The Minuteman Trail is not only a great spot for a walk in forests and wetlands, but also a place that is central in American history – two great reasons to go there, (especially if you bring kids along).

Walking on the Minuteman Trail, you will be where the American Revolution started. In 1775, discontent was brewing in the American colony under the British rule. On April 19 of that year, British General Gage ordered an expedition to confiscate weapons hidden by the local militia, the “Minutemen”, under the command of Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Paul Revere completed his famous "midnight ride" on this trail to warn the patriots in Lexington, carrying word of the British troops’ departure from Boston and imminent arrival.

When the British arrived in the area the militiamen were ready. The first shot of the Revolution was fired on the Lexington green. In the ensuing confusion, eight revolutionaries were killed. By the time the British reached Concord to carry out their search mission, patriots in the area where ready to harass them. From that moment, British troops and patriots exchanged fire all along this road as the British retreated to Boston. The rest is history.

Fortunately, you will not need to walk here from Boston, as the British did (an impressive performance, considering they made the round-trip in a day and came back under heavy fire). You can instead start your walk at the visitor center near the parking lot. Exhibits will give you more information on the key players and events. Take a map of the trail to identify points of interest along the way.

The trail itself ends in a place called Meriam’s Corner near Concord. From the visitor center to there and back, allow about 3 hours – more if you stop frequently or explore some of the side trails, such as those around Hartwell Tavern. You can turn back sooner to make the walk shorter – this is not a loop.

If you like the place and want to come back, feel free to bring in your bike next time: the trail is open to bicycles, and it's a great place to run.

(Picture courtesy of The Boston Globe)