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Franklin State Forest
4.5 ★★★★★ 166 Google reviews · Running trail in Franklin, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Franklin 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.
Unspoiled 843-acre forest area with hiking, biking, cross-country skiing & horseback-riding trails.
What runners say about Franklin State Forest
“Also the trails are mostly for dirt bikes so they can be a bit uneven at times and muddy, but it’s quiet and nature is all around you, so enjoy!”
Lots of space and walking trails to try, but given the layout of the trails it is easy to get lost, so do bring a compass. Also the trails are mostly for dirt bikes so they can be a bit uneven at times and muddy, but it’s quiet and nature is all around you, so enjoy!
Great short walk is about 1.5 miles. A lot rocks on the trails. Small parking. Best access is on 98-72 Grove St, Franklin, MA 02038, USA
January 2023 hike, town #101 towards every city and town of the Commonwealth. Parked at main lot by the water tower, walked through gate 1, took a left at the “violet” mitten, then left at “blank” trail marker, then north on the trail back through gate 2.
parking across from end beaver street for “healthy heart trail”. DCR does a great job maintaining the trails, lots of storm damage this summer cleared away within days. parking for OHV at top of forge hill road by the water tank.
Trail conditions & character
“Also the trails are mostly for dirt bikes so they can be a bit uneven at times and muddy, but it’s quiet and nature is all around you, so enjoy!”
“Also the trails are mostly for dirt bikes so they can be a bit uneven at times and muddy, but it’s quiet and nature is all around you, so enjoy!”
“parking across from end beaver street for “healthy heart trail”.”
“When in the winter, it was cold not fancy just a loop very rocky”
“Parked at main lot by the water tower, walked through gate 1, took a left at the “violet” mitten, then left at “blank” trail marker, then north on the trail back through gate 2.”
Plan your run at Franklin State Forest
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 — reported by runners
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone+1 508-543-9084
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Franklin
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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