The distance around the entire reservoir on the main perimeter path is 2.25 miles. With the addition of the Upper Kingsley Park loop, the total distance is 2.5 miles.
From Intersection of Vassal Lane and Fresh Pond Parkway
to the Woodland Garden, near the small Beech Tree:
1,000 feet
The distance to the Woodland Garden from the crosswalk at the intersection of Vassal Lane and Fresh Pond Parkway is 0.2 miles one way (1,000 feet). To walk there and back is 0.38 miles (2,000 feet).
From Intersection of Vassal Lane and Fresh Pond Parkway
to far end of Lusitania Meadow:
2,000 feet
The distance to the far end of Lusitania Meadow from the crosswalk at the intersection of Vassal Lane and Fresh Pond Parkway is 0.38 miles one way (2,000 feet). To walk there and back is 0.74 miles (4,000 feet).
LOOP 1
Crosswalk at Intersection of Vassal Lane and Fresh Pond Parkway to Black’s Nook:
via Butterfly Meadow, Maynard Ecology Center, Community Gardens, and Maher Field
1.8 miles (9,522 feet)
Start at the crosswalk at the intersection of Vassal Lane and Fresh Pond Parkway. When you see the pine grove across from Lusitania Meadow, pass the meadow path on your right, then pass the pine grove itself on your left. Pass the area of large rocks and the second entrance to the meadow path on your right. Then, take your first right, on a dirt path, into the wooded area. Take another right turn at the first intersection of paths that you find. Continue bearing right until you see the Butterfly Meadow on your left and see the back of Neville Place ahead (you have now traveled some 3000 feet from your starting point near Vassal Lane). Wind around the butterfly meadow, enter the sloped path, and pass the back and side of Neville Place (and the ecology center on the ground floor) and then you will see Community Gardens (passing them on your right), and come out to Maher Field. With Maher field on your left, walk toward Concord Ave., skirting the small parking lot on your right. Proceed down to the reservation entrance near Black’s Nook, take a left toward Black’s Nook, walking with the Black’s Nook fence on your right. When you arrive at the kiosk, you will have travelled 6000 feet from your starting point near Vassal Lane. Of course, having come that far,you’ll want to open the gate (no dogs allowed, even on leash here!) and visit Black’s Nook itself!.
If you were to walk around Lusitania Meadow on its perimeter path on one leg of this loop, it would add an extra 1000 feet.
LOOP 2
Crosswalk at Intersection of Vassal Lane and Fresh Pond Parkway to Black’s Nook and Back:
1.8 miles
For this simpler route to Black’s Nook and back, follow the direction above but simply stay on the perimeter path without taking any turns onto dirt paths into the wooded area on the right. Arrive at the kiosk, where you take a right, finding Black’s Nook itself almost immediately on your left beind the black fence. You can return either the way you came or along the pedestrian/bike path that hugs Concord Ave (see map).
Cambridge Outdoors 