A short former-railbed trail on Granite Street running past Echo Lake, the privately owned source of the Charles River. This is unrelated to the Boston rowing regatta of the same nickname.
What to expect
Trails
0.6-mile multi-use stone-dust trail along a former railroad bed, running parallel to and about 200 feet east of Echo Lake; no outlet at the south end,…
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed between 7am and 8pm, except on the owner's property. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Accessibility
Flat, stone-dust former rail bed surface, but no formal ADA designation confirmed
Managed by
Hopkinton Area Land Trust (holds a conservation restriction acquired 2024)
508-435-6578 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Informational Signage
Signage documenting local history at the trailhead
Not here
No restrooms
5.3-acre linear property, no facilities documented
Common questions
Can you swim or access Echo Lake, the source of the Charles River?
No. Echo Lake is privately owned by the Milford Water Company and is not open to public recreational use; the Echo Trail only offers a distant view through the trees.
Is this the same as the Head of the Charles Regatta?
No. This is the geographic headwaters of the Charles River in Hopkinton, unrelated to the Boston rowing event of a similar name.
Is there an entry fee at Echo Trail?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Echo Trail?
Dogs must be leashed between 7am and 8pm, except on the owner's property. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Is Echo Trail wheelchair accessible?
Flat, stone-dust former rail bed surface, but no formal ADA designation confirmed
What rules should I know at Echo Trail?
Echo Lake itself is privately owned by the Milford Water Company; visitors are not permitted onto or into the lake. Do not park on Granite Street; use the driveway lot.