Tag: walking maps

Newton: Upper Falls Walking Map

Newton: Upper Falls Walking Map

By |

A hidden mill village on the Charles River, Newton Upper Falls is tucked into a busy corner of the metropolitan area. On this walk you will see a potpourri of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, many charming hilly and curving streets, and a major National Historic Landmark–Echo Bridge over the Charles River’s Hemlock Gorge.

Upper Falls was settled at the largest falls on the Charles River. Native Americans discovered the falls and established fish weirs here to harvest eels and other freshwater fish. In 1688 John Clark bought rights to build at the falls from Chief Nahatan for £12 sterling. By 1813, when a cotton mill was installed, industrial buildings lined the gorge from the falls area to the newly built Worcester Turnpike (now Rte 9). Within 40 years 1/4th of Newton’s population lived and worked in Upper Falls. Today a large portion of the village is protected as an historic district. Of the 150 buildings that existed 100 years ago in Upper Falls, 118 still stand.


Click for “WalkBoston Upper Falls Newton Walking Map” on Google Maps

Boston: South Boston and Dorchester Bay Walking Map

Boston: South Boston and Dorchester Bay Walking Map

By |

South Boston has the longest continuously accessible ocean waterfront of any Boston neighborhood; it also has one of the city’s highest hill, complete with panoramic views of Boston Harbor and Dorchester Bay. In comparison with the downtown side of South Boston, where port activities dominate, the south side of the peninsula is highly accessible, with many public beaches and walkways. Here active waterfront uses predominate–large public bathhouses and beaches, shaded pavilions to take in the views, yacht clubs, and fishing spots.


Click for “WalkBoston’s South Boston and Dorchester Bay Walking Map” on Google Maps

Boston: Hyde Park and Victorian Fairmount Walking Map

Boston: Hyde Park and Victorian Fairmount Walking Map

By |

On a hillside overlooking the Neponset River lies a little Victorian time capsule known as Fairmount. This walk will take you up and down Fairmount’s steep streets on a trip back in time past stunning and fascinating structures.

Together with Cleary Square, Hyde Park’s shopping and administrative center, Fairmount occupies Boston’s southernmost tip; it’s further from downtown than any part of the city. This remote location mean that Fairmont was somewhat of a late bloomer among Boston neighborhoods and is why it peaked in the Victorian period.

Hyde Park remained an independent town until 1912, when its residents voted to join Boston. As this walk will reveal to you, the Fairmount neighborhood retains several of its original twenty homes and, with them, its own unique identity. It is an enclave of Victoriana on its hillside overlooking the Neponset.


Click for “WalkBoston’s Hyde Park and Victorian Fairmount Walking Map” on Google Maps

Rose Kennedy Greenway Walking Map 2005

Rose Kennedy Greenway Walking Map 2005

By |

Our Greenway work since 1992 A key factor in the success of the Rose Kennedy Greenway will be its walkability. When the Central Artery Project (CA/T) received its environmental approvals in 1991, only 6 lanes were approved for the new streets above the tunnel. However, at the request of the City of Boston, CA/T staff was designing 10 lanes.

WalkBoston and Move Massachusetts 2000, with support from CA/T, created the Pedestrian Issues Forum to re-examine the design. Two years later, in A Pedestrian Perspective on the Central Artery Project [1994], narrower roadways and wider sidewalks were recommended. After more persistent advocacy, the City reversed its position and supported the new approach.

Then, the Mayor convened the public-private Surface Transportation Action Forum [STAF] to further resolve design details for the Greenway, such as sidewalk and lane widths, and corner curb radii. STAF’s conclusions became official CA/T Project commitments. Together, the Greenway design and the new WALK light policy enhance the attractiveness of the Greenway for walkers.

Click for “Rose Kennedy Greenway Walking Map 2005” PDF


Click for “WalkBoston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway Walking Map 2005” on Google Maps

Jamaica Plain Walking Map

Jamaica Plain Walking Map

By |

Affectionately known as “J.P.,” Jamaica Plain is one of the greenest neighborhoods in the city–surrounded on three sides by large tracts of forested and much-loved open space. With bucolic Arnold Arboretum, picturesque Jamaica Pond, expansive Franklin Park, and historic Forest Hills Cemetery, J.P. is an outdoor oasis.

Still, don’t let all the natural beauty obscure J.P.’s abundance of architectural intrigue. The neighborhood hosts a number of “Painted Lady” Victorians on Summer Hill. Stately mansions line Jamaica Pond and nearby streets.

These days J.P. hosts wealthy “hip” suburbanites returning to the city, plus a large Hispanic and Caribbean population. They join longtime Irish Catholic residents, an LGBT contingent, students, and many others.

This walk gives you a sampling of what they perhaps love best about J.P.: quiet residential streets, spectacular mansions, a vibrant commercial district, and—most of all—Jamaica Pond, a major park and haven for the city-weary.

Click for “WalkBoston’s Jamaica Plain Walking Map” on Google Maps