystic River after 3.2 miles [0.6 mile detour].

Note; To Loop back to the Lower Mystic River Path; North Side and Encore Boston Harbor Casino, a SEPARATED BIKE LANE takes you North across the Route 99 Bridge over the Mystic River to Everett. Left spot the big wind turbine. The SEPARATED BIKE LANE continues North, becoming just a BIKE LANE past Dexter St. Come to Mystic St and cross Route 99 left the Encore Boston Harbor Casino entrance at Horizon Way below the Encore sign and start of the Lower Mystic River Path; North Side after 0.7 miles.

The Lower Mystic River Path; South Side continues East along a wide boardwalk next to the river. This is also part of the Boston Harborwalk; Charlestown Section. The trail brings you to a parking lot (Caution stairs) where a stone-dust trail takes you to wooden pier with a trellis and picnic tables. Follow the pier out to a fishing dock, where you can spot a large wind turbine across the river. Continuing East you pass by Schrafft's boat ramp where you turn left back to the river. A wide, paved trail continues alongside the river, ending after 3.7 miles.

Note; The Boston Harborwalk; Charlestown continues right (South) along the narrow stone-dust Schrafft's Walking Trail. 

The first of 2 completed sections of this trail start from Mountain Ave.

Note; Future plans call for continuing the Spot Pond Brook Greenway south along a narrow corridor to Florence & Dartmouth Streets, where it will travel underneath Florence St and on-road along Dartmouth St to Pleasant St. Here a BIKE LANE west along one-way Pleasant St (Exchange St one-way east if coming from the south) will bring you to Commercial St. A future BIKE LANE will travel south along Commercial St to Centre St where you'll connect to the future section of the Malden River Greenway; East Side.

Starting from Mountain Ave in Malden; The Spot Pond Brook Greenway travels north 0.1 miles through Coytemore Lea Park (Pool, sports courts, playground) to Clifton St. 

Note; A gap exists, as of 2023, to the next completed section north at Winter St.

Detour; Turn left on-road along Clifton St (residential), then right up Linden Ave (residential) and right again on Clinton St (residential). Take your first left through an industrial corridor out to Winter St after 0.5 miles. The paved trail picks up across the St next to Banks Pl.

From Winter Street; The paved Spot Pond Brook Greenway continues north alongside Banks Pl. Spot Pond Brook is along your right. Pass by Oak Grove East T-Station on your left before coming to a pedestrian bridge across Spot Pond Brook at 0.7 miles. 

Note; This bridge leads to Fairlawn St.

Continue north alongside Banks Pl where you'll encounter a 2nd bridge. Take this across the brook to a narrow paved trail at 0.9 miles.

Note; Right takes you south alongside Spot Pond Brook to Windsor at Oak Grove Dog Park where the trail ends after only 0.1 miles.

Continue north alongside Spot Pond Brook passing by a green space over the brook with a picnic table. Emerge on Banks Pl after 1.1 miles and the end of the trail.

Note; Right along Banks Pl will quickly bring you to Main St. Across the street is the Pine Banks Park parking lot. 

***Extensive salt marsh lined the banks of the Mystic River until 1909, when the first dam was built across the river (Craddock Locks), converting salt marsh to freshwater marsh and enabling development. Today's dam, named for Amelia Earhart, was built in 1966. It converted the Malden River to freshwater non-tidal. This dam was more sophisticated than the simple iron gates of the Craddock Locks.  It is a permanent concrete structure with three passages to allow boats to pass through. There is a tower where workers observe incoming boats and open the lock accordingly. The dam is equipped with a pump, and is able to pump freshwater downstream even during high tide to prevent flooding. The river flows backwards at times depending on the dam. It was modeled after the Charles River Dam, which is very similar in structure and purpose. Fish passage has been a problem, as there is no working fish ladder there, but workers do leave the locks open at times to allow fish to pass. Currently, there is no pedestrian access to the dam, although many people are pushing to allow access.