HomeMassachusettsDartmouth › DNRT Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve

DNRT Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 218 Google reviews · Running trail in Dartmouth, Massachusetts · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
41 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from DNRT Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve'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.

Mixed41 miScenicDog-friendlyTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

Serene, moss-covered wetland reserve with boardwalks and trails for hiking and exploration.

What runners say about DNRT Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (218 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“Trails are well maintained and wet parts are easily crossed with bridges and ramps built by the trust.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“This was a beautiful trail so many options on which way to go.”

🪧 well-marked 4 mentions

“The trails are well maintained and clearly marked.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 9 mentions

“Overall, its a quiet place to get some fresh air and exercise.”

A beautiful hike, great alone, with family, or dogs. My family and I did the red trail in February, it took 2-2.5 hours. Although it was wet, there were raised wooden walkways over muddy and wetlands. I would still suggest boots, bright colors during hunting season and bug spray in the summer (duh).

★★★★☆ — Nicole , Feb 2022

Walked the red trail today. We'll maintained. Cool bridges. Nice walk. Easy access and parking. Some spots have rocks, roots and occasional fallen branch or tree. Nothing that wasn't a major obstacle.

★★★★★ — Tim , Sep 2022

This is one of my favorite places to hike in the area. Every trail in the reserve has some interesting features ,but if you are coming here for the first time I highly recommend completing the red trail. It features a suspension bridge leading up to a boardwalk which crosses the marsh.

★★★★★ — Jordan , May 2014

Great place to go hiking! Many trails, very picturesque. Brought my dog and he absolutely loved it. Trails are clearly marked and well-maintained. Be sure to check yourself for ticks though! Found tons on my dog and me!

★★★★★ — Kelli , Nov 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 218 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“We particularly enjoy the Red Trail (one of many) for the views of ancient farm houses and the boardwalk across marsh land.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 9 mentions

“Overall, its a quiet place to get some fresh air and exercise.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 6 mentions

“The boardwalks are great and useful as after a good rain, a lot of the path can get muddy.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“A beautiful hike, great alone, with family, or dogs.”

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📏 Mile markers 3 mentions

“Like many of the reserves associated, it is well cared for with clear markers.”

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🪵 Boardwalk 2 mentions

“We particularly enjoy the Red Trail (one of many) for the views of ancient farm houses and the boardwalk across marsh land.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

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Plan your run at DNRT Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • Distance41 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitednrt.org
  • Phone+1 508-991-2289
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–8 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–8 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–8 pm
Friday 6:30 am–8 pm
Saturday 6:30 am–8 pm
Sunday 6:30 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find DNRT Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve

Potomska Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02748

Get directions

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Wooded, 1,500-acre land trust with 35 miles of hiking trails, wildlife, a waterway & rock ledges.

2.1 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.