A non-profit citizens' group advocating for Newton's open spaces
Charles River in Watertown and Newton
The 2026 edition of the Newton Conservators Trail Guide includes an 18″ x 24″ map showing the routes of seven “Long Walks” that pass through multiple parks and other open spaces:
You can start the walk at any point along the loop. The description below starts from Watertown Square. If you start from Bridge Street, parking is available on the side streets off California Street.
Cross the river from Watertown Square on the Galen Street bridge.
Turn right on the sidewalk of California Street.
Cross a footbridge over Laundry Brook.
Continue along the edge of Forte Park (formerly Allison Park).
Walk past Post 440, the site of the Conservators annual meeting.
After a short stretch on the sidewalk of California Street, cross Bridge Street at the traffic light. Turn right on the sidewalk of Bridge Street.
Follow the heron footprints on the sidewalk.
The remains of the old Bemis Dam are upstream from the bridge
Jack Frost illustration of Bemis Dam
Once you’ve walked over the river, cross the street and enter the Riverwalk.
If you have a much longer trip in mind, you can follow the signs for the East Coast Greenway, which eventually will lead from Maine to Florida.
Bear right onto a dirt path as the trail approaches a swimming pool.
Gulls looking for fish at Watertown Dam. Watertown Square is just past the dam.
