NEPONSET RIVER GREENWAY:

DORCHESTER-HYDE PARK, MASSACHUSETTS

QUINCY NEPONSET RIVERWALK:

QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS

-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-

Last Updated:      August 15, 2026

Length:                Neponset River Greenway; 8.7 miles

                              Pope Park Loop Trail; 1.3 mile Loop

                              Senator Joseph Finnegan Park Loop Trail; 0.5 mile Loop

                              Connection to the Quincy Neponset Riverwalk; 0.5 miles

                              Quincy Neponset Riverwalk; 2.3 miles

Difficulty:            Neponset River Greenway; Easy. Flat paved trail.        

                              Quincy Neponset Riverwalk; Easy. Flat trail with multiple surfaces. Paved, stone-dust, loose gravel and hard packed dirt.

Directions:

To start from Pope Paul Park in Dorchester for the Neponset River Greenway [Northeastern End]; 

From I-93 Northbound, take exit 11A to Granite Ave. Bear right off the ramp on Granite Ave. to your second set of lights. Turn right on Gallivan Blvd. and you'll see the park entrance just after Walgreen's on your right. 

From I-93 Southbound, take exit 12 to Gallivan Blvd and look right for a sign into the park. 

To start from the Blue Hills Reservation; Brush Hill Road  parking lot in Milton for the Neponset River Greenway [Southwestern End]; From I-93 take exit 2B to Route 138 (Washington St) north. Turn left onto Neponset Valley Pkwy and follow to the intersection with Brush Hill Rd. On your left is a small dirt parking lot with a signboard for the Blue Hills Reservation.  

To start from the Squantum Point parking lot in Quincy for the Quincy Neponset RiverWalk [Northern End]; 

From I-93 Northbound take exit 11 to Granite Ave and continue straight. Cross over the river and take your first right on Hilltop St which turns into Hallet St. Turn right on Route 203 (Gallivan St). See below:

From I-93 Southbound take exit 12 to Route 203 (Gallivan St). Turn right on Route 3A and cross back over the river. Keep left for Quincy Shore Drive. Cross over the RR tracks and take your first right to Commander Shea Blvd. Head right. After you cross a causeway over an inlet take your first right on Seaport Drive. Turn left on Victory Rd and follow to its end. Turn left and come to an intersection. Continue straight to the Squantum Point parking lot. Turn right and right again to the small parking lot. The trail starts from the Northern End of the parking lot.

The Neponset River Greenway follows the rail bed of the former Granite Railroad along the shore of the Neponset River and Neponset River Marshes. Operating from 1826-1870, this was the first incorporated commercial railroad in the US. It was built to transport granite from the Quincy Quarries to Gulliver's Creek Wharf on the Neponset River. This granite was used to build the Bunker Hill Monument. Starting from Milton, the Neponset River Greenway travels North, into Hyde Park, then Northeast, back through Milton.  Briefly passes through Mattapan, before continuing through Dorchester to Pope John Paul II Park. In Pope Park a Loop Trail traverses the park. Finally the trail travels North, where it connects to the Boston Harborwalk . You can also access the Quincy Neponset Riverwalk from Pope Park just East, across the river. For more information visit; NEPONSET RIVER GREENWAY .

Note; A study is underway on a plan to connect the Neponset River Greenway to Blue Hills Reservation. See; Blue Hills Reservation Study Area .

The Quincy Neponset RiverWalk, part of the Neponset River Reservation, travels along the Eastern Side of the Neponset River Estuary in North Quincy, from the Gazebo at Adams Inn, North, to Squantum Point Park. Squantum Point Park was originally used as a Naval airfield. It was also once the home of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, which built destroyers for the Navy. It maintains both its bird habitat and the traces of its aviation history. The Quincy Neponset RiverWalk is directly connected via the Neponset Bridge to Pope John Paul II Park and the Neponset River Greenway trail in Dorchester, which are also part of the Neponset River Reservation. See; QUINCY NEPONSET RIVERWALK & SQUANTUM POINT PARK for more information.

Neponset River Greenway:

Starting from the Blue Hills Reservation; Brush Hill Road parking lot in Milton [Southern End]; Follow the dirt trail out of the parking lot left, North, along Brush Hill Rd & Neponset Valley Pkwy to Paul's Bridge. Paul's Bridge is an historic bridge over the Neponset River. The bridge was built in 1849, replacing wooden bridges that had been on the site since the early 1700s. It had a major rebuilding in 1932, when it was widened. Most of the original stone was reused. 

