Bike Tour of the Neponset Trail and Mother Brook
10:00 am, Sunday, October 20, 2013

We'll start at the intersection of the Truman Parkway and Fairmount Ave. in Hyde Park, a bit downstream from the end of Mother Brook. After a quick loop to view the confluence of the Neponset River and Mother Brook, we'll follow the Neponset Trail to Readville and take the Neponset Valley Parkway back to Mother Brook. Then we'll head upstream and pass one of the most beautiful old mills around Boston in East Dedham. We'll follow Mother Brook through Dedham, turning around at the dam on the Charles across the VFW Parkway from the Dedham Mall where Mother Brook has begun since 1650. On the way back to the starting point, we'll use one of the lesser known paved paths through Stony Brook Reservation and pass Boston's biggest skate park on our way back to the start. Helmets required. Registration recommended; contact the Boston Natural Areas network at 617-542-7696 or by email.

This ride is sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas Network. The ride is free.

Photos from [2007] [2009] [2010] [2013]

Reference:
Historical Sketch of Mother Brook, Dedham, Mass., by Erastus Worthington (Dedham, Mass.: Press of C. G. Wheeler, 1900)


Confluence of the Neponset River and Mother Brook

Details

  • Where: Meet at the northwest corner of Fairmount Ave. and the Truman Parkway in Hyde Park.
  • When: Departing at 10:00 am, Sunday, October 20, 2013
  • Distance: 12 miles.
  • Pace: Relaxed, probably 6-10 MPH.
  • Terrain: Some hills, but mostly flat.
  • Route: Mostly on-road.
  • Leader: Jessica Mink

Maps and Cue sheet

 route map

Getting There

Bicycle

Ride south from Forest Hills on Hyde Park Ave. to Cleary Square, then turn left on River St. and continue straight on Fairmount Ave. when River St. turns left. Stop at the second light, just after crossing the Neponset River.

From Dorchester or Mattapan, continue south on River St. from Mattapan Square, avoiding the construction on the Truman Parkway. Turn left on Fairmount Ave. when River St. turns right toward Cleary Square.

MBTA

You can take your bike on T rapid transit lines and some bus lines, (none of which go near today's ride), for no extra charge. Details are on the MBTA website.

From Forest Hills (Orange Line):
Take Hyde Park Ave. to River St. at Cleary Square and turn left on River St., then go straight on Fairmount Ave. when River St. turns left and meet on the left after crossing over the Neponset River .

Car

Take the Route 138 exit from Route 128/93N, and go north to the Neponset Valley Parkway. Turn left, then right on the Truman Parkway at the next light. Turn left at Fairmount Ave. and look for a parking space.

Bailout points

Buses on Hyde Park Ave. and Washtington St. with bus racks can take you back to Forest Hills Station.


Click for Google Maps


Neponset Trail in March 2010