HomeMassachusettsGeorgetown › Georgetown-Rowley State Forest

Georgetown-Rowley State Forest

4.5 ★★★★★ 217 Google reviews · Running trail in Georgetown, Massachusetts · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Georgetown-Rowley 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.

Natural surfaceLoopScenicDog-friendlyTrailhead parkingMile markers

Nature preserve offering hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing trails.

What runners say about Georgetown-Rowley State Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (217 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“A couple of clean areas for dogs to get wet depending on the time of year.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Murmurous trails to explore and it’s beautiful and well kept!”

🪧 well-marked 3 mentions

“There’s a main path and several side paths, all clearly marked.”

Great place to walk or ride. Lots of side trails. A couple of clean areas for dogs to get wet depending on the time of year. There are maps available at the parking. Parking if crowded can be a bit tight. The main road/trail goes over rt95 and is kinda good spot to photo shoot.

★★★★★ — John , Feb 2023

Firstly I took a star off for the relentless rumble of 95 traffic. Somewhat muffled at the edges, but largely inescapable. Secondly, my review only speaks to the park on the East side of the highway. Parking on the side of Boxford Road is quite civilized and puts you right on the Bay Circuit trail.

★★★★☆ — Daniel , Jan 2019

Georgetown-rowley State Forest is MASSIVE!! Murmurous trails to explore and it’s beautiful and well kept!! You can get to a bridge on top of route 95 and it’s an exciting view! The woods are beautiful and you’ll always find groups exploring whether riding, running, walking, or photographers!!

★★★★★ — Julia , Mar 2021

Truly an excellent set of mtb trails to venture out to for a ride. The single-track at Georgetown offers the more advanced rider a place to stretch their legs and in some cases test their skill. IF you don't consider yourself "more advanced", don't fret...

★★★★★ — Richard , Sep 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 217 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 6 mentions

“Parking on the side of Boxford Road is quite civilized and puts you right on the Bay Circuit trail.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“Murmurous trails to explore and it’s beautiful and well kept!”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“Great spot to mountain bike, and during the winter months, a snowshoe with your dog.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“The single-track at Georgetown offers the more advanced rider a place to stretch their legs and in some cases test their skill.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“Mountain bike loop: nice long loop featuring rocks and roots.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“A few mild inclines and Trails appeared well marked.”

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Plan your run at Georgetown-Rowley State Forest

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitemass.gov
  • Phone(978) 887-5931

Where to find Georgetown-Rowley State Forest

Rte. 97, Georgetown, MA 01833

Get directions

Running trails near Georgetown

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Pingree Farm Conservation Area

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Willowdale State Forest

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Natural surfaceScenic

Forest and trail system for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

4.0 miles away

Linebrook Woods Conservation Area

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Natural surfaceDog-friendly

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Leonhard Farm Trail

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25.2 miLoopNatural surface

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Dow Brook Conservation Area Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 40 reviews

Ipswich, MA

4.5 miNatural surfaceDog-friendly

4.7 miles away

Riverside Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 657 reviews

Haverhill, MA

38 miPavedDog-friendly

5.4 miles away

All running trails in Georgetown, MA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.