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Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6 ★★★★★ 250 Google reviews · Running trail in Taunton, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Sanctuary'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.
Sprawling spot for walks along the river and through the woods with picnic tables and a waterfall.
What runners say about Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Sanctuary
“What a beautiful nature trail so close to home it was a first for me and I am glad I went This is going to be my new spot for walks.”
“The quiet and fresh air were so so refreshing, and I wouldn’t have come if even one dog had been off leash (friendly dogs are the reason I dislocated my hip).”
“The quiet and fresh air were so so refreshing, and I wouldn’t have come if even one dog had been off leash (friendly dogs are the reason I dislocated my hip).”
This is my favorite spot in the area for taking my dogs on trail walks. The walking paths are clear and well-maintained. I appreciate the variety of trails available; there are some shorter paths for when I'm pressed for time, as well as a three-mile dam trail for longer walks.
I love this place very peaceful with nice wide paths. This place is also referred to as The Bird Sanctuary. Not a place I go to alone, but a great place to hike with a group and family and dogs.
I saw at least a dozen dogs, and ALL were LEASHED!!!! Thank you Taunton!!! You have no idea how amazing it is for someone medically fragile (I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which is like brittle bone syndrome except it’s my ligaments and tendons, not my bones, which are fragile) to be able to FREELY enjoy the park!!!!
Boyden Park is the most inspiring and diverse park that I've ever visited. It offers a lake, short trails, long trails, open fields, thickets, picnic tables, boulders, boardwalks, bridges, and stairs winding up, down, around the hills, and along the water.
Trail conditions & character
“Not a place I go to alone, but a great place to hike with a group and family and dogs.”
“What a beautiful nature trail so close to home it was a first for me and I am glad I went This is going to be my new spot for walks.”
“This place has plenty of parking, a large picnic area, a children’s garden, and a variety of trails and restrooms (though those close around 4pm, while the park is open later).”
“This place has plenty of parking, a large picnic area, a children’s garden, and a variety of trails and restrooms (though those close around 4pm, while the park is open later).”
“The quiet and fresh air were so so refreshing, and I wouldn’t have come if even one dog had been off leash (friendly dogs are the reason I dislocated my hip).”
Plan your run at Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Sanctuary
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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteboydenrefuge.org
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Taunton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Friends of Boyden Refuge
4.6 ★★★★★ 249 reviews
Recreational park offering trails for hiking and bird watching, plus picnic tables.
First Street Park
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Park featuring a playground, basketball courts and picnic tables, plus grassy areas.
Taunton Green
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Park featuring seating areas and war memorials, hosting seasonal events.
Sweets Knoll State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 106 reviews
This riverfront state park features peaceful nature trails through woodlands & native wildlife.