Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Link to all Marjorie’s books.
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We have visited Cutler Park in Needham multiple times with family that lives nearby, but I keep forgetting to grab photos. This trip, I made sure to slow down and pay closer attention. More walking, less talking. The reservation is easy to get to, has substantial parking, and offers some nice water views of Kendrick Pond.
A remnant of the railroad that used to travel here is visible in the parking area next to the trailhead.
The raised bed of the path along the pond was my first clue that trains used to travel where we walked. Now, rather than railroad cars, people, dogs, occasional bicyclists, and beavers frequent the area. Here’s a brief history of the property.
Rt. 128, across the pond from the trail, carries traffic through the edge of the reservation. The constant noise compromises (for some of us) what is otherwise a truly scenic spot to stroll. While there is a loop trail alongside the pond, we choose to stay on the far side to reduce the sounds coming from the highway.
We visited late in the day, near sunset in winter. A surprising number of fellow walkers joined us on the trail while the sun sank near the horizon. As we headed back for our cars, more walkers streamed past us. I hoped they remembered to bring flashlights with them.
The dirt track that borders the pond is straight as an arrow, one of the additional clues that a rail bed was built through the pond we walked next to. The path is wide enough for several people to walk side by side. Only a few rocks and some tree roots make this an Easy Walk, but it is not wheelchair friendly.
After skirting the pond, the trail enters piney woods. Eventually we came to a small walkway that brought us out to the edge of the Charles River.
The waterway is quite wide at this point, much more substantial than the Upper Charles, where I live. Flocks of birds perched in trees on the far riverbank. Waterfowl browsed in the river as they floated away from where we stood watching them.
Cutler Park has trailheads in both Needham and Dedham. The Dedham entrance is more challenging to access, just off Needham Street at the Dedham/Needham line. Details about the Dedham access are provided in my trail guide, Easy Walks South of Boston. Happy trails!
Marjorie
Marjorie Turner Hollman 