Newton Upper Falls
Newton Upper Falls, believed to be the only village to retain its original name from when the area was settled in the 1600s, is home to Hemlock Gorge and Echo Bridge. Despite its small size, Over 150 homes can be found on the historic register in Newton Upper Falls.
Echo Bridge was originally built as an aqueduct over the Charles River. The aqueduct carried water from the Sudbury River to Boston. Construction began in the spring of 1976 by Boston Water Works and was completed in November of 1877 for a cost of $200,000. At the time of construction, only one longer masonry arch could be found in the country. The aqueduct is no longer in use yet it is maintained as a reserve backup by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Echo Bridge crosses over Hemlock Gorge where the Charles River passes over the fall line. Old mill buildings can still be seen from the bridge but the majority of the gorge is naturally overgrown with hemlock trees. There are two viewing points; the pedestrian walk on top of the bridge and a platform underneath where visitors can listen for their echoes.
Hemlock Gorge is a 23-acre preserve along the Charles River. Through the gorge, the river drops 26 feet in elevation. It is a beautiful park with magnificent views. Not far from Hemlock Gorge is the Upper Falls Pot Hole, a natural marvel in itself. The Upper Falls Pot Hole is believed to have been bored into the ledge by a large boulder thousands of years ago. The boulder lay rest in a pocket on the ledge and the melting snow and ice from a glacier cased the boulder to rotate within its cavity. Half of the "pot hole" has broken away but visitors can still see the remaining smooth half of the hole. The Upper Falls Pot Hole can be found on Sullivan Avenue, an unpaved private road said to be the last remaining portion of the ancient highway connecting Boston and Cambridge with Newton and other westward points in the 1600s.
After a day of seeing the natural wonders of Newton Upper Falls, visitors can relax with a dinner at the Echo Bridge Restaurant or the New England Soup Factory. Also be sure to the Richmond Glass Works for some great gift ideas.
