Quincy Riverwalk

552 Victory Rd, Quincy, MA 02171, USA

Neponset River Reservation: (617) 727-5290

https://www.mass.gov/locations/neponset-river-reservation

Owned By: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

• Directions
• Trail Map

The Quincy Riverwalk extends for 2 miles along the Neponset River in Quincy, from Squantum Point Park, through Neponset Landing Park, to the gazebo at the Adams Inn. Enjoy a walk along the edge of the river with views of beaches, wetlands, marshes, woodlands and meadows.

There is a fishing pier at Neponset Landing Park, plus there are numerous potential fishing spots along the shore. Paddlers can best access the river from the small roadside parking area on Commander Shea Blvd. after a 400-500 foot carry. Shellfishing is not permitted.

While in this area, also check out the Billing Creek Salt Marsh Trail, directly adjacent to the Quincy Riverwalk, and Moswetuset Hummock, just up the road.

The Quincy Riverwalk is part of the Neponset River Reservation. Continue your exploration by crossing the river via the Neponset Avenue Bridge and visiting Dorchester’s Pope John Paul II Park and Neponset Greenway Trail.

Features

The Quincy Riverwalk officially opened in 2014, thanks years of dedicated work by the Neponset River Watershed Association and other greenway advocates. It extends primarily across privately-owned land, but the public is welcome to explore the trail.

Over the last few centuries, the Neponset River waterfront in Quincy was a busy industrial area, home to numerous marine-related enterprises. Sadly, this led to significant pollution in the river and its surroundings. After a period of decline, the area is now experiencing a rebirth. The Neponset River was designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern in 1994. Water quality is improving and businesses are returning. The City of Quincy invested Community Preservation Act funds to help construct the Riverwalk.

This land is within the region of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk). To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag shares information on its website.

Trail Description

From Squantum Point Park, follow the Riverwalk along the shoreline, heading west and then south. The trail passes through Neponset Landing Park and ends at the riverfront gazebo beside the Adams Inn. Some portions of the trail are paved, including the former runways of the Squantum Naval Reserve Base, and the sidewalk along Commander Shea Blvd. Other sections are unpaved, often with crushed stone as a surface. There is also a boardwalk. Quincy Riverwalk signs are posted along the route.

Also check out the Billings Creek Salt Marsh Trail. From the small roadside parking area on Commander Shea Blvd., follow the Quincy Riverwalk south along the sidewalk and look for signs for the Billings Creek Trail. The trailhead is on the eastern side of the road. Follow the paved trail for about 1/3 mile along Billings Creek, and then retrace your steps to the starting point. (There are plans to expand this trail into a full loop in the future.)

Habitats and Wildlife

The Riverwalk extends along the edge of the Neponset River, through varying habitats: sandy beach, grassy park land, young woodland, freshwater wetland, and salt marsh. There are some birch, pitch pine, and cedar trees along the trail, along with sumacs and occasional ornamental plantings.

With headwaters at the Neponset Reservoir in Foxborough, the Neponset River flows for 29 miles through Walpole, Sharon, Norwood, Canton, Stoughton, Dedham, and Milton, and empties into Dorchester Bay between Quincy and Dorchester. It forms the southern boundary of the city of Boston and the northern boundary of the city of Quincy.