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DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 138 Google reviews · Running trail in Franklin, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from DelCarte Recreation and 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.
Family-friendly park with a playground, walking trails around a pond, picnic tables, and story walks.
What runners say about DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area
“The park was clean, nice size parking lot, and multiple path options depending on how much you want to walk.”
“During this time of year the reflection of the trees and leaves in the water is beautiful.”
“It is setup in a family friendly way, there’s a playground for young kids, long walking,half ring for walking lovers, and enough benches if you like to just sit or read or eat.”
Hands down, the best park in Franklin for walking and being in nature. The path loops around the lake, with several observation points along the way. The fall time presents beautiful colors surrounding the lake.
there are 7 dams on the property, the one in front of the playground is #4 (counting from upstream to downstream). the town rebuilt #s 3&4, the old cranberry bogs. “borrow” area for sand for cranberry cultivation across pond from playground.
Wow! ❤ Found this little gem a week ago and won't ever regret it. For starters it has a large, clean, fenced playground good for almost all ages. Win! 🌲🌿The trails are clear and well marked with many foot paths along the way for fishing.🎣 Tons of nature all around.
Great place to hike for kids and dogs. Has wonderful view and there are various different routes to take.
Trail conditions & character
“During this time of year the reflection of the trees and leaves in the water is beautiful.”
“I moved to northern RI a few years ago and have been on a search for a new favorite park to go for a run in and take my dog for a walk.”
“the trails have lots of roots, so remind little kids to pick their feet up high!”
“There is an old but still very accessible 🚣canoe launch, a floating dock, and a floating bridge.”
“🌲🌿The trails are clear and well marked with many foot paths along the way for fishing.”
Plan your run at DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area
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.
- 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.
- Websitefranklinma.gov
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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