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Forest River Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 112 Google reviews · Running trail in Salem, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forest River 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.
This conservation area features forests, fields & marshland with 1.5 miles of hiking trails.
What runners say about Forest River Conservation Area
“It was such a beautiful little golden nugget to explore.”
Was able to park at the designated lot at Salem State and make my way onto the trail! Parking was a little hard to find, so I included some pictures. And I can legally fly my drone here which is great! Just make sure to stay in the park and not to fly over the college campus.
Ticks! Yes as of today, Friday April 19th 2019 I found ticks on me off the main trail. It's about 68 degrees out. Other words of caution: Careful crossing the commuter rail train tracks. It flys and won't be able to stop until after it hits you.... If they notice.
This little trail at SSU South Campus is super nice for hiking and going for a walk with your puppy. It is always calm, clean and has a lovely nature. There aren’t any benches to sit down unfortunately but you can find rocks as an alternative.
Had a great time exploring the new trailhead from Swampscott Cemetery to Salem State South Campus. Wish the trail signs were a little bigger and more of them. But still a great hike!
Trail conditions & character
“But watch out for jerks who don't follow leash laws with their dogs, as well as broken glass from stupid partiers at the top of the hill.”
“It was such a beautiful little golden nugget to explore.”
“The boardwalk is 4' off the ground off the salt marsh into muck, so don't fall in lol Trails were nice, nothing's blooming yet but it's so warm it was nice to meander the area.”
Plan your run at Forest River Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemarbleheadconservancy.org
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Salem
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Salem Woods Highland Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 82 reviews
Destination for tranquil nature hikes through a large woodland park with marked trails.
Marblehead Rail Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews
Forest River Trails
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Marblehead Rail Trail
3.5 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews
Swampscott Rail Trail Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 7 reviews
Swampscott Trail Head
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews