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Billerica State Forest
4.5 ★★★★★ 194 Google reviews · Running trail in North Billerica, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Billerica State Forest'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.
Urban green space providing rustic, multi-use trails & wooded areas for walking & wildlife viewing.
What runners say about Billerica State Forest
This is a gem for mountain biking. Most people ride to here from Russell, but you can park along Rangeway road if you can find a spot. It is primarily an intermediate ride. It has plenty of tech, nice downhill and flow, and some drop features in the north side.
Manning state park is hidden gem. The water park (sprinkler park) is great for young kids and the fitness trail is fun for the older kids. The water park is seasonal, so make sure you hit it when it's warm out. The fitness trail is open year round. The park closes at dusk and the town does lock the gate.
Great mix of very nice beginner and intermediate trails. The folks that took the time and effort to build these trails did a great job! However, if you are not familiar with these trails it's best to have a GPS. Lack of signage and trail name's is a big negative.
Please don't come here; you'll hate it. My dogs and I are really bad at making small talk. The amount of stress that goes into feigning interests in what you have to say about my dog, the weather, the flora and fauna is exhausting. Let us hike in peace.
Trail conditions & character
“Has a lot of different terrain so the incline changes frequently so you get quite the workout.”
“Then, when you reach the fourway, you can either take the Orange Loop (best to ride clockwise) or Gilson Hill Loop (best to ride counter clockwise).”
“By the way, there is free parking, a toddler water park, picnic tables, grills, and an exercise course.”
“There are not slot of trails, but my dog and I truly enjoyed it.”
Plan your run at Billerica State Forest
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, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 978-671-0096
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near North Billerica
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Warren H Manning State Forest
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Vietnam Veterans Park
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Russell Mill Pond and Town Forest
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Trails for hiking and mountain biking around a pond with fishing.
Trailhead for Ralph Hill conservation area
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Thanksgiving Forest Reservation
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Hiking area with dog-friendly trails, and options for boating and fishing.