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Newton Park and Conservation Lands
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4
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Charles River Path - Bridge Street to Moody Street |
LOCATION: Nonantum to Waltham
Location
and driving directions on Google Maps for entrances at:
Bridge Street Newton Street Cooper Street parking lot
MBTA: The Fitchburg commuter rail line and many bus lines serve Moody Street
Newton Conservators trail map (Buy a copy of our trail guide)
Other maps and aerial
photos: Bing USGS
Connects to: Charles River Path: Galen Street to Bridge Street
SIZE: About 2.5 miles long
LONGEST WALK : 5 miles round trip (longer walks that include this park)
ACQUIRED: This portion of the Upper Charles
River Restoration Project was completed in 2005.
ADMINISTERED BY:
DCR
FEATURES:
Walkway is similar in feel to the Bridge Street to
Galen Street stretch, with dirt and gravel trails,
boardwalks, split log benches, and riverside
overlook decks. Native plants reintroduced for
minimum upkeep.
The Elm Street to Moody Street connection is still incomplete, but with just a few detours
onto streets and sidewalks, one can walk all the
way to Norumbega Park.
Blue Heron Bridge is a stunning 140-foot
suspension bridge that crosses the river at
Cheesecake Brook.
HISTORY:
| 1814 |
Francis Cabot Lowell opened a textile mill
at what is today the Charles River
Museum of Industry & Innovation. The mill is called
America's first factory. Moody Street was
named for mechanical genius Paul Moody,
who perfected the mill's operations. |
| 1816 |
A second mill was opened to produce
cloth and textile machinery. |
| 1820s |
Mill owners expanded to Lowell, MA. |
| 1994 |
Planning begins for riverwalk. First phase is between North Street in Newton and Elm Street in Waltham. |
| 2005 |
Blue Heron Bridge completed, allowing continuous walking along the river from Watertown Square to Elm Street. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Walks and Maps:
Walks along this path
DCR website and maps of eastern and western sections of the park
This park is part of Walk 25 in the book, WalkBoston
General Descriptions:
Essay by Alison Leary
 Wikipedia
Boston Globe article and map
Wildflowers Near the Charles River
On the Charles.com (kayaking and canoeing information)
History:
Bemis Dam
Discover Historic Nonantum brochure
Newton Patch: More than "Dirty Water": The History of the Charles River in Newton
Government agency information:
1975 Charles River Pathway Plan
1998 Upper Charles River Master Plan
2003 Upper Charles River Reservation project update
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Geological Survey
Photos:
Photo gallery
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