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North Central Pathway
5 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Running trail in Gardner, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from North Central Pathway'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.
What runners say about North Central Pathway
Great path in the city. Tends to be pretty busy with lots of people biking, walking and with their dogs as well. It's a nicely paved area, great for long conversations as the trail keeps going past the MWCC.
Beautiful bike path to walk or ride on! It starts behind the skating rink and takes you beside Crystal Lake and behind the hospital. It kept going past Wachusett Community College but we turned around before then because it was getting late. Definitely will be walking here more often!
Trail conditions & character
“It's a nicely paved area, great for long conversations as the trail keeps going past the MWCC.”
Plan your run at North Central Pathway
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegardner-ma.gov
- Phone+1 978-632-7661
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–1 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Gardner
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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