In 1927, philanthropist Mary P.C. Cummings gifted a parcel of open space straddling Burlington and Woburn to the City of Boston with a crucial piece of instruction: that the land remain “forever open as a public pleasure ground.” Thanks to the Friends of Mary Cummings Park, the property remained an ecologically diverse hidden gem even as development proliferated around Route 128. In 2020, The Trustees assumed management of the property and commenced a major restoration.

Today, after arriving through the entrance off Blanchard Road, enjoy a quick lunch on the picnic lawn before setting out on the ADA-accessible trail that encircles the Pollinator Meadow. Next, walk along the MilliporeSigma Science and Nature Trail, which travels half a mile past stonewalls that recall the property’s farm history. After reaching a five-foot-thick silver maple, the landscape abruptly shifts, and a 125-foot boardwalk bends into a marsh humming with wildlife.

WHEN TO VISIT
Daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of one hour.

ADMISSION
Free to all.

25 Blanchard Road, Burlington, MA 01803

Route 95 N to Exit 51A to Cambridge Street, Burlington. Right on Cambridge Street, first right on Wayside Road, left on South Bedford Street, right on Blanchard Road.

Route 95 S to Exit 51B to Route 3A Burlington. Continue straight through light on Burlington Mall Road, left on South Bedford Street, right on Blanchard Road.

The primary entrance to Mary Cummings Park is the second parking area on left (south) side of Blanchard Road, just past the blue water tower; look for the Trustees sign at side of road. Additional parking and access to trails is available via the Burlington Multi-Purpose Field; first parking area on left coming from South Bedford Street.

The Pollinator Trail is a .8-mile loop that is wheelchair accessible. It can be accessed from both The Trustees and Burlington Multi-Purpose Field parking lots on Blanchard Road.

Picnic tables and benches are located adjacent to the parking lot and along the Pollinator Trail, this includes a wheelchair accessible picnic table.

The entry kiosk includes a map of the property. We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit. Additionally, map stations are located at intersections throughout the park for reference and wayfinding.

Use this link to download a trail map before you head out.

• Property is carry in, carry out related to litter and personal items.
• Dog walking is allowed on-leash.
• Hunting is not permitted at this reservation. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties.
• ATVs/UTVs, motor bikes, and other motorized vehicles are not permitted.
• Use of metal detectors, and associated digging and removal of items from the property is not permitted.
• PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Supporting Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.