Accessible Trails and Parks Along the Neponset River in Dorchester

Winter snowless view of trail with distant pavilion.

I have been visiting Pope John Paul II Park Reservation on the Neponset River in Dorchester over the past few months. The park offers open space with big sky, views of the water, and an urban exploration of nature. A paved series of loop trails allows for wheelchair access and fitness opportunities. Restoration and protection of the urban wild along the river gives nature lovers a chance to enjoy birds, especially in winter.

        Pope John Paul II, or PJP II, was once a landfill, and this is evident in the rolling terrain with a prominent hill. This is a specific park linked along the riverway to several other parks via 10 foot wide paved walkways and the Lower Neponset River Trail. From PJP II, located on Hallet Street in Dorchester, it is possible to achieve a summit experience, with 2 accessible shelters atop the grassy hill with picnic tables. A paved trail with very modest grades (<5%) make this hilltop very accessible. I hear its a great place to fly kites.

Canada Geese graze in the grass along the trail in summer.

        If you travel northward, right next door is Riverside, with a loop trail around a large expanse of grassy athletic field and a playground. There is another parking lot here as well, at 475 Neponset Ave. The trail here is less steep than what you'll find on the loop around the big hill, where the grades can reach 10-12% for short distances, but Riverside's gentler grades (<5%) are lengthy, hence the fitness opportunity.

        Continue northward from Riverside and pass under two big bridges, one for cars and the other for the T, Boston's metro. Soon you'll be entering a half mile flat paved loop in Senator Joseph Finneran Park which is also historic Port Norfolk. This seems to be the end of the trail, although a small public dock is an option off of a non-wheelchair accessible unpaved pathway.

A map shows the closeness of parks along the river.

Back at PJP II, you'll find the entrance to the 5 mile long Lower Neponset River Trail, a rail trail that continues along the river. Not far along you'll find Neponset Park and Martin Playground. After crossing Granite Street, the rail trail is unpaved for a bit, then continues on pavement towards a historic chocolate factory and power mill. Further explorations are possible but this is as far as I've gone. In warmer weather I hope to return by bicycle and follow the trail through Mattapan and Fairmont to Milton.

I have visited twice on warmer winter days with temperatures in the 30s and noticed very few people using these wide trails. It seems like a great time to visit if you are sensitive about overcrowded parks, despite this being an urban area. No matter when you go, you will always hear the sounds of I-93. Sound sensitive people may find this a difficult aspect and prefer to wear ear protection or go to quieter environments. If you are a birder, winter sightings are worth the trip alone. I have found different species of ducks on the river, including surf scoters and buffleheads, and a nice variety of sparrows. Even Robins and Starlings feeding in the sumac are a beautiful sight.

DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to be mindful of the pandemic situation and follow current safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.