OUTSIDE THE CITY

Celebrate National Trails Day and walk the trails in Hemlock Gorge. See Echo Bridge, the historic 500-foot stone bridge across the Charles River that was used to carry water to Boston. Stand under the main arch and count the number of times you hear your echo. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Hemlock Gorge parking area in Needham, located on Central Avenue just before it crosses the Charles into Newton. Directions from Rt-9: Take Rt-9 toward Newton, exit at the first ramp (to Chestnut Street) after the I-95 interchange, turn right onto Ellis Street and go under Echo Bridge. Turn right at Chestnut Street, and at the traffic light, turn right onto Elliot Street. Cross over the Charles, and turn right at Hamilton Place for the Hemlock Gorge parking area.