About Charles River Peninsula |
30 acres |
Surrounded on three sides by the river, this restored grassland field is accessible by either foot or boat.
What makes Charles River a special place?
Where the Charles River makes a nearly 180-degree twist in the valley, a wooded shoreline of birch, hemlock, and beech conceals an upland peninsula that rises gently to a 20-acre open field, which was farmed for more than a century.
A narrow footpath tracks the river along the reservation’s shoreline, while the field’s highest point offers views of the Charles River. An old wooden railroad trestle is visible at the western end of the Reservation.
Charles River Peninsula plays an important role in protecting the beauty and environmental value of the upper Charles River corridor.
Trails
Footpaths follow the edges of the upland field and trails pass through a part of the wooded shoreline. Easy walking.
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1/2 hour.
Facilities
State Department of Conservation and Recreation boat launch adjacent to parking lot. The reservation has two boat landings.
Regulations & Advisories
- Deer ticks may carry Lyme Disease.
Directions
Fisher Street
Needham, MA
Telephone: 508.785.0339
E-mail charlesrivervalley@ttor.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Needham Center, travel east on Rt. 135 for 1 mi. Turn left onto Central St., follow for 2 mi., and turn left onto Fisher St. At railroad tracks, turn right into the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Red Wing Bay canoe/kayak launch (10 cars). Follow footpath from parking area toward open field.
Admission
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.
Admission
FREE to al
Property History
Property Acquisition History
Original acreage a gift of William M. Austin, Henry R. Guild, Dr. James F. Powers, William B. Rogers, Jr., and George S. Weld in 1960. Additional land given by Elaine Lindy in 1994.
Programs
Click here to learn more about our Summer in the Valley Photo contest.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are no volunteer positions at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other opportunities near you.
Work Parties
There are no work parties at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other work parties near you.
Maps and Resources
A printed trail map is available for free in the bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies sometimes run out. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.
Planning Your Visit
Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.
Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:
- Protect wildlife and plants.
- Guard against all risk of fire.
- Help keep air and water clean.
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
- Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
- Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
- Enjoy and share the landscape with others.
Click on links below for further visitor information:
Before Setting Out
Tell Us What You Think
We’d love to hear about your visit. Click here to take our visitor survey. If you have a question for us about this reservation, you can use this form to send it to us, too.
Share your experiences with other visitors! Simply fill out the form below and we’ll post your comment here on this page.
Announcements & Alerts
SHOOT, ENTER, WIN! The 4th annual Summer in the Valley photo contest. Learn More >>
Upcoming Things To Do
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