Follow in the footsteps of the Minute Men and British Soldiers on that fateful day of April 19, 1775 which launched the American Revolution. Battle Road Trail is a dog friendly trail from Concord to Lexington, Massachusetts that follows what remains of the original road, fields and forests. This easy walk connects historic sites including Meriam’s corner where the Minute Men forced the British retreat back to Boston; the home of Captain William Smith, commander of the Lincoln Minute Men and brother of Abigail Adams; and the stretch of road where Paul Revere was captured thus ending the famous “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.”
Dogs are allowed on leash. The trail is five miles one way. We find that whether you begin at Meriam’s Corner in Concord, the Minute Man Visitor Center in Lincoln, MA or at the eastern edge of the park near Fiske Hill, Hartwell Tavern is a good stopping place to head back if you don’t want to walk the entire 10 miles round trip. There is also parking near Hartwell Tavern if you prefer to start there. Throughout the trail there are informational signage and during the 0n-season many of the historic homes offer tours and historic reenactments. Please note though, that dogs are not allowed in the houses, and that there is gunfire during the reenactments. Minute Man National Historical Park does offer a dog friendly walking tour called “Revolutionary Dogs: Paws for a Cause!” that explores the lives of dogs during the American Revolution. Special events are scheduled April 1st through the end of October. Battle Road Trail is open from sunrise to sunset year round. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
For more information about other dog friendly scenic walks and hikes, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.
Battle Road Trail Directions
From I-95: Take exit 30B. You will be on Route 2A west. The North Bridge Visitor Center is 1-mile west off ramp. Look for signs guiding you to parking areas along Battle Road Trail, or stop at visitor center for trail map.
From the Park’s website: “Warning about GPS Systems!
Vehicle Navigation Systems and GPS units may provide inaccurate information. This can send drivers the wrong way on roads to sites which never had actual assigned addresses (such as former farm fields and swamps), leading them to dead ends or areas prohibited to the public, or sending them on roads which are not for vehicle use. Please use the brown informational signs directions from Interstate exits.
