HomeMassachusettsBeverly › J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve

J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 123 Google reviews · Running trail in Beverly, Massachusetts · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve'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.

LoopScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastHillyTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

Nature preserve featuring trails, lake access, and ruins, plus dog-friendly walking.

What runners say about J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (123 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“There are ruins for kids to explore, well maintained trails and lots of friendly nature lovers and pups running around.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 11 mentions

“There’s a beautiful ridge that follows the reservoir, just note for dog parents that pets are not allowed in the water.”

🪧 well-marked 3 mentions

“The main trails are well marked, level, and smooth; and the grades are easy for anyone but the most infirm.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“It's very peaceful & there's a part of the trail that leads out to the water (not like a beach - see pics).”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 6 mentions

“Favorite place to walk the dog.”

Found out about this trail & went this morning. I had my dog with me & we took the little trail to the lake. It was super pretty & so peaceful. There was a bench there to on & contemplate

★★★★★ — Christine , Nov 2022

Beautiful place to go for a walk and enjoy nature. This time it was so humid and full of mosquitos, go with the right clothes

★★★★★ — Gcrodas , Jun 2021

Very awesome walk in the woods, trails to suit different abilities. Dog friendly.

★★★★★ — Lisa , Jun 2020

Seems like a nice place to walk, with history. Unfortunately for us, it started raining before we got very far on our walk, so we didn't get to go very far. There's some signage telling about the history of the grounds, which is interesting if you like that sort of thing.

★★★★☆ — Fred , Nov 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 123 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.

🐕 Dog-friendly 15 mentions

“There’s a beautiful ridge that follows the reservoir, just note for dog parents that pets are not allowed in the water.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 14 mentions

“There’s a beautiful ridge that follows the reservoir, just note for dog parents that pets are not allowed in the water.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It's very peaceful & there's a part of the trail that leads out to the water (not like a beach - see pics).”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Very little incline, so ideal for families and seniors.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Parking can be tricky and it's not the longest of walks but it's very peaceful and beautiful.”

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📏 Mile markers 3 mentions

“The main trails are well marked, level, and smooth; and the grades are easy for anyone but the most infirm.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“Be sure to snap a photo of the trail map as it’s a giant loop and there are a few cut throughs, so it’s easy to take too early of a turn and go in circles.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“The main trails are well marked, level, and smooth; and the grades are easy for anyone but the most infirm.”

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Plan your run at J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve

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.
  • Websitebeverlyma.gov

Hours

Monday 6 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6 am–9 pm
Wednesday 6 am–8 pm
Thursday 6 am–8 pm
Friday 6 am–8 pm
Saturday 6 am–8 pm
Sunday 6 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve

801 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915

Get directions

Running trails near Beverly

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

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Sally Milligan Trail

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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.