Home › Massachusetts › Fairhaven › Fort Phoenix State Reservation
Fort Phoenix State Reservation
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,689 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairhaven, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fort Phoenix State Reservation'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.
Scenic bay views, hiking & a half-mile swimming beach draw locals & visitors to this historic park.
What runners say about Fort Phoenix State Reservation
“It’s clean, diverse in the way of things to see or just chill out…always a fun crowd of ppl just looking to recharge.”
“This site has great views great walkways can go up and down the beaches can stay here and fish it can also sit next to the real cans that used to be used in 1828.”
Gorgeous spot! Needed a nice place to sit for a video meeting and was extremely happy to stumble upon this lovely park. Seems a popular spot to stop in your vehicle, take a walk, or play. There are a lot of recreational courts for games like tennis, a playground, a sandy beach, and a walking path.
I very much enjoyed walking around this reservation. It’s not too big but great for people to relax with a book, play tennis or walk their dogs.
What a beautiful place to go for a walk and get to feel history as you stand behind a cannon and imagine what it was like way back in the olden days!!! My best friend's dad Luis Hannigan was the caretaker up until he passed away 😭 myself and my best friend that has also passed James Hannigan would always go see his…
One of my favorite places in my hometown; it’s so much fun to walk the hurricane dike and see the boats come through. Also it has some historical artifacts such as it’s cannons which are open to free exploration. It has a lovely little beachfront and some gorgeous views of the ocean.
Trail conditions & character
“This site has great views great walkways can go up and down the beaches can stay here and fish it can also sit next to the real cans that used to be used in 1828.”
“It has a guarded beach, tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, picnic area, a Revolutionary War era fort, plenty of free parking and more.”
“You have the beach (small but doable) rocks to climb (if you’re still a kid at heart) boats to watch coming and going…benches….”
“Further down there are restrooms, a beach, playground and picnic area.”
“They were thrilled with being able to touch the cannons the views and the beach they also have a small dog beach”
“Beach is nice, lifeguards, but bring surf shoes if going in the water, kind of rocky/lots of shells.”
Plan your run at Fort Phoenix State Reservation
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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone(508) 992-4524
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Fairhaven
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Phoenix Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
Bike path and walking trail with scenic views along a former railway.
Cushman Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 34 reviews
Fort Taber Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 929 reviews
Waterfront 47-acre park featuring a 19th-century fort, museum, playground & expansive green space.