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Hemlock Gorge Reservation
4.5 ★★★★★ 249 Google reviews · Running trail in Needham, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hemlock Gorge Reservation'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 Hemlock Gorge Reservation
“Very beautiful park on the Charles River especially beautiful in the snow”
“there are plenty of smaller easy walk trails through the woods.”
I love this place, especially in fall. It’s perfect for small walks (not busy, beautiful view).
Gorgeous nature escape from the urban sprawl around it. Not a ton of trails, but enough for a quick low key loop
It's a quick hike to the view of the water and to echo bridge. You'll spend maybe 15 minutes to walk through both paths at a leisure pace.
Stopped here real quick and it was nice. I love being near water. The hike we did was short and quiet. Which was perfect.
Trail conditions & character
“Great for small children, but there is an overlook to the falls that has a steep drop, so keep an eye on the little ones!”
“Not a ton of trails, but enough for a quick low key loop”
“Parking is a little tricky you'll want to go up into the neighborhoods only a two minute walk or so but a great quick outdoor activity!”
Plan your run at Hemlock Gorge Reservation
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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+1 617-698-1802
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Needham
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cold Spring Park
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This green space with wooded areas & fields offers a dog park, exercise path & athletic facilities.
Nahanton Park
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Verdant, 55-acre park offering trails, gardens & a soccer field, plus a pond for fishing & boating.