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F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 639 Google reviews · Running trail in Foxborough, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from F. Gilbert Hills 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.
Extensive trails for mountain biking, hiking & horseback riding offered in a 1,027-acre preserve.
What runners say about F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
“Beautiful place, easy to navigate, awesome trails.”
“Well marked trails for hiking, crossed paths with a few mountain bikers, quiet, pensive walk, exploring nature and all of its Fall glory.”
“Well marked trails for hiking, crossed paths with a few mountain bikers, quiet, pensive walk, exploring nature and all of its Fall glory.”
Enjoyed this state park. Some nice pictures of sunset lake and the upper dam. The primary trails were well marked, but some of the side trails were hard to follow. My map from DCR website did not have the color coding (red-green-yellow) for the trails, but the on site maps identified.
Beautiful and serene. Went there on a recommendation and I must say some spots are so calming that I spent almost an hour. Various options for people looking for trails. Limited parking available. I noticed barbeque grills and benches too. Good place for bicycle riders. I would definitely recommend.
Good intermediate trails. Lots of roots and rocks. Many different trails to explore. A fair amount is marked and a fair amount is not. Use of a good trail app is recommended IMO. Entrance has decent parking with a restroom/outhouse 🚻. Found many interesting mushrooms along the trails.
We met many groups of people and all very respectful. We moved aside for Mt. Bikers and dogs we saw would not get along. Short hi to people and dogs that fit.. Nice 3.5 mile hike.
Trail conditions & character
“Can take my dog along (please take your poop bags with you- keep seeing people leaving them on the trails).”
“High Rock trails, peaceful views, and good vibes only.”
“Love the free parking as all nature places should be unlike the state parks.”
“Well marked trails for hiking, crossed paths with a few mountain bikers, quiet, pensive walk, exploring nature and all of its Fall glory.”
“Well marked trails for hiking, crossed paths with a few mountain bikers, quiet, pensive walk, exploring nature and all of its Fall glory.”
Plan your run at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance3.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone(508) 543-9084
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–6 PM |
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