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Misery Islands
4.7 ★★★★★ 88 Google reviews · Running trail in Salem, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Misery Islands' 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 Misery Islands
“Got a couple hours to explore this beautiful island.”
Beautifully maintained island by the trustees. Bathrooms, trails, nice beach area, public moorings. Neat ruins to explore as well. Trees lovely for climbing. Nice shade.
A magical place. The island has a little bit of every type of terrain (cliffs, beach, forest fields), coves, and ruins to explore. Cocktail Cove is a nice place to moor and relax.
Little Misery is the better of the two islands. It has everything you'd want in a small island: a shipwreck, a beach with sea glass, a trail leading to a great overlook, and for the adventurous paddler, some really fun rock gardening along the east and southern sides.
It's a beautiful area. Easy to get to by boat. There is always an empty mooring. So much to see on the island. From casino ruins, fantastic views, beautiful trails, deer, and an old oak tree to climb. Love this place!
Trail conditions & character
“Got a couple hours to explore this beautiful island.”
Plan your run at Misery Islands
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitethetrustees.org
- Phone(978) 526-8687
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Salem
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Beverly Commons Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 87 reviews
Recreation area with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and off-leash dogs.
Steer Swamp Conservation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
Forest featuring a network of trails alongside wetlands, a pond and open space for dogs.
Salem Willows Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,861 reviews
Storied park since 1858 boasting a carousel, arcade & food vendors, plus a beach & outdoor concerts.
