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Amethyst Brook Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 297 Google reviews · Running trail in Amherst, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Amethyst Brook Conservation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking & dog-walking destination along a brook, offering forest trees & wildlife sightings.
What runners say about Amethyst Brook Conservation Area
“And this brook neighbors community gardens with such beautiful green land that I wandered through on the way in and on.”
“While this is the most popular conservation area for dog walking, it is still quiet and you won't end up walking next to someone you don't know.”
“Easy hike, beautiful area, great stream to splash in.”
“While this is the most popular conservation area for dog walking, it is still quiet and you won't end up walking next to someone you don't know.”
Always a relaxing and beautiful walk. Enjoyed a recent walk here after graduating from UMass a few years ago and it’s just as nice as ever!
Great place to take kids and dogs for a walk. Easy hike, beautiful area, great stream to splash in.
Amethyst Brook in Amherst, Massachusetts I came to wander and be in presence with this beautifully flowing water 💦 close to the university I serve at. With trails full of some of my favorite conifers…White Pine 🌲 and Eastern Hemlock…this is a peaceful space to be among.
This conservation area is great for hiking, walking, and mountain biking. It connects to the Robert Frost trail and many others. It also leads to mount orient, a nice hike. It has a brook running along most of the trail. The trail is well cleared and has tons of fun adventures to it.
Trail conditions & character
“While this is the most popular conservation area for dog walking, it is still quiet and you won't end up walking next to someone you don't know.”
“And this brook neighbors community gardens with such beautiful green land that I wandered through on the way in and on.”
“While this is the most popular conservation area for dog walking, it is still quiet and you won't end up walking next to someone you don't know.”
Plan your run at Amethyst Brook Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteamherstma.gov
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–8:30 PM |
Running trails near Amherst
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Groff Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 363 reviews
14-acre green space with ball fields, picnic areas & BBQs, plus a playground, trail & shallow river.
Mill River Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
Pet-friendly nature area with a brook, waterfall, and trails, plus a playground and public pool.
Puffers Pond
4.5 ★★★★★ 559 reviews
Swimming, fishing & boating are popular in this 11-acre pond with a perimeter trail & beaches.
Mill River Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 331 reviews
Park with basketball/tennis courts, a toddlers' play area & pool, plus trails, picnic tables & BBQs.
