Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path threading through the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, linking 16 sites central to the American Revolution. The trail begins at Boston Common — established in 1634 as the oldest public park in the United States — and winds through downtown Boston before crossing the Charlestown Bridge to end at Bunker Hill Monument in the Charlestown neighborhood. Along the route, visitors pass the Massachusetts State House with its distinctive gold dome, the Granary Burying Ground containing the graves of Paul Revere and Samuel Adams, King's Chapel, the Old State House (the oldest surviving public building in Boston, dating to 1713), the site of the Boston Massacre on the adjacent cobblestone plaza, and Faneuil Hall — the 'Cradle of Liberty' where colonial patriots gathered to debate independence. In the North End neighborhood, the Paul Revere House (circa 1680) is the oldest remaining wooden structure in downtown Boston and offers a close look at colonial domestic life. Old North Church, completed in 1723, is where two lanterns in the steeple on April 18, 1775, signaled the departure of British troops by sea and launched Revere's midnight ride. The final landmark, Bunker Hill Monument, is a 221-foot granite obelisk marking the site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War on June 17, 1775. A self-guided walk without entering any interiors takes approximately 90 minutes; visitors who explore several sites should plan for three to four hours or a full day. The trail is clearly marked by a painted or embedded red-brick line on the pavement throughout. It is busiest between 11am and 3pm on summer weekends and during school holiday periods; early weekday mornings provide a quieter experience with better light for photography. Most outdoor sections are accessible at all hours.