Rock Star

A former quarry that's a rock-climbing mecca

hen it comes to the great outdoors, Jamaica Plain has more to offer than the Arboretum and Jamaica Pond. The Nira Rock Urban Wild, in the heart of JP, is a hidden oasis with plenty of green space and lots to do. Known for its puddingstone quarry, it’s one of few places in the world where this stone can be found. Though it covers less than two acres, the park has a 300-year-old rock face for climbing, a bike path, lots of natural beauty, and free events including outdoor movies and rock-climbing clinics, all listed on its website. After exerting yourself, sample some apples or berries from the orchard that is open to the community and take a break on the hilltop meadow that offers scenic views of the Jamaicaway and Parker Hill. Arpie and Moravek

Shhhh! The name “puddingstone” comes
from the stone’s resemblance to fruit-filled
Christmas pudding. Forest Hills Cemetery
and the Brattle Square Church are just
two of the many Boston landmarks made of it.

Shhhh! Puddingstone is so unique that “Rox”-bury (originally spelled “Rocksberry”) was named after it.

Shhh who knew

Nira Rock takes its name from the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), which allowed for the reopening of the puddingstone quarry during the Great Depression.