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

Work Parties

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

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

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