Hemlock Gorge Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hemlock Gorge Reservation |
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View through Echo Bridge
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 Hemlock Gorge Reservation
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Newton Upper Falls, Needham, Middlesex, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 16 acres (6.5 ha) |
| Elevation | 79 ft (24 m) |
| Established | 1895 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Hemlock Gorge Reservation |
Hemlock Gorge Reservation is a beautiful state park in Massachusetts. It covers about 16 acres along the Charles River in the towns of Newton and Needham. This special place is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. It's a great spot to explore nature and history!
Contents
Discovering Hemlock Gorge Reservation
Hemlock Gorge Reservation was created in 1895. It was part of a bigger plan called the Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston. A famous landscape architect named Charles Eliot helped design it. The park protects the banks of the Charles River where it flows through Needham and Newton Upper Falls.
Why is it Called Hemlock Gorge?
The park gets its name from a deep, narrow valley, or "gorge." A small part of the Charles River used to flow through this gorge. According to Charles Eliot, the rocky sides of the gorge were covered with hemlock trees. That's how it got its unique name!
How the Gorge Changed
In the 20th century, things changed a bit. When Interstate 95 was built nearby, the side channel of the river was cut off. Now, water that flows into the gorge goes into a special holding pond. From this pond, water can be sent back to the main river when needed.
Exploring the Park's Main Features
Hemlock Gorge Reservation has several interesting features for visitors to enjoy.
The Famous Echo Bridge
One of the most important parts of the park is Echo Bridge. This large bridge was built to carry the Sudbury Aqueduct. This aqueduct is a system that helps supply water to the Boston area. Echo Bridge is so important that it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1982.
Hearing the Echo
You can actually hear an amazing echo under the bridge! There's a special platform under the middle arch. If you stand there and make a sound, you'll hear it bounce back. This cool echo is how the bridge got its name. You can also walk directly onto the top of the bridge from the parking area.
The Horseshoe Dam
At the northern end of the park, you'll find a horseshoe-shaped dam. This dam was built in the early 1900s. It's located where a mill used to stand way back in the 1700s. The river flows over this dam just before it goes under Route 9.
Activities and Things to Do
Hemlock Gorge Reservation is a great place to spend time outdoors.
- You can enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic benches.
- There are trails perfect for hiking and exploring.
The park is open every day, from when the sun comes up until it sets.
Images for kids
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View of Hemlock Gorge looking north from Echo Bridge
