Scouting America National Historic Trails
Sponsored by the Concord Scout House

Email for info to HistoricTrails(at)concordscouthouse(dot)org

Note that Scouting America National Historic Trails are regulated by the national Scouting America organization and come with a requirement of completing a questionnaire in order to earn the awards associated with the trail. Please keep this in mind when planning to hike one of the trails with the objective of earning the awards. Each participant must complete the questionnaire individually and submit it with the order form. Have each hiker bring a printed copy of the questionnaire on the hike along with a writing implement and complete the questionnaire throughout the hike.

Hikers are strongly encouraged to wear Class A or Class B uniforms when hiking these trails.

Minutemen's Surprise Trail

Add My Name to the Minutemen's Surprise Trail Mailing List

The Minutemen's Surprise Trail is the newest National Historic Trail from the Concord Scout House. It's designed specifically with Cub Scouts in mind. The trail's core patch can be earned by hiking 2.8 miles from Major Buttrick's House to Meriam's Corner by the same back trails the minutemen took on April 19, 1775. An excircling patch can be earned by returning via Lexington Road for a total of 5.3 miles.

The Official Trail Map and Brochure are under development. We'll inform those on our mailing list when it's ready.

Watch the TV news announcement of the trail

Minutemen's Pursuit Trail

Add My Name to the Minutemen's Pursuit Trail Mailing List

The Minutemen's Pursuit Trail is the Concord Scout House's most challenging trail. At 15 miles it covers the entire actual route that the Minutemen pursued the British soldiers from Meriam's Corner in Concord to Prospect Hill in Somerville.

Like any National Historic Trail, you can hike the trail at any time, but each April 19th there is an organized hike that begins in Monument Square and adds another 5 miles, making it nearly as arduous as it was for the minutemen. This is not an easy hike. Do not attempt this without training, including hiking at least 10 miles multiple times in the immediate months preceding the annual hike.

Official Brochure and Trail Map

Trail Questionaire and Medal/Patch Order Form

Thoreau Leave No Trace Trail

Add My Name to the Thoreau Leave No Trace Trail Mailing List

(Created with Thoreau Farm and Thoreau Society)

The Thoreau Leave No Trace Trail is a relatively easy 10 mile hike among sites relevant to Thoreau's life throughout Concord, ending at Walden Pond.

Thoreau Leave No Trail Guide