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Francis Gate Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in Lowell, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Francis Gate 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.
What runners say about Francis Gate Park
“Very beautiful and peaceful place ✌️ Perfect for morning and evening walks 🕊✨ Even during winter, the snow is cleared, making it easy and safe to walk 🚶♀️❄️ Thank you 🙏✨🌱”
I love to walk here. It is a beautiful historic spot,. There was a flood control drill that damaged the gate. As of 6/12/2022 this repair work is ongoing. Still worth visiting. Check in with park visitor center. I think it will be fixed in a month or so. There is no playground, picnic area, or restrooms.
Have been on the canal boat tours which takes you from Swamp Locks to the Merrimack River and back through the Francis Gate. If you haven't been on this tour recently, they have reworked the dam which is just up river of Mammoth Rd. Always wanted to see what the area looks like on land.
Very beautiful and peaceful place ✌️ Perfect for morning and evening walks 🕊✨ Even during winter, the snow is cleared, making it easy and safe to walk 🚶♀️❄️ Thank you 🙏✨🌱
Quiet, clean, and peaceful. Short paved path alongside the river is shovelled when there's snow. Nice place for a short stroll. There's no picnic area, but there are a few benches.
Trail conditions & character
“Very beautiful and peaceful place ✌️ Perfect for morning and evening walks 🕊✨ Even during winter, the snow is cleared, making it easy and safe to walk 🚶♀️❄️ Thank you 🙏✨🌱”
Plan your run at Francis Gate 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.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone+1 978-458-8750
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 Lowell
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sheehy Memorial Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
Lakeside space featuring walking trails and picnic areas amid natural surroundings.
Northern Canal Walkway
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Concord River Greenway Park
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Vandenberg Esplanade
4.6 ★★★★★ 212 reviews
Relaxed park along the Merrimack River, with benches, beaches and picnic spots.
