Overview

The 800 acres known as Cutler Park include the largest remaining fresh water marsh on the middle Charles River. The marshland and the small lake attract over 100 species of birds.

A trail goes around Kendrick Pond (also called Cutler Pond). Another trail extends from the pond trail and goes to Powell’s Island canoe landing, doubles back and goes under the MBTA commuter rail and out to the Great Plain. From here a hiker has two choices. A right turn leads to a boardwalk through a cattail marsh and ends up on Needham Street in Dedham. A left turn leads down the wide path alongside the elevated railroad line all the way to the Charles River.

After a snowfall the area becomes a fairyland for cross-country skiing. In summer, there’s hiking, canoeing, and fishing.

Size: 800+ acres    Longest Walk: 5 miles    Acquired: 1962

Owner & Administrator Websites

Photo Gallery

History

The marshlands, created by flooding from the Newton Upper Falls Silk Dam, were used for pasturelands for hundreds of years. The marshes were tapped from the late 1800s as watershed well sites. You can see remains of filtering ponds, ditches, and waterworks.

Features

Accessible Trails, Biking, Birding, Boat Launch, Charles River Walk, Cross Country Skiing, Historic Site, Meadow, Pond, Scenic View, Vernal Pool, Woods Trail
 

Additional Information

Newton Assessor’s Map ID: [not in Newton]