This walk is not suitable for young children, because it covers several unofficial trails, including some scrambling over a brush-covered former railroad bed.
This version of the route avoids walking near the Martin golf course, which is not open to walkers during the golf season. See this page for an alternate route that can be walked from December through March, when the course is closed.
Overview:
This out-and-back walk is about 4 miles long. Part of this walk follows the abandoned railroad right-of-way that runs from Riverside Park south to the Lower Falls Footbridge. DCR has proposed turning this path into a new trail, shown as the “Riverside Rail Trail” on this map:
From the parking lot, take the paved footpath leading down towards the river.
Cross the footbridge that was rebuilt in 2013.
At the end of the bridge, turn right onto the Pony Truss Trail, which was rebuilt in 2020
A stone bench is a nice stopping place, with a great view of the river
Follow the path until it ends at a service road. Take a sharp left turn up a short, steep slope to the fence next to the MBTA railyard.
Turn right and walk onto the old railroad bridge.
Continue on the bridge across the access road, and on another bridge across Route 128.
As you leave the bridge, the railroad right of way ahead of you is completely obstructed by brush. This route is proposed for conversion to a walking and biking path.
Immediately after leaving the bridge, turn left and walk down onto an unpaved path. You’ll see signs indicating that a natural gas line is beneath the path.
Turn right onto a a path leading to a small cul-de-sac between two houses.
The cul-de-sac opens onto Clearwater Road. Turn right.
Turn right on Pine Grove Avenue.
You’ll come to a gate on the left that enters the old railroad right-of-way. If you don’t mind some scrambling over brush, enter the trail.
If you’d prefer an easier and only slightly longer route, continue on Pine Grove and turn left on St Marys Street to Concord Street. Then turn left to rejoin the route.
If you stayed on the trail, cross the brush piles until you reach Concord Street.
Reach Concord Street.
Cross Concord Street and enter the marked Blue Heron Trail.
Cross the restored footbridge.
Turn right on the path that runs between the Charles and Waterstone at Wellesley.
Follow the path for about half a mile until it ends at the golf course.
Turn back at this point.
