News Release

Trail improvement projects begin at Fiske Hill on Battle Road Trail

Date: May 13, 2024
Contact: Jennifer Pierce, 978-505-4197

CONCORD, Mass – Trail improvement projects will take place across Minute Man National Historical Park throughout the spring, summer and fall of 2024. These projects will require temporary trail closures to the public at various locations along the Battle Road Trail and North Bridge Trail for the safety and protection of the park’s visitors and natural and cultural resources.

This work to rehabilitate trails and improve the visitor experience is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund in the lead up to April 2025, the 250^th anniversary of the opening battle of the American Revolution.

The first of these projects will include the Fiske Hill West and East Trail as well as the portion of Battle Road Trail between the Whittemore House and Parker’s Revenge site. Work also continues at the trail re-route between Olive Stowe Boardwalk and Brooks Village. Anticipated completion at these locations will be early July 2024. 

Signs at trail heads and trail junctions around the closed areas indicate where public entry is prohibited. Public entry into a closed area is a violation of federal regulations 36 CFR 1.5f. While sections of Battle Road Trail will remain accessible to the public, the temporary closures will affect the ability to access the trail in its entirety during the project. Trail enthusiasts are encouraged to access the many trails and greenspaces in nearby towns such as the Bay Circuit Trail, Minuteman Bikeway and the Reformatory Branch Trail.  

The National Park Service will reopen the closed areas once projects have been completed. Updates on the current status of trail work closures and completion are available on the park's website and social media platforms. 

Minute Man National Historical Park will receive approximately $27 million through GAOA to address maintenance needs and repairs related to the park’s buildings, structures, landscape, trails, signage and monuments. This multi-year improvement project will include historic structures and landscape improvements such as preserving stone walls and improving views and vistas.                                                   

GAOA is part of a concerted effort to address extensive deferred maintenance and repair needs in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA provides the NPS with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors. 

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About Minute Man National Historical Park: Minute Man National Historical Park protects the historic structures and landscapes associated with the opening battle of the American Revolution which occurred on April 19, 1775. Many of the historic structures and landscapes in the park stand as witnesses to the events that happened at the North Bridge and along the Battle Road as the colonists engaged with the British regulars during their retreat to Boston.