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Freedom Trail

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This information is a public record of the 1976 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Freedom Trail

National Park Service Urban Trail
  • Length
    2.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back
 (1 review)

A 2.5-mile walking trail through downtown Boston, the North End, and Charlestown connect 16 historic sites that together tell the story of Boston's role in the American Revolution and the early growth of the nation.

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Freedom Trail marker. Photo by Ingfbruno.
Freedom Trail marker. Photo by Ingfbruno.
King’s Chapel Burying Ground, established in 1630, is Boston’s oldest graveyard. Photo by Valerie Russo.
King’s Chapel Burying Ground, established in 1630, is Boston’s oldest graveyard. Photo by Valerie Russo.
The Old North Church, founded in 1723. Famous by Paul Revere's midnight ride. Photo by Valerie A. Russo.
The Old North Church, founded in 1723. Famous by Paul Revere's midnight ride. Photo by Valerie A. Russo.
The USS Constitution launched in 1797. Now part of the Boston National Historic Park. Photo by Valerie A. Russo.
The USS Constitution launched in 1797. Now part of the Boston National Historic Park. Photo by Valerie A. Russo.
Samuel Adams statue at Faneuil Hall by Anne Whitney. Photo by Billy Hathorn.
Samuel Adams statue at Faneuil Hall by Anne Whitney. Photo by Billy Hathorn.
Granary Burying Ground. Photo by Ingfbruno.
Granary Burying Ground. Photo by Ingfbruno.
The Old State House. Photo by Ingfbruno.
The Old State House. Photo by Ingfbruno.
Old South Meeting House. Photo by Ingfbruno.
Old South Meeting House. Photo by Ingfbruno.
Bunker Hill Monument. A stop along the Freedom Trail. Photo by Chensiyuan.
Bunker Hill Monument. A stop along the Freedom Trail. Photo by Chensiyuan.
  • Freedom Trail marker. Photo by Ingfbruno.
  • Freedom Trail marker. Photo by Ingfbruno.
  • King’s Chapel Burying Ground, established in 1630, is Boston’s oldest graveyard. Photo by Valerie Russo.
  • The Old North Church, founded in 1723. Famous by Paul Revere's midnight ride. Photo by Valerie A. Russo.
  • The USS Constitution launched in 1797. Now part of the Boston National Historic Park. Photo by Valerie A. Russo.
  • Samuel Adams statue at Faneuil Hall by Anne Whitney. Photo by Billy Hathorn.
  • Granary Burying Ground. Photo by Ingfbruno.
  • The Old State House. Photo by Ingfbruno.
  • Old South Meeting House. Photo by Ingfbruno.
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Location: In Boston a 2.5 mile path along city sidewalks marked by a red line that connects 16 historic sites.

  • States: Massachusetts
  • Counties: Suffolk
  • Cities/Townships: Boston

To travel back to Revolutionary Boston--to understand the people, the events, and the ideals of the 18th century--is a great leap for us today. But the sites along the Freedom Trail do speak eloquently of that time. Bostonians and other colonists shared a notion of liberty that was precious and worth fighting for. The Freedom Trail sites include scenes of critical events in Boston and the nation's struggle for freedom.

Most of the Boston National Historical Park sites are connected by the Freedom Trail. Recognized as a National Recreation Trail, the 2.5-mile trail is a walking tour of 16 sites and structures of historic importance in downtown Boston and Charlestown. Sixty-minute tours begin at the Visitor Center at historic Faneuil Hall and cover the heart of the Freedom Trail from the Old South Meeting House to the Old North Church. Tours leave at regular intervals in the spring, summer, and fall, weather permitting. Visit www.nps.gov/bost for more information on tours. The trail is overseen by the City of Boston's Freedom Trail Commission.

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Reviews

Janie Walker
Janie Walker
Feb 9, 2022
Walk through history

Enjoyable walk through the history of the American Revolution. Easy to follow the line on the sidewalks and roads, impossible to get lost. The trail takes you by key structures and places, great way to immerse yourself in history while getting some exercise. Bring some money in case you want to go into the museums and buildings along the way. Some offer free entrance, others charge.

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Allowed Uses:

Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking

Other Activities

  • Heritage and history

Public Contact

National Park Service
Boston National Historical Park, Charlestown Navy
Boston, MA 02129
www.nps.gov/bo

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): --
  • Elevation (high): --
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Paved
  • Surfaces (additional): Paved
  • Tread Width (average): 0"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): --
  • Tread Grade (maximum):
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Jan 13, 1976
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