Green Space Resources

We’re working to build a growing collection of useful resources to spotlight projects, tools, maps, etc. to promote Dedham’s greenways, water trail, and open space. If you know of a resource you’d like to add, please email our Executive Director Carol Hills.

Click image above for a downloadable PDF of the Dedham Water Trail Map.

Dedham Water Trail

Nestled like a blue-green ribbon through the heart of town, Dedham’s 1.6-mile Water Trail invites residents and visitors to experience the community from an entirely new perspective. Whether you’re paddling beneath leafy canopies, spotting turtles sunning on fallen logs, or drifting quietly past centuries of local history, the trail offers a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown life.

Perfect for kayaks, canoes, and curious adventurers of all ages, the Water Trail transforms the river into a living pathway for recreation, reflection, and connection. Each bend in the water reveals something new: birdsong echoing through the reeds, sunlight dancing across the current, or the gentle reminder that nature still flows at the center of Dedham’s story.

Don’t have a kayak? You can rent one at the Dolan Center boat launch. Kayaks are available for rent using the RentFun Self-Serve Kayak Kiosk located at the Dolan Center - 269 Common Street.

Waterproof paddling maps may be obtained at the Dedham Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources Department, located at Town Hall - 450 Washington Street. Phone: 781-751-9100

Through an exciting partnership with the Town of Dedham, L.L.Bean has helped transform the Charles River and Dedham Water Trail and other open space venues into vibrant hubs for outdoor adventure, learning, and community connection.

Together with Dedham Parks & Recreation, L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs bring expert-led kayaking, paddle boarding, fly-fishing, and outdoor skills experiences directly to local residents and visitors of all ages.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Dedham’s wetlands, waterways, and walking trails, these guided activities make it easy for beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike to explore the natural beauty flowing through the heart of town. Participants not only build confidence and outdoor skills, but also gain a deeper appreciation for Dedham’s unique ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and historic river corridor.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to wellness, recreation, environmental stewardship, and accessible community programming. By combining L.L.Bean’s decades of outdoor expertise with Dedham’s remarkable natural resources, the collaboration invites people to unplug, paddle out, and rediscover the joy of being outside, right in their own backyard.