Mystic River ReservationClose this Window |
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Terrain Flat Surface Smooth with some gravel Scenery Rolling terraine in a park-like setting Auto Traffic None Pedestrian Traffic Moderate Distance 4-5 miles |
Medford Mystic River Reservation lies along the Mystic River in Medford. It is a wonderful preserve tucked into an urban sprawl. The Mystic River and Rte. 93 are on one side, while Medford’s congested shopping malls are on the other. The trails weave and roll among trees and shrubs to create an infinite variety of loops and straight-aways. One end takes you to playing fields and ball parks, the other takes you to yacht clubs and fishing wharves.
To reach the Mystic River Reservation, take Rte. 93 north to Medford and exit to Rte. 60. Proceed east on Rte. 60 to the Fellsway. Turn right on the Fellsway and head south about a mile to the Rte. 16 intersection. Turn right on Route 16 and then take an immediate left into a parking lot next to the Medford Police Station. You can also pick-up Rte. 28, the McGrath Highway, in Somerville and head north to the Rte. 16 intersection. Where to Skate As you leave the parking lot to begin your skate, head west. The river is on your left, blocked from sight by a rolling hill and trees. Most of the pavement is smooth but there are places where frost heaves have created ripples that can be tricky to negotiate. The path follows Rte. 16 and leads west toward the Mystic Parkway Bridge. Near the bridge, the trail dips under Rte. 16 and continues west. The trail gets particularly smooth here and if there is no pedestrian traffic, you can pick up a little speed. The trail then enters a region of playing fields and ball parks. There are also a series of parking lots to practice some figure skating and other techniques. On the return trip, bear left after you pass under Rte. 16 and follow the river. The hill, trees and shrubs will be on your left. Throughout this section, numerous loops can be created. Once you pass the police station you can head south over the Rte. 28 bridge. There is a foot path that is skateable along the bridge, but the going is a little slow. On the south side of the bridge you can either head up or down the river. The trail up the river is a little better for skating, but down the river also offers some interesting terrain and a chance to see some boats. As you leave the parking lot to begin your skate, head west. The river is on your left, blocked from sight by a rolling hill and trees. Most of the pavement is smooth but there are places where frost heaves have created ripples that can be tricky to negotiate. The path follows Rte. 16 and leads west toward the Mystic Parkway Bridge. Near the bridge, the trail dips under Rte. 16 and continues west. The trail gets particularly smooth here and if there is no pedestrian traffic, you can pick up a little speed. The trail then enters a region of playing fields and ball parks. There are also a series of parking lots to practice some figure skating and other techniques. On the return trip, bear left after you pass under Rte. 16 and follow the river. The hill, trees and shrubs will be on your left. Throughout this section, numerous loops can be created. Once you pass the police station you can head south over the Rte. 28 bridge. There is a foot path that is skateable along the bridge, but the going is a little slow. On the south side of the bridge you can either head up or down the river. The trail up the river is a little better for skating, but down the river also offers some interesting terrain and a chance to see some boats. Copyright ©2000-2003 |
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