This walk is not suitable for young children, because it covers several unofficial trails, including some scrambling over a brush-covered former railroad bed, as well as walking along a busy road.
The route goes through the Leo J. Martin Golf Course, which is not open to walkers during the golf season. So this route should be used only from December through March. See this page for an alternate route that can be walked all year long.
In winter, the golf course becomes the Weston Ski Track. Walkers are welcome, but don’t walk on any groomed ski tracks. Doing this would wreck the tracks for skiers.
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 entrance to the golf course parking lot, turn right and walk on the paved path.
Continue on the paved path between the road and the ski area. Don’t walk on any groomed ski tracks.
As you approach Recreation Road, the path turns to the right. Stay on the path.
Where the paved path ends, continue straight ahead (if snow conditions permit) alongside Recreation Road.
If necessary, cross Recreation Road and continue on the shoulder, watching for cars.
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 right and walk down onto an unpaved path.
Caution: This route takes you onto an active golf course fairway. Follow it only between December and March.
Continue on this path, with the highway at your right, until you approach the Charles River.
Turn left into the woods.
Continue on this path, with the Charles now on your right, until you reach the edge of the golf course.
Walk to the left of the fairway, keeping off of the greens, and off of any groomed ski trails.
Turn left onto a short trail that leads towards Pine Grove Avenue.
Pass through this gate onto 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 approaches the golf course.
Turn left and follow a steep switch-back trail up a small hill.
At the top of the hill, turn right and walk along the edge of the fairway.
Walk straight ahead alongside the fairway until you reach Intervale Road. Cross the road, turn right, and walk along the side of the road to return to Concord Street. The entrance to the golf course parking lot is just to the left.
