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Mystic River State Reservation
4.6 ★★★★★ 612 Google reviews · Running trail in Medford, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mystic River State 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.
This waterfront natural area offers biking & hiking trails, plus swimming, boating & sailing access.
What runners say about Mystic River State Reservation
“The trails are well maintained and the reservation is large enough to maintain social distancing.”
“Along the Mystic River there are beautiful areas and the waterways definitely need a cleaning, like from the company the Ocean Cleanup that makes solar electric recycling barges.”
I was impressed. A big green clean park. A lot of bike trails, walking trails near the river. Green cut grass. Even an interactive vertical xelophone for the kids.
Good stretch of park by the river,has cycling and jogging path. Plenty benches to relax and set up picnic in the area. It can be loud on the opposite side to the river due to continuous traffic.
It is a very pleasant place for picnics, walks for children we can also go jogging, I visited Mystic River for my birthday, I had extraordinary photos especially at sunset😍😍
This area amazes me how close it is to the highway yet you can go to a completely different world somehow. That’s the beauty of nature. And I am silly human for saying it’s a different world. 😆 We need more areas like this, just nature, even amidst the city.
Trail conditions & character
“Along the Mystic River there are beautiful areas and the waterways definitely need a cleaning, like from the company the Ocean Cleanup that makes solar electric recycling barges.”
“There were plenty of spots to sit and relax, but parking was kind of tight, especially since it was a weekend.”
“Nice place to walk your dog, walking path connects as far as Wegmans and Assembly Row on the other side.”
Plan your run at Mystic River State Reservation
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone(617) 727-5380
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Medford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Torbert Macdonald Park
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Park by the Mystic River with paths, benches and a tower for observation of birds and other wildlife.
Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park
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Laid-back park on the water offering trails & a boardwalk with river views, plus a kids' playground.
The Park at River's Edge
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Waterfront, landscaped green space featuring river views, lawns, paths & the Tufts crew boathouse.
Rivergreen Park
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Small green space by the Malden River featuring basketball, soccer and field hockey fields, as well as a playground.
Northern Strand Greenway Trailhead
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