Note; A paved trail is across Neponset Valley Pkwy, however, there is no crosswalk or cross light to access it.

Continue West, alongside Neponset Valley Pkwy (sidewalk and dirt path) to the intersection with Truman Pkwy in Hyde Park. Cross the Neponset Valley Pkwy, followed by the Truman Pkwy via two cross-lights and you'll come to the wide, paved Neponset River Greenway after 0.3 miles.

[Re-zeroing Mileage] The wide, paved Neponset River Greenway travels North, along the Western Side of the Truman Pkwy. The Truman Pkwy BIKE LANE also follows the Truman Pkwy. Cross over the Neponset River and enter Hyde Park. Just past a shopping plaza, at 0.5 miles, you'll come to Martini Shell at Hyde Park. 

Note; A narrow, paved trail travels left, through the park past an amphitheatre to the Eastern Side of the Neponset River, then right past picnic tables & the Hyde Park parking lot, before traveling around some sports courts back out to the Truman Pkwy and Neponset River Greenway.

Note; Past here the Truman Pkwy BIKE LANE only travels South.

Continuing alongside Truman Pkwy, the trail parallels the parkway on the right and RR tracks along the left. You cross to Dana Ave at 1.1 miles.

Note; The next 0.5 miles of trail consists of a narrow sidewalk. I'm not sure if there are any plans to widen this section. The BIKE LANE only travels South along here.

You travel through a residential area along both sides, crossing Fairmont Ave and rejoin the paved trail at 1.6 miles. Here you lose the houses along your left as you both ascend and descend a small hill, crossing into Milton. You'll catch glimpses of the river, but this section of trail is not overly scenic. Pass by the Neponset River Esplanade Park parking lot at 2.9 miles. Map Board, river overlooks and picnic tables. The trail then comes to Blue Hills Pkwy where a crosswalk gets you over this busy road. Head left over the Neponset River to Mattapan Square at 3.2 miles. To your right is the Mattapan Trolley T-station. The trail continues right, past a brick building with murals next to the river. Here a boardwalk travels between the Western Side of the Neponset River and the Trolley Station through the woods. You follow the paved trail up a ramp to a bridge over the tracks, then back down alongside the river. Pass by a Spur Trail on your left (brings you to Ryan's Playground parking lot) before coming to the large iron arched Harvest River Bridge on your right at 3.8 miles.

Note; Left brings you to Ryan's Playground, where a 0.3 mile paved trail circles a field. Playground, splash park, sports courts & restrooms.

Cross the Harvest River Bridge, over the Neponset  River, back to Milton and the trail continues left, East, between the RR tracks and Eastern Side of the Neponset River. Exit the woods and cross Central Ave after 4.5 miles.

Note; Left, North, up Central Ave, across the river is the 0.25 mile Neponset Riverwalk, a short paved trail that travels along the Western Side of the Neponset River, then right, East, over Mill Pond via a converted RR bridge, connecting back to the Neponset River Greenway. An informational board and canoe launch are located here as well.

The Eastern Side of the Neponset River is to your left and the Mattapan Trolley Line is on your right as you continue East. You'll see many of the colorful "one car" trolleys as you travel down the trail, with several stations located along the route. Just down the trail to your left is an old RR bridge that crosses the river to the Neponset Riverwalk. A Map Board is located here. Continuing along the trail notice the artistic murals painted on the retaining walls to your right. There are many other murals painted along the trail. You come to the old Bakers Chocolate factory buildings. Here, the river was dammed for power. You cross over the Neponset River Gorge at 4.9 miles via an old RR bridge and enter Dorchester, as the trail turns Northeast. Pass by the Butler Station for the trolley line. Map Board located here. Pass through a concrete tunnel underneath the trolley line. You'll travel along the river and marsh before coming to the Granite Ave Drawbridge at 5.7 miles. To your left is the Granite Ave parking lot. Map Board located here. A cross-light will take you over to Neponset II Park.  

Note; Neponset II Park provides access to the Neponset River Salt Marsh, one of the few remaining extensive salt marshes within the Boston area. Amenities include a dock for non-motorized boats, benches, interpretive signage, splash-park for children, drinking fountain, Porto-Potty's, restrooms and Neponset II Park parking lot. A stone-dust trail Loops 0.25 miles around the park as well. 

