Category: Metro Boston

Parks in the Metro Boston area

Neponset River Reservation

June 29, 2019 Thunderstorm

This walk along the river is connected to the John Paul II Park and can be reached by continuing from that park under I-93 on a flat, even bike path.

There are numerous murals along the way, such as the one here.

Some are also poetic, and all are in good shape, without a hint of graffiti vandalism.

The walk takes you by fields with a splash park, and follows along the Neponset River, which is crossed by an interesting old drawbridge.

Past this bridge you have great views of the river on your left and an old cemetery on the right.

It’s a nice, easy path for younger walkers or riders, without many other pedestrians or cyclists.

Eventually you reach the site of an old industrial mill and the former Baker chocolate factory, where you can watch the fast moving water move over rocks and past willow trees, or stop for a rest.

If you’re interested in history, be sure to turn left (south) on Adams street, walk a block, and see the Milton Landing historical marker, which commemorates a document that inspired the Declaration of Independence.

Once you’re finished, you can return the same way, or you can take the old trolley for free from the Milton stop up to Cedar Grove, or another station near your parking spot. Just be sure to get off by Ashmont.

This pleasant walk has plenty of variety for everyone, and is a great way to see nature as well as explore some urban areas.

  • Lots of interesting murals, flat path, and some bathrooms (port a potties) along the way. Ends around a scenic bridge and rapids. Good path for walking or biking.
  • I would definitely come back biking the trail. The scenery was varied and interesting. There’s a free trolley that goes along the trail from Mattapan to Cedar Grove.
  • There are beautiful murals along the trail. There is also a trolley (no cost!) that runs next to the path.
  • I liked the trail because it was paved and the trolley was fun.
  • The river was beautiful. It was fun riding the trolley back to our starting point.

For more information: Neponset River Reservation official site

Squantum Point Park

June 29, 2019 Thunderstorms

This is a former naval airfield in Quincy that’s now a waterfront park.

Most of the walk is on a gravel trail with lush vegetation on both sides. We were surprised at how dense it was, and saw numerous butterflies, birds, and even some very tiny (1/2 inch long) frogs along the path. Although there were a few dog walkers, most of the trail was surprisingly empty.

At various points you have a view of the water or a small footpath to the gravelly and muddy beach.

The views of Boston are pretty good and you can also see planes taking off from Logan in the far distance.

On the western side you have a clear view of the famous water tanks from the local traffic reports.

Some parts of the shore have crumbling remnants of a pier or other structure.

One even urges “Help Stop Vandalism” 🙂

Farther along you hug a fence alongside a large warehouse, and then round a turn to some pretty impressive and wild marshes, where we saw a lone birder with binoculars.

Overall this walk had some good variety, water views, and a chance to see different birds along the way. It was a welcome oasis in Quincy.

  • Lots of birds, butterflies, and even small frogs on the paths. It had great views of Boston but a constant road noise from I-93 was a negative.
  • A short walk and then a good view on a stony beach. Many birds and tiny frogs and butterflies. Except for the noise, it’s close to Boston and is worth a visit.
  • It was pretty fun and there were a lot of small frogs. The paths were muddy but that could’ve been due to the weather that day.
  • Good beach parking lot. There were a lot of puddles.
  • I liked playing on the beach. The paths looked like the Everglades.

For more information: Squantum Point Park official site

Charles River Reservation

June 9, 2019 Sunny

This is one of our favorite walks. The paved path runs along the Charles River on the Boston side from Watertown to the Hatch Shell/Esplanade where Boston Pops perform the 4th July concert every year, and then all the way to the Boston Harbor at the Science Museum. There are many activities along the way and many playgrounds. For example, there are two locations of Community Boating that give sailing and rowing lessons. There is also a canoe rental kiosk, and bike rental places. We also love the cherry blossoms near the Hatch Shell.

We typically park at the Artesani Playground lot in Allston. There is a splash pool as well as a few newly renovated playgrounds.

On this trip we walked down to Weeks Footbridge, about a 2-mile walk. The Boston Dragon Boat Festival was happening around the Weeks Footbridge. There were food trucks on the Cambridge side, and the rowing teams were assembled on the Boston side.

Canoes on the Charles River
Dragon Boat Festival

We saw a number of duck and goose families. The kids enjoyed picking up feathers as they walked. The views are always great and interesting. Many opportunities for photos of the Boston skyline, Harvard University, and sailboats on the harbor.

Kids with feathers with Harvard University on the background

Try to stay along the gravel path by the river for a more peaceful walk, although the cars along Soldiers Field are a constant presence.

  • This is really enjoyable in good weather, for people watching and the numerous boats that ply the river. Each section is different and brings something new.
  • This is one of my favorite walks.
  • I liked nothing. Hot, smelly, and long, the walk was torturous. However, I did get some pleasure out of kicking up dust storms to annoy people, so the day wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Just the act of walking the entire thing.
  • I liked collecting geese feathers and it was pretty good.
  • I liked seeing the Canada goose with their little babies, and I liked collecting their feathers.

For more information: Charles River Reservation official site