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Back Bay Fens
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,061 Google reviews · Running trail in Boston, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Back Bay Fens' 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.
This large greenspace has multiple gardens, playgrounds, ball fields & memorials, plus picnic areas.
What runners say about Back Bay Fens
“Great view of the city skyline , the boston park department is doing a great job keeping the ground safe and clean.”
“Scenic Trails & Nature - Walking and biking paths through marshes, gardens, and tree-lined areas - Great for birdwatching and peaceful strolls 2.”
“Scenic Trails & Nature - Walking and biking paths through marshes, gardens, and tree-lined areas - Great for birdwatching and peaceful strolls 2.”
Stunning park that is a great place to visit. Went during the fall time and saw the leaves changing color and it was picturesque as all could be. Had to stop myself every few minutes to take a picture. Wide trails easy to navigate and not too crowded.
I always get off at Ruggles station (Orange Line) walk past Northeastern university over Huntington Ave and past the Museum of Fine arts and through this park (a 5 minute walk) before heading down near Fenway Park. It's a nice little park. Safe and beautiful.
A phenomenally-beautiful area to walk, run, bike, and stroll! It’s the perfect lunchtime spot for a healthy way to move. You’ll be greeted by geese (and at the right time of season, their babies!) so be respectful and give them space!
1. Scenic Trails & Nature - Walking and biking paths through marshes, gardens, and tree-lined areas - Great for birdwatching and peaceful strolls 2. Kelleher Rose Garden - Beautiful, seasonal rose garden that's a hidden gem in Boston - Perfect for quiet visits and photos 3.
Trail conditions & character
“Scenic Trails & Nature - Walking and biking paths through marshes, gardens, and tree-lined areas - Great for birdwatching and peaceful strolls 2.”
“Scenic Trails & Nature - Walking and biking paths through marshes, gardens, and tree-lined areas - Great for birdwatching and peaceful strolls 2.”
“They're currently reviving the muddy River, so there's construction going on through a lot of the park, but I'm excited to see it when it's all finished up.”
Plan your run at Back Bay Fens
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteboston.gov
- Phone(617) 635-4505
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–11:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–11:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–11:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–11:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–11:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–11:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–11:30 PM |
Running trails near Boston
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hall's Pond Sanctuary
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