Continuing along the trail you cross Hallet St and then travel through a tunnel underneath I-93, where you enter Pope Paul II Park and come to an intersection.

Note; Right, South, is part of the Pope Park Loop Trail. See; Below.

Head left, North and you'll pass by a playground and the Pope Paul II Park parking lot before coming to a Map Board at 6.5 miles. Porto-Potty's.

Note; The figure 8 Pope Park Loop Trail starts here. From the Map Board head right, South, out along the river along the North Loop. The trail splits, keep left. The trail then turns inland, West, bringing you to an *Intersection. Head left, South, across Davenport Creek to another intersection. 

Note; Right, West, brings you to the Hallet Street/Pope Paul II Park parking lot where a BLUEbikes Station is located, along with a water fountain.

Continue straight to another **Intersection and the South Loop. Continue left, South, along the creek and river. The trail then Loops North, inland taking you past the Hallet Street/Pope Paul II Park parking lot at a mile. Return to the **Intersection and head left, North, back across Davenport Creek to the *Intersection and the North Loop. Head left, North, rejoining the Neponset River Greenway. Continue straight and you'll return to the Map Board at the Pope Paul II Park parking lot after a 1.3 mile Loop.

Continuing Northeast, you travel underneath the Neponset Ave Bridge (Route 3A).

Note; From here you can access the Quincy Neponset Riverwalk, which is located across the Neponset River. Look left to spot a large granite 3 tiered block. A path past this marker will take you right, underneath Route 3A to Quincy Shore Dr. Follow the road left, Northwest, to Neponset Ave. Here you can access the wide, cement  Neponset Bridge Path which travels Southeast, across the river to Quincy. To your left a RR bridge runs parallel. You'll come to a spiral ramp on your left, that will bring you down to Hancock St and the Quincy Neponset Riverwalk after 0.4 miles. 

Continuing Northeast, you pass by a Boston Harborwalk sign (According to the website the Boston Harborwalk utilizes this section of the trail). After traveling underneath a railroad trestle you come to a stone jetty called "Flounder Fleet". There are benches here and granite markers inscribed with local lore. You can spot all the old pilings was Flounder Wharf. The trail then turns North, passing by an entrance for Senator Joseph Finnegan Park. 

Note; The 0.5 mile paved Finnegan Park Trail Loops around this wide open, grass and wildflower park with great views of the river.

Come to Taylor St where the trail heads right, alongside the road. At 7 miles you come to another entrance for the Senator Joseph Finnegan Park on your right and the end of the paved trail. Across the street is the Taylor Street parking lot. A short on-road section travels left, West, along Water St (residential). There are green metal signposts that will help direct you along the detour. Follow Water St to its end and turn right, then bear left to the narrow paved trail alongside Conley St. This brings you to Tenean Beach, where the wide, paved trail travels through the park. Pass by sports courts, a playground, picnic tables, Porto-Potty and the Tenean Beach parking lot.

Note; A separate narrow cement & paved Trail travels alongside an inlet for the Neponset River & beach (The trail next to the beach tends to be sand covered). 

The trail takes you underneath I-93 and continues right, at 7.5 miles. Map Board. 

Note; As of August 2026, this section was under construction and required a detour. Just follow Detour signs.

The wide, paved trail travels North, below the highway. 

Note; Just past the Ramada hotel is a spur trail. This takes you past a BLUEbikes Station out to Freeport St.

Come to Victory Rd (Map Board) at 7.9 miles and travel right, underneath I-93. The trail then crosses the road, passing another Map Board and continues below the highway, bringing you to a boardwalk up to an overlook of Dorchester Bay and the colorful Boston Gas Tank. The tank, decorated with giant rainbow-colored stripes, is the world's largest copyrighted artwork. Map Board. The boardwalk ends near the Castle Island  Drawbridge after 8.2 miles. 

Here, you'll need to travel on-road (Caution no shoulder/narrow sidewalk and paved path) alongside Morrissey Blvd. You'll pass by the Dorchester Shore Reservation entrance on the opposite side of the Blvd before coming to a cross-light across the Blvd at 8.7 miles.

Note; Use this cross-light to access the Dorchester Shore Reservation parking lot where you'll also find a ½ mile paved Path which follows crescent-shaped Malibu Beach around a small saltwater bay. 

