A 273-acre wooded hilltop park, the oldest and largest public open space in Waltham, with hiking trails, picnic sites, a seasonal vehicle access road, and landmark structures including the 1899 Prospect Hill Tower and the 1930 Leach Amphitheater.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Entry fee
None; free public park.
Dogs
Waltham requires every dog in a street or public place, including its parks and playgrounds, to be effectively restrained on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Hours
Park open dawn to dusk; vehicle access road opens 10:00 a.m. daily.
Accessibility
Paved area and parking near the recreation building; the hilltop trails and tower are not step-free.
Managed by
Waltham Recreation Department
781-314-3475 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Picnic area
Multiple designated picnic sites throughout the park.
Shelter
Leach Amphitheater available; pavilion-style reservations handled through Recreation Dept. · True
Common questions
Can I drive up to the tower?
A seasonal vehicle access road opens at 10:00 a.m. daily and lets visitors picnic or start a hike partway up the hill, but the final stretch to the tower is on foot.
What else is up there besides the tower?
The park also holds the 1930 Leach Amphitheater and the 1868 Bigelow Monument, plus the site of a former ski area that closed for good after a brief 1989-90 reopening.
Where do I park at Prospect Hill Park?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Prospect Hill Park?
None; free public park.
Can I bring my dog to Prospect Hill Park?
Waltham requires every dog in a street or public place, including its parks and playgrounds, to be effectively restrained on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Is Prospect Hill Park wheelchair accessible?
Paved area and parking near the recreation building; the hilltop trails and tower are not step-free.
What rules should I know at Prospect Hill Park?
Vehicle access road restricted to posted opening hours (10:00 a.m. daily); gate closed outside those hours.