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Hawksnest State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in Harwich, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hawksnest State 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.
Quiet locale for hiking, relaxation & wildlife viewing in a natural setting with woodlands & ponds.
What runners say about Hawksnest State Park
“Beautiful clear ponds to explore as well as some trails.”
“Nothing special, in my opinion, but a great place to take quiet walk nonetheless.”
Hawksnest is a really great place, currently still off the beaten path with very few houses around the pond. There are nice hiking trails through the woods, and the main pond is fantastic for swimming, kayaking and just hanging out. It is open and accessible all year round, great for dogs and very kid friendly.
Great wooded path with swimming pond and soft sand, and overlooks to several other ponds. A little buggy, and lots of horse droppings but very secluded and not populated so perfect for off leash dog hikes.
Absolutely beautiful. So quiet and serene. It's a rough drive in and out, but those trails are totally worth it!
Nice state park approximately halfway up the Cape. Flora on the Cape is typically pretty distinctive, but not so much here. I could have forgotten I was on the Cape when I was wandering the trails if it wasn’t for the sandy gravel. For the most part it looks like a run of the mill walk through some Massachusetts woods.
Trail conditions & character
“Great wooded path with swimming pond and soft sand, and overlooks to several other ponds.”
“Nothing special, in my opinion, but a great place to take quiet walk nonetheless.”
“A little buggy, and lots of horse droppings but very secluded and not populated so perfect for off leash dog hikes.”
“It is open and accessible all year round, great for dogs and very kid friendly.”
Plan your run at Hawksnest State 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.
- 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.
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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