Overview
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail extends from the Lowell/Chelmsford line near Cross Point and Rt. 3, through Chelmsford Center, to the intersection of Route 27 and Route 225 in Westford. The trail continues south through Carlisle and Acton passing historical sites and conservation land. It traverses woods, wetlands, open fields, recreational areas, and shopping areas. The trail has a 10-foot wide pavement with a 2-foot wide packed shoulder on each side. The trail is 11.7 miles long (From Lowell to the current terminus in Acton). A section of the trail (2.5 miles) is now opened in Concord and will eventually connect to the Action Trail with a bridge (Phase 2B) over Route 2. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
Parking & Maps
Authorized parking for the trail is available at the following locations:
Lowell
Crosspoint Towers, 900 Chelmsford St. (Weekends and holidays Only)
Chelmsford
Stop & Shop lot, 299 Chelmsford St., Chelmsford
Chelmsford Center for the Arts, 1A North Rd. (Rt. 4), Chelmsford
Chelmsford Center Artwalk, Cushing Place, Chelmsford (public restrooms, seasonal)
Municipal lot behind Santander Bank, 5 Billerica Rd (Rt. 129), Chelmsford
Byam School (off school hours), 25 Maple Rd, Chelmsford
Town Land at Heart/Baptist Pond, 2 Pond St., Chelmsford (public restrooms, seasonal)
Acton
Across from 1000 Main Street (Rte. 27), Acton
NARA Park off Rte. 27, Acton (public restrooms)
At Goulds’ Plaza (behind Donelan’s Supermarket) on Great Road (Rte. 2A), Acton (public restrooms, seasonal)
Patriot Square, 179 Great Road across from Pedal Power Bike and Ski, Acton (Weekends and holidays only) (public restroom at Pedal Power during business hours)
Ice House Pond, 120 Concord Road, Acton
Concord (2.5 miles of trail, not currently connected to Acton, the bridge from Acton to Concord has an estimated completion date of Fall 2021)
Commonwealth Ave, near the rotary & Concord MCI, Concord
West Concord Center, trail parking near Nashoba Brook, Concord
One handicap parking space near Williams Road, Concord
FAQs & Trail Etiquette
FAQs about Trail Facilities and Trail Use Guidelines
Trail Etiquette (from the Chelmsford BPAC)
Be courteous to other trail users
Stop at ALL stop signs
Bicyclists and skaters should wear safety helmets. State law requires children 16 and younger to wear a helmet while biking.
Keep to the right; pass on the left
Use an audible signal when passing
Look before passing
Bicyclists and skaters yield to pedestrians
Travel at a safe speed
Keep pets on a short leash, remove droppings
When stopping do not block the trail
Obey all traffic control signs and signals
No littering — carry in, carry out
Respect property adjacent to the trail
No motorized vehicles on the trail
In case of emergency, dial 911. Enjoy the trail!
