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Old Town Hill Reservation
4.7 ★★★★★ 56 Google reviews · Running trail in Newbury, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Old Town Hill 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.
Nature preserve featuring paths leading to a hilltop with coastal views, plus picnic spots.
What runners say about Old Town Hill Reservation
“We really liked this hike - views were stunning and it was enough of a hill / distance we worked up a sweat but not so much our small dog couldn’t keep up.”
“The payoff is amazing - beautiful views and peaceful vistas.”
Old Town Hill located in Newbury Mass is a great hike along the Salt marshes. If you take the ridege trail, part of the Bay Circuit Trail, to the top of the hill you will be rewarded with some awesome views of the seacoast. I spent 2 and half hours hiking with my kids, it wasn't enough time to explore everything.
Old Town Hill is a great place for a walk. Even the longest loop is not too strenuous. It would be a great place to bring young kids to get them interested in hiking and being in nature. The short walk down by the river is very easy, but pretty.
Went in late August during a dry spell. We really liked this hike - views were stunning and it was enough of a hill / distance we worked up a sweat but not so much our small dog couldn’t keep up. We’ll be back this fall for sure.
We love hiking Old Town Hill. We have found to keep the trails open to social distancing is to come back at a later time if the parking lot is full. One the prettiest views we have looking from the top Old Town Hill!
Trail conditions & character
“We really liked this hike - views were stunning and it was enough of a hill / distance we worked up a sweat but not so much our small dog couldn’t keep up.”
“We really liked this hike - views were stunning and it was enough of a hill / distance we worked up a sweat but not so much our small dog couldn’t keep up.”
“Small parking area off the street but there's an entrance to one path right there and then another to the hill about a minutes walk up the road.”
“The payoff is amazing - beautiful views and peaceful vistas.”
“We really liked this hike - views were stunning and it was enough of a hill / distance we worked up a sweat but not so much our small dog couldn’t keep up.”
Plan your run at Old Town Hill Reservation
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 trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitethetrustees.org
- Phone+1 978-526-8687
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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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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