A narrow paved path continues North, alongside Morrissey Blvd and is the start of the completed section of the Boston Harborwalk .

Quincy Neponset RiverWalk:

Starting from the Marina Bay Ferry Dock Shelter at Squantum Point Park; A dock juts out into the Squantum Channel where the Ferry docks. See; MARINA BAY FERRY .

Note; East, brings you to the Marina Bay Boardwalk (pedestrians only) which travels around a marina, past lots of restaurants. At 0.3 miles, on your right, is Quincy Navy Park, informational signs and statues. Continuing along the boardwalk brings you to the Dockmaster Station. Head right, out to Victory Rd and continue straight through a parking lot to Safe Harbor Marina, where a paved trail continues past the marina, ending after 0.5 miles.

Heading West, the paved Quincy Neponset RiverWalk travels alongside Squantum Channel, before becoming hard packed gravel and turning inland, bringing you to an *Intersection after 0.3 miles. A set of parallel, paved North & South Runway Path Loop trails represent the old runway from Harvard Aviation Field. The Quincy Neponset RiverWalk continues right, utilizing the wide, paved North Runway Path. Come to another **Intersection. 

Note; Straight brings you out to the Squantum Channel Overlook, where the Neponset River enters the channel. Great views of the Boston skyline, as well as, the colorful Boston Gas Tank across the river in Dorchester. Airplanes fly overhead as they come into Logan Airport.

North & South Runway Path Loop:

Note; The North & South Runway Path Loop starts from the Squantum Channel Overlook. Travel Southeast, along the wide, paved North Runway Path back to the **Intersection and continue straight, passing by the *Intersection.

Note; 4 Spur Trails connect the North & South Runway Paths. You'll pass by  informational granite markers that tell the history of the site.

When you reach the 4th Spur Trail, head right, South, over to the South Runway Path.

Note; Continuing straight brings you to the Southern End of the Squantum Point Park parking lot. 

Follow the South Runway Path right, Northwest. This will take you past an ***Intersection on your left, returning you to Squantum Channel Overlook after a 0.5 mile Loop.

Continuing from the **Intersection, follow the wide, paved South Runway Path to another ***Intersection on your right. Here, the narrow, hard packed gravel Quincy Neponset RiverWalk continues South, through a small tree and shrub corridor. Isolated. You cross a small bridge at 0.8 miles, where the trail deteriorates. Consists of loose gravel, sand and hard packed dirt as it skirts the Boston Scientific property and a broken seawall along the Neponset River. Very tough biking this short section. The trail turns inland, East, where it becomes stone-dust as you pass by a salt marsh, before coming to the Commander Shea Blvd parking lot at 1.3 miles. Map Board located here. Head left along Commander Shea Blvd to Seaport Dr, where you can cross the road and pick up a paved trail.

Note; Heading North, a double-wide sidewalk will return you to Squantum Point Park.

Head South, where the paved trail travels alongside the Blvd, crossing a causeway over an inlet. The paved trail ends at 2 miles. Cross over the Blvd, where the paved trail continues Northwest, along a salt marsh. The trail then turns left, South, as it reaches the Neponset River and travels underneath the RR bridge. Pass by Neponset Landing Park on your right (Boardwalk overlook of river with tables & chairs) and you'll come to a Map Board at 2.2 miles just below the Neponset Ave Bridge (Route 3A).

Note; From here you can access the Neponset River Greenway which is located across the river. Take the spiral ramp up to the wide, cement Neponset Bridge Path ( Route 3A) and head Northwest, across the river. When you reach the intersection at the end of the bridge, turn right and follow Quincy Shore Dr, on-road/One-Way, back towards the river and underneath Route 3A. Spot a small path that will take you out to the Neponset River Greenway after 0.5 miles. Right, South, takes you to Pope John Paul II Park.

Continue underneath the Neponset Ave Bridge and you'll pick up a narrow, stone-dust trail that travels between a building and the river, bringing you to the Adams Inn Gazebo and the end of the trail after 2.3 miles.

Note; There is currently one other section of the Quincy Neponset RiverWalk further Southwest, that travels 0.25 miles between I-93 and Granite Ave.

HH

CLICK HERE FOR NEPONSET RIVER GREENWAY & QUINCY NEPONSET RIVERWALK MAP

CLICK HERE FOR QUINCY NEPONSET RIVERWALK MAP

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