Dedham Water Trail

The Charles River stretches 80 miles from Echo Lake in Hopkinton, flowing through 22 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts before emptying into Boston Harbor. In Dedham, the river offers calm waters with a moderate current, making it perfect for paddling. The Dedham Water Trail spans 7.2 miles along the Charles River, connecting several conservation areas and parks. The trail passes through Motley Pond and Cow Island Pond, before looping through Long Ditch in Cutler Park. Along the Water Trail, five public boat launches provide access, and numerous historical and ecological sites are marked with informative signage. Funded through the Recreational Trails Program, a national initiative by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the trail was designated a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior in July 2014. The primary goal of the Dedham Water Trail is to attract visitors to the Charles River, offering both an educational and immersive experience, while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship for the river.

Dolan Center Launch

The Town of Dedham purchased the Dolan Recreation Center from the Society of African Missions in 2006. The Dolan Center is the starting point of the Water Trail and home to Dedham's recreational programs. This property connects several miles of open space and hiking trails including Wilson Mountain, Whitcomb Woods and NewBridge on the Charles trails.

Plan Your Route

From the Dolan Center, there are two family-friendly routes you can take that are about 2 miles out-and-back. Paddling left (upstream) out of the Dolan Center Launch you will find beautiful views of Army Corp of Engineer-protected floodplains, eventually reaching the Needham Street Bridge (Marker #1 to Marker #15). Heading right from the launch, downstream, you will reach Motley Pond and eventually Town Landing where you can stop and grab lunch in Dedham Square! (Marker #1 to Marker #4). Use caution if you pass the Mother Brook Launch (Marker #5) as the dam area is hazardous to boaters and must be avoided for safety. Completing the entire Water Trail takes about 4 hours and is only recommended for experienced paddlers.

Silver Maples have an extensive root system that help stabilize riverbanks and provide important habitat for wildlife. They can be easily identified by their leaves which have a striking silver underside that shimmer in the sunlight.

Great Blue Herons are large, elegant birds that hunt for fish and other small prey along riverbanks.

Additional Information:

• Kayaks are available for rent using the RentFun Self-Serve Kayak Kiosk located at the Dolan Center - 269 Common Street.
• Waterproof paddling maps may be obtained at the Dedham Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources Department, located at 450 Washington Street.

Contact Us

450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026
781-751-9100
www.dedham-ma.gov

Dedham Water Trail

The Charles River stretches 80 miles from Echo Lake in Hopkinton, flowing through 22 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts before emptying into Boston Harbor. In Dedham, the river offers calm waters with a moderate current, making it perfect for paddling. The Dedham Water Trail spans 7.2 miles along the Charles River, connecting several conservation areas and parks. The trail passes through Motley Pond and Cow Island Pond, before looping through Long Ditch in Cutler Park. Along the Water Trail, five public boat launches provide access, and numerous historical and ecological sites are marked with informative signage. Funded through the Recreational Trails Program, a national initiative by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the trail was designated a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior in July 2014. The primary goal of the Dedham Water Trail is to attract visitors to the Charles River, offering both an educational and immersive experience, while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship for the river.

Town Landing Launch

Originally called Bullard's Landing Place, Town Landing served as a landing place for river traffic at the time of the early settlers. Through funding provided by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's Recreational Trails program, Town Landing has been restored for use as a launch site for canoes and kayaks. Town Landing is a short distance from Dedham Square, where you can explore a variety of great shops and restaurants.

Plan Your Route

From the Town Landing Launch, there are two family-friendly routes you can take that are about 2 miles out-and-back. Paddling left (upstream) from the launch you will reach the Motley Pond with views of the Noble & Greenough School, eventually reaching the Dolan Center Launch. Heading right from the launch (downstream) you will pass under the Ames Street Bridge with views of the Stimson Wildlife Refuge to the west. Continuing, you will eventually reach the restaurants on Bridge Street as you head towards Boston. Use caution as you pass the Mother Brook Launch (Marker #8), as the dam area is hazardous to boaters and must be avoided for safety. Completing the entire Water Trail takes about 4 hours and involves crossing Long Ditch, which may involve a seasonal portage and is only recommended for experienced paddlers.

Eastern Painted Turtles can be found in groups basking in the sunlight to regulate their body temperature (Photo by Town of Dedham)

Fall foliage on the Charles River (Photo by Town of Dedham)

Historic Dedham Village Landing (Courtesy of the Dedham Museum & Archive)

Additional Information:

• Kayaks are available for rent using the RentFun Self-Serve Kayak Kiosk located at the Dolan Center - 269 Common Street.
• Waterproof paddling maps may be obtained at the Dedham Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources Department, located at 450 Washington Street.

Contact Us

450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026
781-751-9100
www.dedham-ma.gov

Dedham Water Trail

The Charles River stretches 80 miles from Echo Lake in Hopkinton, flowing through 22 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts before emptying into Boston Harbor. In Dedham, the river offers calm waters with a moderate current, making it perfect for paddling. The Dedham Water Trail spans 7.2 miles along the Charles River, connecting several conservation areas and parks. The trail passes through Motley Pond and Cow Island Pond, before looping through Long Ditch in Cutler Park. Along the Water Trail, five public boat launches provide access, and numerous historical and ecological sites are marked with informative signage. Funded through the Recreational Trails Program, a national initiative by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the trail was designated a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior in July 2014. The primary goal of the Dedham Water Trail is to attract visitors to the Charles River, offering both an educational and immersive experience, while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship for the river.

Needham Street Launch

The Needham Street Launch was originally the site of an old concrete building that stood on the banks of the Charles and was frequently defaced with graffiti. Through the collective efforts of Dedham Civic Pride Inc, Department of Public Works, Engineering, and Building Department the building was demolished in 2006 and transformed into a canoe launch with a permeable paver parking lot, sitting area, bike parking and access to the river. The Needham Street Launch is adjacent to DCR's Cutler Park and is located on Needham Street, one of Dedham's gateways. The site is frequently enjoyed by paddlers and those looking for a quiet place to relax or enjoy lunch.

Plan Your Route

Paddling left (downstream) out of the Needham Street Launch you will quickly encounter the entrance to Long Ditch, a half-mile hand-dug canal that was completed in 1654 to reduce flooding, which leads to Millennium Park in Boston. Note that the Long Ditch crossing is best when the water levels are very high (springtime) and could involve portaging in some sections. Paddling about 2 miles downstream will take you to the Dolan Center (Marker #1), which is a nice family-friendly out-and-back route. Paddling right (upstream) from the Needham Street Launch will take you off the Water Trail towards Needham. Completing the entire Water Trail takes about 4 hours and is only recommended for experienced paddlers.

An Eastern Painted Turtle basking in the sun (Photo by Town of Dedham)

Great Egrets have distinctive white plumage and long, slender necks (Photo by Stephan Grabiy, iNaturalist)

Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents that have a distinctive tail that helps them steer while gliding through the water (Photo by Dedham Resident Stephanie Radner)

Cows cool off in the Charles River (Courtesy of the Dedham Museum & Archive) 

Additional Information:

• Kayaks are available for rent using the RentFun Self-Serve Kayak Kiosk located at the Dolan Center - 269 Common Street.
• Waterproof paddling maps may be obtained at the Dedham Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources Department, located at 450 Washington Street.

Contact Us

450 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026
781-751-9100
www.dedham-ma.gov