FreeFeatured
Outdoors & Parks
Hemlock Gorge Reservation & Echo Bridge
Hemlock-shaded trails above a rocky river gorge, with a stone aqueduct arch that echoes fifteen times.
Newton Highlands
4.8(276)Things to do in Newton
14 results · “river”
- FreeFeaturedArts & Culture
Echo Bridge Photo Walk
The classic Newton shot: a stone arch over a gorge, best in the last hour of light in October.
Newton Upper Falls
4.8(197) 
FreeFeaturedOutdoors & ParksNahanton Park
Meadows, woods and a canoe launch on the Charles — Newton’s premier birding spot at 180+ species.
Oak Hill
4.8(164)
FreeFeaturedOutdoors & ParksAuburndale Cove & Riverside Playground
A gentle Charles River cove with a sandy edge, big shade trees and one of Newton’s best-loved playgrounds.
Auburndale
4.7(96)- $22–$45Fitness
Charles River Canoe & Kayak — Newton Launch
Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard and put in on the flattest, prettiest water in the metro area.
Auburndale
4.8(214) 
$30–$60Food & DrinkUpper Falls Dinner on the River
Converted-mill dining rooms with exposed brick and a patio over the water — Newton’s best dinner setting.
Newton Upper Falls
4.5(213)
FreeFitnessCharles River Greenway — Newton Corner Access
Hop onto the paved riverside path here and ride all the way into Boston without a traffic light.
Newton Corner
4.6(143)
$4–$14Food & DrinkLower Falls Coffee & Pastry Stop
A small café on the Route 16 corner — good espresso, better scones, six seats.
Newton Lower Falls
4.6(104)
FreeArts & CultureMill District Studio Open House
Working artists open their mill-building studios one weekend each season — painting, ceramics, glass.
Wed, Sep 30 · 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Newton Upper Falls
4.7(71)- FreeFitness
Charles River Canoe Launch at Nahanton
Put in on the Charles’s quiet southern bend — no motorboats, no crowds, herons everywhere.
Oak Hill
4.7(61) 
FreeFitnessLower Falls Aqueduct to West Newton Ride
A flat six-mile out-and-back on quiet streets and aqueduct paths, ending at coffee.
West Newton
4.5(66)- FreeFamily & Kids
Hemlock Gorge Family Nature Hunt
A ranger-guided scavenger hunt through the gorge for ages 5–10, ending under Echo Bridge.
Thu, Sep 24 · 10:00 AM–11:30 AM
Newton Upper Falls
4.8(44) - FreeOutdoors & Parks
Charles River Path — Lower Falls Riverbank
A short, pretty riverside walk past old mill dams where the Charles drops toward Wellesley.
Newton Lower Falls
4.4(62) - FreeOutdoors & Parks
Blue Heron Bridge Crossing
A pedestrian bridge over the Charles connecting Newton to Wellesley — great heron spotting at dusk.
Newton Lower Falls
4.6(47)