Charles River Peninsula plays an important role in protecting the beauty and environmental value of the upper Charles River corridor. 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.

Follow a narrow footpath that tracks the river along the reservation’s shoreline, and head to the field’s highest point for views of the Charles River. An old wooden railroad trestle is visible at the western end of the reservation.

FREE to all.

Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.

Fisher Street
Needham, MA 02492
Telephone: 508.785.0339
E-mail charlesrivervalley@thetrustees.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From Points North: Take I-95/Rt. 128 South to Exit 35B onto Highland Avenue. Follow into Needham Center, then travel east on Rt. 135 for 1 mi. Turn left onto Central Ave., 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). Paddle west upstream to landings on right or follow footpath from parking area toward open field.

From Points South: Take I-95/Rt. 128 North to Exit 32, Rt. 135 West. Follow Rt. 135 West approx. 1 mi. Turn left at South St. Follow for 2.5 mi. Turn right at Fisher St. Follow directions above to launch.

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation boat launch adjacent to parking lot. The reservation has two boat landings.

There is a trail map posted on a kiosk in the parking area.

We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.

Trail: 1.16 total miles of trail, the loop is just under 1 mile.

• Hunting is not permitted at this reservation. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties.
• Dogs are allowed Off-Leash (but under voice control), except during seasonal protection of grassland bird habitat, from April 1 – August 15, when dogs must be On-Leash.
• Deer ticks may carry Lyme Disease.
• 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.