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Massachusetts

Looking for the best running in Massachusetts? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Massachusetts. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Massachusetts

  • Newbury, Massachusetts

    Explore the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    4.6
    6.5 mi
    Located just north of Boston, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. The refuge lands are both scenic and diverse, with approximately 4700 acres of habitats including sandy beach and dune, cranberry bog, ...
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  • Westminster, Massachusetts

    Summit Mt. Wachusett via the West Side Trail

    5.0
    1.2 mi / 750 ft gain
    Set your GPS to Wachusett Mountain ski area. Coming from Rt. 2 turn onto Mile Hill Rd and look for your first right to take Bolton Rd. Take this road all the way until it intersects with West Princeton Rd. Turn left. and  drive down W Princeton Rd  for 1.2 miles and there should be a small parkin...
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  • Boston, Massachusetts

    Run the Arnold Arboretum Trail

    5.0
    2.6 mi / 150 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of Arborway to access the trail. This place is gorgeous year round. The winter offers a quiet solitude, fall boasts bright colors, spring is the most beautiful as the flowers start to burst and cherry blossoms take over, and summer is overwhelmingly green. There are dozens of ...
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  • Clinton, Massachusetts

    Watch a Sunset at Wachusett Reservoir

    4.5
    Wachusett Reservoir is located in central Massachusetts, northeast of Worcester. Easy location and parking, you can go anytime of the day and you won't be disappointed. The Reservoir is the second largest body of water in the State of Massachusetts, taking place in 5 cities around the area, West ...
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  • Acton, Massachusetts

    Hike the Pratt's Brook Conservation Area Loop

    4.0
    1.5 mi / 85 ft gain
    Park in the small parking area right before the trailhead. *Notice this parking area is small and only fits about 3-4 cars so prepare to find street parking on a busy day. You can punch in the coordinates to a GPS if you need help finding it: 42.4545482, -71.4358192.  The loop is very diverse wit...
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  • Boston, Massachusetts

    Run the Jamaica Pond and Victorian Jamaica Plain Loop

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 95 ft gain
    Park in the Jamaica Pond parking area. You can go either direction on this loop trail, which is highly trafficked and dog-friendly. Keep a lookout for (and a respectful distance from) the wildlife that live here. The loop around Jamaica Pond itself is 1.5 miles. The best part about running in thi...
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  • Ashburnham, Massachusetts

    Summit Mount Watatic via the Wapack Trail

    5.0
    3 mi / 800 ft gain
    Entering Mount Watatic in your GPS will take you to Rindge State Road (119), continue about two minutes down the road past where the GPS tells you. on the Right hand side you will will see a sign for Mount Watatic Parking area or just enter in coordinates: 42.696796, -71.904521 You will begin the...
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  • Chilmark, Massachusetts

    Menemsha Hills Reservation Loop

    5.0
    2.98 mi / 344 ft gain
    GPS service in densely wooded areas on the Vineyard is hard to come by, so plugging in Menemsha Hills Reservation before getting on the road is advised. Traveling down N Road, you'll find an unmarked gravel road located between Turtle Cove and Trustees Lane. A short 400 meter drive will take you ...
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  • Norwell, Massachusetts

    Hike the Norris Reservation Loop

    2.4 mi / 60 ft gain
    Choose from multiple trails in Norris that offer beautiful views of the the North river and marshland. Great spot to do some trail running through the woods and see the river too. There is also a pond a short distance from the parking lot that offers a great fishing spot with a picnic table nearb...
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  • Truro, Massachusetts

    Hike the Pamet Area Trail

    1.9 mi
    Pamet Area Trail is in Truro, towards the ocean within the Cape Cod National Seashore.  As we were driving to the parking area it felt like it was wrong, as it often does.  There was a dead end and school signs, which are for the N.E.E.D. Academy (apparently also doubles as a hostel during the su...
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  • Cambridge, Massachusetts

    Bike or Run on the Charles River Path

    5.0
    10 mi
    The Charles River Path becomes a center of activity in Boston, especially during the summer, and you can run (or bike) it! It is a paved pathway that travels along both sides of the Charles River from the North End of the city to Allston and beyond. There are several bridges along the way with pe...
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  • Marlborough, Massachusetts

    Hemingway Street Trail

    1.73 mi / 197 ft gain
    Hemingway Street Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Marlborough, Massachusetts.
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  • Holyoke, Massachusetts

    Whiting Street Reservoir Loop

    3.74 mi / 138 ft gain
    Whiting Street Reservoir Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Holyoke, Massachusetts.
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  • Wellesley, Massachusetts

    Walk along Lake Waban

    3 mi
    Note: The campus is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. This is a lake on Wellesley College Campus.  It is easy to get to from just about any direction. Just park and walk toward the lake, and there are paths that will take you there. The easiest place to park (pinned on the map) is ju...
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  • Great Barrington, Massachusetts

    Mt. Wilcox and Beartown Mountain Trail Loop

    5.0
    9.29 mi / 981 ft gain
    Mt. Wilcox and Beartown Mountain Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by the lake located near Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
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  • Andover, Massachusetts

    Haggetts Rail Trail to Haggetts Pond

    5.0
    2.08 mi / 16 ft gain
    Haggetts Rail Trail to Haggetts Pond is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Lawrence, Massachusetts.
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