Mystic River Reservation

My husband had a wonderful 7 mile walk around Mystic River Reservation this morning, and loved it! We parked behind the new Assembly Row Outlets (near the new Assembly T-​stop) and took the new bridge (for walkers) over to the Somerville side of the lake. We walked past the Somerville Boys and Girls Club, following Route 93/​and Mystic Ave, down to the Mystic Mall. From there we went under the bridge and down to the McGlynn Middle School in Medford on Freedom Way before we turned around. (The first/​only port-​o-​potty found on the trail was behind the McGlynn School – it was very clean and much needed! ;-) On the way back we stayed on the Medford side of the Mystic River and climbed a beautiful wooden tower that gave us a gorgeous view of the Boston skyline. We continued on route 16 towards Wellington Circle and then found a trail closer to the lake again (behind the State Police Barracks.) We followed the lake back to the bridge where we started and returned to our car. It was a beautiful fall day — we saw many swans, ducks, geese, squirrels, etc. There weren’t that many people (mostly dog walkers) and it was very, very enjoyable and relaxing! (We usually do Swampscott Beach to Nahant and back but this was a little longer and a little more enjoyable!) **Single women may want to travel the trail in twos (or with a dog)…I never saw anyone to make me nervous (although it did look like a few people lived in tents at the very beginning behind the train station) but I did think to myself a few times on the trail that perhaps I felt safer because I was with my husband.**

Great place to unwind from urban life snd see wild life. The area around the reeds can feel dodgy, with trails which one should not explore. Thr trails next to the highway contain trash thrown by inconsiderate drivers.

Apparently, lots of folks are creeped out by this place, and after taking the path through the reeds I can understand that. After a brief jaunt down the path through the reeds, I decided that was not a smart route for a woman alone-​tho I didn’t actually see anyone – turned back, and then had a lovely walk around the open paths, where I had a choice of several routes, all within shouting distance of other normal people enjoying the park. It’s a park in a city, but it’s well maintained, has lots of long, winding paths and has nice views.

Things that make you say: eeeeewwww!!!
Sadly, I REALLY wanted to give this place 5 stars as a spot to run since I always like to show props to Somerville when ever I can (really a lot of Great Things to do in Somerville). But I just can’t. As a Running area this park is pretty pervsidious!
On my paper map (yeah…cause that’s how lame old school I am) It looks so cool! Lots of trails along a river! «Yeah! So There!» But actually coming here after taking the Orange line (it self a little pervsidious) up to Wellington station; You just get an Odd feel: Like you just entered a crime scene from the 5 o’clock news about to happen.
Unilocaler Amanda B describes it pretty good in her review:
«The really sketchy part is the random men on benches… all the time… starring into space. Even more weird is that there’s a marshy area that the path winds through and there’s guys in the reeds»!!!
Running the nice path through the reeds and seeing someone IN THE REEDS staring at you just will send a chill up your spine.
A question for Somerville police: Why not ask the creepy people standing in the reeds «Why are you standing in the reeds?»
My guess the truthful answer would be: «Working up the courage to grope a young girl after I drink my 4 loco»
Until the police de-​creep this park, I do not recommend running here.
Sorry City of Somerville Government, but you gotta do better. Saftey is NOT a nicety! It is a basic human right! So time for a little more give and little less take (yeah.I know. alien concept in Boston area politics)

This place looks awesome on google maps… trails…green space… river.
After you navigate the intersection of death to get here (where rte 16, 28, 45, 983, and 4863 collide), you are met by decent paths and usually mowed grass.
The really sketchy part is the random men on benches… all the time… starring into space. Even more weird is that there’s a marshy area that the path winds through and there’s guys in the reeds… all the time… staring into space. Gives the creeps.
Never heard of anything bad happening here, but it gives off a «stay away» vibe. There’s families, fishermen and joggers during the day, but I don’t run here alone.

Five stars to Mother Nature — her rivers, streams, fish, bald eagle & baby, and other flora & fauna that’ve made a home here. Five stars for the miles long loop of asphalted walking path. Three stars for the park’s maintenance. Three stars for safety. State Police do not recommend any lady go here alone, or any car be left unlocked. Three Stars for the sordid, crazy-​eyed men who loiter the path, and weave in and out of bushes looking for a quick dick fix…
Where am I? I’m at the MacDonald Park entrance next to the state police barracks. Where are you?
I’m here, farther in on a path between the weeds. Dude, this guy just pulled another guy into the overgrowth, and shit, they disappeared! Holy shit, another one! Man, do you remember Children of the Corn? This is like watching it on mu— Whoooaaaa!
Billy? Billy? BILLEE?
Can you hear my 3 star review now? Seek your nature fix elsewhere.