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Gardner Hill Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 122 Google reviews · Running trail in Stow, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gardner Hill 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.
What runners say about Gardner Hill Conservation Area
“I recommend going to that section since the view of it is gorgeous.”
“Biking isn't bad either with a few trails with differing difficulties but it's not terribly hard and mostly well marked.”
Gardner Hill Conservation area also known as Stow Town Forest is a nice place to walk. I had my dog with me and saw others walking their dogs off leash as well. The main trail, the blue trail is wide and easily traversed. There are few rocks and roots so tripping hazards are minimized.
Nice place, great views. Trails are really well marked. Only real issues is lots of dogs not on leashes. Trails are relatively flat. Main trails are wide and well kept. People were friendly. Saw one group of bikers.
Wide, clear and easy to follow trails. Nice view of the lake. Looks like it would be a good place to kayak. There was even a little picnic area by the river.
Great place to hike, bike walk a dog. Must important to pickup after your pet. Fine $200.
Trail conditions & character
“Usually takes about 45 min to do a loop around the blue dot trail, and it allows for the walking of dogs.”
“I recommend going to that section since the view of it is gorgeous.”
“It's also a great place to bike, as many do, and if you feel like a hiker, side trails will take you right up the hill.”
“When you enter the property from the parking lot at the end of Stow, MA's Bradley Lane, you'll cross Elizabeth Brook, a tributary of the Assabet.”
“The paths are pretty poorly labeled, however, with color markers that don't match the map, and maps that don't match each other.”
“The trails are easily accessible and aren't so strenuous that you get too sweaty before going back.”
Plan your run at Gardner Hill Conservation Area
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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- 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.
- Websitestow-ma.gov
- Phone(978) 897-8615
- Social Facebook
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 Stow
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Assabet River Rail Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
Children are welcome at this park where visitors can hike and bike.
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
4.7 ★★★★★ 689 reviews
Small protected area with wetlands, forested areas & vernal pools for wildlife, plus public trails.
Assabet River Walk
4.3 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
South Acton Trailhead Assabet River Rail Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews