Muddy River Fun

With the flowing water of a river surrounded by mature trees and upkept grass, you might think you are hours away from the hustle and noise of downtown Boston. Yet in less than 10 minutes, you can be in the serene of Riverway park, along the Muddy River. It runs from Fenway’s Landmark Center to the Longwood Medical area/Brookline Village. I just learned it was man-made (by Frederick Law Olmsted), which shocked me since it looks formed over thousands of years.

A combination of paved and dirt trail run along each side of the water, and at points along the T’s green D line, connecting to the Longwood stop. A scenic curved arched bridge also connects the two paths at one point, serving as the perfect locale to stop for a breather with a view of the water beneath you.


A sense of community (and safety) evolves from numerous runners, bikers, skaters, and dog-walkers. It’s not unusual to see a couple hand in hand, a bird-watcher, a reader on one of the many benches…and even the occasional sketchy dude with a shopping cart. I recently also saw a man practicing his trumpet—I kid you not. I haven’t, and wouldn’t, go after dark by myself since there are no lights.

If you are more into art than nature, a group of sculptures recently created an outdoor exhibition—the Studios without Walls—of 12 pieces of nature/community-based art, on view for free to all those who pass it. It was taken down at the end of June, but I get the impression it will be a yearly endeavor, so check back next summer!

As a runner, I appreciate the level ground, the partial shade, and the other runners for motivation. If you are a runner looking for a new course, the mileage and route encompassing the Riverway (and many more trails in Brookline, Boston, and other local neighborhoods) are outlined in the book Great Runs in Brookline and Vicinity.

A country mouse by heart, I often seek out the Riverway as a place to reconnect and get some quiet and fresh air. It is especially breathtaking in the fall when the leaves change color.

One word of advice: Beware of the geese. It’s hard not to ogle the adorable fluffy baby geese, but the large mamas are vicious and aggressive—and the poop aplenty. No one believes me, but I’ve also seen a majestic white swan swimming by, which is definitely something you wouldn’t expect—a real treat for the urban dweller.