Cochituate and Sudbury Aqueducts

Overview

You can walk a 7 mile circuit within Newton on both aqueducts. Or, you can take a 5 mile walk (returning by MBTA) from Waban to Chestnut Hill that begins on the Cochituate Aqueduct.

Cochituate Aqueduct

Enters Quinobequin Road area in Waban at the foot of Varick Road, after crossing the Charles River from Wellesley over a low stone bridge. When the aqueduct was in active use, the water was pumped uphill at this point. The public path runs through Waban, Cold Spring Park, Newton Highlands, the Wilson Conservation Lands, and Newton Centre Playground before it disappears in a tunnel through Waban Hill. Woodlands, pine forest, meadows.

Sudbury Aqueduct

Enters Newton Upper Falls over Echo Bridge across the Charles River in Hemlock Gorge Reservation. Nearly joins Cochituate Aqueduct near Cold Spring Park, and disappears into a tunnel at Gray Cliff Road in Newton Centre.

Longest Walk: 7 mile circuit

Longer Walks that include this property:
A Loop Along the Aqueducts
Waban to Chestnut Hill

Maps

Locator Map and Driving Directions

To get driving directions to the site, click on a red marker, scroll to the bottom of the pop-up box, and click Directions on Google Maps

Citywide Map from Newton GIS System

USGS map

The two aqueducts pass near three stations on the MBTA Green Line: a 0.5 mile walk from Newton Centre Station, or a 0.1 mile walk from Eliot Station, or a 0.2 mile walk from Waban Station

Detailed map

A detailed 18×24 map showing the routes of both aqueduct trails is included in the 2026 edition of the Conservators Trail Guide. Additional copies of the map area available for purchase. Follow this link to see the map on your computer.

Connects to:

Cold Spring Park

Hemlock Gorge

Blue Heron Trail