A 136-acre DCR urban wild of wetland, meadow, and brook spanning Cambridge, Arlington, and Somerville with a small edge in Belmont. Its wetlands are what remains of the historic Great Swamp, and the Alewife Greenway and Minuteman Bikeway both pass through it.
What to expect
Trails
Has trails; the paved 1.5-mile Alewife Greenway runs from the Mystic River to the Minuteman Bikeway near Alewife Station, and the Fitchburg Cutoff Path also…
Dogs
No leash rule confirmed for this specific reservation; standard DCR policy elsewhere requires leashes.
Hours
No posted gate; open access, consistent with other unstaffed DCR urban wilds.
Accessibility
Trail surfaces include paved asphalt, packed gravel, and a wooden boardwalk with railings, generally at least 6 feet wide and wheelchair-friendly, though accessible parking near trailheads isn't confirmed.
Managed by
MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
WebsiteCommon questions
Is Alewife Brook Reservation open today?
Alewife Brook Reservation is a public preserve in Belmont, MA. Posted hours: No posted gate; open access, consistent with other unstaffed DCR urban wilds..
How long and difficult are the trails?
Short and flat. The paved Alewife Greenway runs about 1.5 miles, and it connects to the Minuteman Bikeway and Fitchburg Cutoff Path, so most visitors are walking or biking rather than hiking rugged terrain.
Are the trails paved or rugged?
Mostly paved asphalt and packed gravel, with a boardwalk section over the wetter ground.
There's a small free lot on Acorn Park Drive and another free lot on Alewife Brook Parkway beside the pumping station. The Alewife MBTA garage is right next door if those fill up.
Where do I park at Alewife Brook Reservation?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Alewife Brook Reservation?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Alewife Brook Reservation?
No leash rule confirmed for this specific reservation; standard DCR policy elsewhere requires leashes.
Is Alewife Brook Reservation wheelchair accessible?
Trail surfaces include paved asphalt, packed gravel, and a wooden boardwalk with railings, generally at least 6 feet wide and wheelchair-friendly, though accessible parking near trailheads isn't confirmed.