Northern Cardinal LbNA #17087 (ARCHIVED)

Hemlock George Reservation is located on the Charles River Between Newton and Upper Falls and Needham. To get there take Route 128(I-95) to Route 9 East and get off at first exit ( Newton Upper Falls). Turn right at stop sign onto Ellis St. parking on your left right at the corner.

From East: take Route 9 to Newton slightly turning on to Boylston St. turn left a 2nd stop Sign on to Ellis St. Pass under Route 9. park at the small parking lot at the corner on the left

Stand with the blue and white sign to your back that says “parking for Hemlock Gorge”. Cross the street to the other sidewalk. Walk up the hill on the sidewalk till you reach the hydrant. From the hydrant, walk up the hill to the 2nd telephone pole. From this pole, walk ahead 15 steps and then turn right follow the trail down the hill till you reach the top step. Ok its time for a magic trick. I want you to think of something to say, like a phrase or a word, anything you like. Ok now look at your feet then shake your head. Next, I want you to be very quiet no talking at all or reading out loud. Walk down the steps and turn left. Walk ahead 5 steps then turn so you’re facing the railing. Now I will repeat whatever you say almost as fast as you say it. Go on yell your phrase and listen listen. Ok take a look around enjoy the view then go back to the top step. Shake your head and hit your palm off your forehead for playing along with me. Ok now with then river to your back you will see a large tree located 45 degrees to your left. Follow the trail to the left of that tree till you reach a large tree root in the middle of the trail. Walk 25 steps past the tree root. There is a stone wall to your left. Walk down to the large stone at the edge over looking the river. From here you may hear the chatter of Belted Kingfishers as it’s perched on dead branches hunting for fish. Put your left leg on the stone in front of you. Then put your left forearm on your left knee. Now put your right hand up to your forehead like it’s a visor. It’s a shame you can’t see how foolish you look right now. When ever you’re done playing scout, we can get back to this letter box thing. Stand facing the river. Walk to your right staying towards the edge till you reach the stone wall. Look up ahead you will see a large stone mound. Walk to the left corner of that mound and follow the trail staying to the right. When you reach the field, follow the tree line on your left. Walk till you are at the top of the stone hill. If it wasn’t for the sound of traffic you could almost imagine how it looked in this area a few 100 years ago, so look out for the Grizzly bears. Head down the hill, follow the sound of rushing water. Stop at the Very large tree on your right. You have a choice. (A) This is the hard way (B) This is the safe way. It’s your call, both will end in the same place.

Be very careful if you go this way. Go to your left you will see the stone wall with a plank. Here’s some advice. I you fall, fall to your left. Walk over the plank then go up the rocks to your left. Stop and look around you earned it. Now walk ahead to the guard rail.

Walk ahead to the sidewalk. Stand at the first post of the guard rail walk ahead counting 31 posts on the guard rail.



Ok now walk ahead to the wrong way sign. Then step up onto the cement slab at the 3 rd brown rusty post. Looking down you will see Circular Dam. Someone put some real thought into that name. Looking a head you will see stone leading in to the river. That stone is all around this area its called Pudding stone. Pudding stone is a name given to any sedimentary rock known as a “conglomerate”. So go look it up on line if you want to know more about rocks. Now start walking ahead till you reach the large cement Cube. Walk to the last cube and put your back to the sound of the water. Walk to the trail you are facing. When you reach the pudding stone you saw from dam you might want to turn around for a look it’s a nice view. After taking a look start walking till you reach the granite block bench. Take some time to read the engraving then have a seat facing the nice view. Built in 1877 by the Boston Water Works this aqueduct has a name that you might have figured out already; Echo Bridge. Enjoy the view because you’re going to need the rest after this next hill. Look to your right you will see a bridge. Cross the bridge and you guessed it up the hill to the top. Once at the top of the hill do 50 jumping jacks then run full speed down and up the hill 3 times. I will wait here. Ok follow the path to the left passing the mall brown post that says trail with the arrow pointing the opposite direction. Keep walking making sure the trail police don’t catch you on a one way. I’m just kidding you rebel. Keep walking right through the clearing and down the hill. Stay to the right at the split. I have been told there are yellow spotted Salamanders in there area but they once come out at night in the first heavy spring rains. Not the easiest critter to find. Keep walking till you reach the post board all the way at the end of the trail. How’s it feel to only be half way done. Once at the post board read it then turn so it’ss to your back. Look across the field to the corner. Walk towards the corner through the field keeping your eyes open for snakes till you reach the gravel beach area. Now look over your left shoulder, you will see 2 large stones. Follow the trail in front of the stones. When the trail splits stay right walking towards the sound of the rushing water. When you reach the clearing, walk ahead to the pudding stone. Be very careful some of the pebbles are lose and slippery. Have a look around then walk along the river heading down stream to the beach. Ok one more time yell your magic phrase again. Ok, this time I’ll shake my head for you. If you’re done looking silly, look up you will see a number. That’s where you’re heading next. Again you have a choice.

Easy way, go back up to the field and turn right. Head down the same trail till you reach the 2nd path on your right. go all the way up to the top till you reach the clearing.

Hard way, turn with your back to the river head up the hill to the right of the large drift wood log. Follow the trail out to the main trail and turn right. Walk ahead to the next trail on your right, go up to the top till you reach the clearing.





from the clearing turn to your right walk ahead till you’re in the middle of the river facing up steam. You will see a white building in front of you. To your left at the tops of the trees is where I took the photo that I use to make the Northern Cardinal stamp. Listen for the short high pitch single chip of the Northern Cardinal. Its amazing how well a bright red bird can hide in a green tree. Ok take a look around, then walk ahead till you see the tar paved path at your feet. Take one big step onto the tar then turn left. Walk ahead till you are at the very bottom. If your in the right place if you can put your right hand on the black ball to your right. Now listen before you leap. Take 2 baby steps ahead. Making sure it’s safe, because it can be very dangerous here. Check twice to be sure then walk to the large stone in front of you. Keep walking past the stone. When you see stairs, walk down to the bottom step then sit down. Make sure nobody is in front, behind or above you. Then look over your right shoulder you will see a large stone. You can go up the steps and around this stone or just hop over the railing like I do. Make your way to the base of this large stone. As you walk up the steps you may realize why I told you to shake your head the last time you where here, (because you where so close yet so far). In the cracked stone under a gray slate stone rest the Northern Cardinal Letterbox.