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Bearsden Forest Conservation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 75 Google reviews · Running trail in Athol, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bearsden Forest 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.
Historic wilderness area contains trails, camping sites, bridges, old quarries, ponds & brooks.
What runners say about Bearsden Forest Conservation Area
“Bearsden is a beautiful and expansive conservation area with miles of hiking trails from enchanting forests to hill-top vistas down to creeks and rivers-edge.”
Walked in today and found Sheep Rock, a piece of granite ledge with a 10-foot wooden observatory on top. Beautiful area, lots of signs to keep you from getting lost. Trails are wide and not too steep for the semi-elderly, for the most part, and well maintained.
A very relaxing area to hike through the woods with many wonderful trails available. Nice scenic views as well.
Bearsden is a beautiful and expansive conservation area with miles of hiking trails from enchanting forests to hill-top vistas down to creeks and rivers-edge. Well worth the visit.
Nice area to hike and camp. I went on a 9 mile loop starting and ending at the Newtown Reservoir. I stopped by each of the two shelters available for camping by permit. Both offer water views and are in good condition. Only the Buckman Brook shelter looked like it had enough room for additional tents.
Trail conditions & character
“Bearsden is a beautiful and expansive conservation area with miles of hiking trails from enchanting forests to hill-top vistas down to creeks and rivers-edge.”
“Bearsden is a beautiful and expansive conservation area with miles of hiking trails from enchanting forests to hill-top vistas down to creeks and rivers-edge.”
“There are a few steep sections, plus the parking area is at a high point.”
Plan your run at Bearsden Forest 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteathol-ma.gov
- Phone+1 978-249-4551
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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