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Breakheart Reservation
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,308 Google reviews · Running trail in Saugus, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Breakheart Reservation'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.
This forest with hiking trails, lakes & a river offers activities such as fishing & swimming.
What runners say about Breakheart Reservation
“It was so peaceful and beautiful, I even proposed to her here and we had a few creepy bad experiences but overall so many fond memories.”
“It was so peaceful and beautiful, I even proposed to her here and we had a few creepy bad experiences but overall so many fond memories.”
I go here with the family pretty often to take walks. The woods are very pretty and it's a popular destination for walkers, many with dogs and/or small children. Paved paths make it easy to take a stroller, which was very key for us being able to go.
This reservation is beautiful. From its breathtaking trails, the beautiful lakes, and the awe-inspiring views, this park is a definite must see if passing through or staying in the small town of Wakefield, Mass. Parking is free near the entrance, and the hike is a must do.
Great winter hike area ... lots of interesting inclines and trails beyond the gravel path areas. Hard to believe this reservation is tucked alongside Route 1 area. Definitely want to return in the Spring / Summer
BEAUTIFUL park! I'm socializing my puppy/dog here on walks, and he gets to meet great people and other great dogs! They have a swimmable section with lifeguards in the summer, but dogs no allowed, unfortunately. Such a gorgeous park, all around! There is a dog park fenced off, which is so cool! 😎 🐾 💙
Trail conditions & character
“The views are great, had a couple of spots to climb some rocks in between and look down below a bit while tapping into the different noises that nature makes in the background.”
“You can walk the long trail, hike up to the top of the highest rock where you’ll see an incredible view, bring your grill, your dogs and have a good time.”
“The views are great, had a couple of spots to climb some rocks in between and look down below a bit while tapping into the different noises that nature makes in the background.”
“This area is an awesome place to get outdoors, either for a leisurely stroll on the paved trails or a more aggressive hiking experience through the forest.”
“Found parking, barbecued food on my portable propane stove, fished in Silver Lake, and friends went for a swim.”
“It was so peaceful and beautiful, I even proposed to her here and we had a few creepy bad experiences but overall so many fond memories.”
“I like that some trails are paved to make this forest wheelchair and stroller accessible.”
“Found parking, barbecued food on my portable propane stove, fished in Silver Lake, and friends went for a swim.”
“There is a longer and a shorter paved loop depending on how much time you want to spend, and plenty of offshoots into the woods (I haven't been down those but plenty of people do).”
Plan your run at Breakheart Reservation
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone(781) 233-0834
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–7 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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