Beaver Brook Reservation - Belmont, MA - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

Along the Belmont-Waltham line is the Beaver Brook Reservation. This reservation has woods and old mill ponds where you can walk around, see birds, ducks, and geese, and even remnants of old mills.

There are at least two segments to this reservation, totalling 65 acres of land. We concentrated on the upper segment that has parking on Mill Street, to the north of Trapelo Road. From the parking lot, head toward the kiosk where you can view the map and any other information posted. Don't be surprised if you find yourself surrounded by geese and ducks. This is a popular place to feed the ducks and geese, even though it isn't that healthy for them.

There are several paths in this park. Some ring the mill ponds. There are some that follow the stream to the south and to paths in the woods to the south side of Trapelo Road. Some go through other parts of the woods. The south side has additional park features such as tennis courts, a spray pool, and picnic areas.

The Beaver Brook Reservation is the first reservation established by the Metropolitan Parks Commission, later part of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), then absorbed into the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Charles Eliot moved to preserve this land around "The Waverly Oaks" in 1893. Eliot was then inspired to establish the first land conservation trust organization, The Trustees of Reservations. Beaver Brook Reservation is considered the first land obtained for conservation purposes, and has inspired further conservation of lands from organizations such as Trustees for Public Lands, Massachusetts Audubon, and the Nature Conservancy.

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 65 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Several trails in the north and south sections of the reservation. Total length is probably a mile or two. Some ring the ponds, a few follow the stream and others go through the woods. What points of interest are there?: Mill ponds provide nice views, especially at crossings where the dams are. Below the lower mill pond, the stream falls quickly through the rocks at a spot known as the Cascades. The spray pool is always popular. What activities are available?: Walking/hiking, bierdwatching, fishing, splash pool wading, picnicking, tennis, baseball. Hours of accessibility?: Daylight hours List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Poison ivy is all around. Always follow the path and be careful around the rocks. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

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