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Dunn State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 882 Google reviews · Running trail in Gardner, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dunn State Park'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.
State park offering picnic facilities, hiking trails, playgrounds, a beach, and pond, as well as swimming.
What runners say about Dunn State Park
“Plenty of shade, nice hiking trails, clean bathroom and breakroom, love that they have outside showers, a playground, plenty of grills, and picnic tables spaced out for privacy.”
“The park is beautiful with swimming spot, plenty picnic tables and a small playground!”
Dunn Park has so much to offer! A decent-sized beach area with swimming. Many picnic tables surrounding the beach area and throughout the woods as well as a pavilion area.
A nicely maintained park with an expansive set of trails that loop through the nearby forest and around the lake. On these trails there are several spots to sit and read, picnic, or just hang out. Also several small dock areas for people who like to fish. Swimming is allowed during the official season.
Easy mile hike around lake. Great walk for your pups. Exercise tools located along trail. Playground, fishing, picnic areas, and Bathrooms! Fall 2022
A beautiful quiet spot on a drizzling morning. Well kept trails and facilities. Dogs are welcome.
Trail conditions & character
“The park is beautiful with swimming spot, plenty picnic tables and a small playground!”
“There were ample picnic tables, play areas for kids, parking spots, and outdoor fitness machines.”
“A nicely maintained park with an expansive set of trails that loop through the nearby forest and around the lake.”
“Plenty of shade, nice hiking trails, clean bathroom and breakroom, love that they have outside showers, a playground, plenty of grills, and picnic tables spaced out for privacy.”
“The pond was blissfully uncrowded when I went and there was a cozy fire burning hot in the visitors center’s wood stove (open until 3 pm).”
“Dunn pond has some wonderful hiking trails through the woods and around the pond accessible year-round.”
Plan your run at Dunn State Park
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, 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+1 978-632-7897
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 Gardner
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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