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Mill River Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 331 Google reviews · Running trail in Amherst, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mill River Recreation Area'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.
Park with basketball/tennis courts, a toddlers' play area & pool, plus trails, picnic tables & BBQs.
What runners say about Mill River Recreation Area
“Clean restroom and pretty park was there for a birthday party oh and the guys did a little hanging at the river”
“Great job to the town Amherst for keeping the place such a beautiful place to go with family, friends, work events, and other activities that you may want to enjoy.”
THE GOOD: Nice area - hiking paths leading to it, nice dogs around. Can rent the pavilion for not that much. Ample parking! THE BAD: People leave mess in the pavilion sometimes. Not the town's fault, they are usually really great about cleaning it.
You have it all right here!! Huge playground for the kids, public pool for swimming, basketball court, and pavilion. Riverside picnic area with grills and picnic tables. Two baseball diamonds that are ALWAYS in use with some local league playing.
There is so much to do at this recreation area. The pools are open during summer time for swimming. The playground areas are also nice. There's are playground areas for bigger and smaller children to play on. There is a nice steam to hike near. There are also two baseball fields to play on.
This is a wonderful family park for all ages. There is a tennis court, basketball court, two baseball diamonds, a wading pool and regular pool. My 3 year old grandson and I enjoyed the path along the Mill River and he had a terrific time in both playground areas. A must return for us!
Trail conditions & character
“THE GOOD: Nice area - hiking paths leading to it, nice dogs around.”
“Great job to the town Amherst for keeping the place such a beautiful place to go with family, friends, work events, and other activities that you may want to enjoy.”
“Clean restroom and pretty park was there for a birthday party oh and the guys did a little hanging at the river”
Plan your run at Mill River Recreation Area
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.
- Websiteamherstma.gov
- Phone+1 413-259-3333
- Social Instagram
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
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