This hike, which is clearly marked with a red painted line or inlaid bricks-tours Boston in the footsteps of those who drove the American revolution. Starting at the State House, the trail travels north, reaches Paul Revere's House, then crosses the Charles River to Charlestown, where it climbs to the Bunker Hill Monument and concludes at the USS Constitution-taking in a great many more historical sites along the way.

Length: 4.21 miles

Hiking time: allow at least 2 hours

Trail surface: pavement

The best way to get to the start of the Freedom Trail is by public transit. If you're coming from outside the city, it's best to park near an outlying subway station and take the MBTA to Park Street. Both the Red and Green lines run directly to the Park street station where we'll meet. The Park street station is located on the Boston Common close to where the trail begins.