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Howe State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Running trail in Spencer, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Howe 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.
Relaxed park with grills for picnicking along with a stream and pond.
What runners say about Howe State Park
“They also have what looks to be a nice restroom (didn’t go inside) but the park is clean and tidy, so I would assume they are as well.”
“It is a beautiful place to enjoy with family and friends, a good place to walk, have a picnic, fish, ride a bike and take your children to enjoy.”
“I went to take some pictures of my kids and family, absolutely beautiful for some fresh air, and let the kids play, quiet and relaxing,”
A beautiful place for a walk in the woods with my new pup. I love that there are several trails to choose from for added interest for each visit.
Great views and good trails. I wish more of the paths were marked and had better access across the water. We needed to use alltrails app to stay on our desired path at this park.
Great, quiet park for a stroll. Only docked a star for it's lack of facilities...no restrooms, grills or picnic tables. Lovely little pond and stream. Nice dirt trails circle the pond and a nice broad dirt walking/snowmobile trail follows the stream. Plenty of parking.
Howe Park has long been a favorite local area of mine. So peaceful, serene, and many great trails to walk. Plenty of areas set up over by the water to relax or have a picnic or even a small gathering with family/friends.
Trail conditions & character
“It is a beautiful place to enjoy with family and friends, a good place to walk, have a picnic, fish, ride a bike and take your children to enjoy.”
“I went to take some pictures of my kids and family, absolutely beautiful for some fresh air, and let the kids play, quiet and relaxing,”
“There's never very many people here so I often see people walking their dogs off leash.”
“They also have what looks to be a nice restroom (didn’t go inside) but the park is clean and tidy, so I would assume they are as well.”
Plan your run at Howe 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemass.gov
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Spencer
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Spencer State Forest
4.4 ★★★★☆ 173 reviews
Featuring Howe Pond for swimming, this 965-acre forest park offers hiking trails, picnicking, and skiing.
O'Gara Park
3.9 ★★★★☆ 31 reviews
