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Peirce Island
4.4 ★★★★☆ 56 Google reviews · Running trail in Portsmouth, New Hampshire · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Peirce Island'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.
Kid-friendly riverfront spot with a playground and an off-leash area for dogs.
What runners say about Peirce Island
“Was very impressed beautiful grounds lovely playground and walking spaces.”
“it’s a great walk for my dog and I I love that she can be off leash.”
I have been visiting for decades! It has only improved over the years especially the municipal pool, trails, playgrounds and parking. The views as well since the piers and surrounding old houses have been upgraded in appearance.
Peirce Island (the correct spelling is "Peirce") is great place to bring your dog for an off leash experience. Being an island, dogs are isolated from road traffic, except for the occasional parking car or SUV. There are beaches for canine swimmers, and lots of trails for those preferring land.
Nice place to come and walk the dog off-leash. The place is an Island and the dog can't really leave the area, except by the one way in, the bridge. There is a nice path that goes around the Island and there are many friendly people with their dogs as well. We met nice people who taught us about the site' history.
This is a great area in Portsmouth. It has a great playground for the kids with plenty of room to run around. You can walk along the river, in summer you can swim in the pool. There's a boat launch and an off leash dog park further down.
Trail conditions & character
“Peirce Island (the correct spelling is "Peirce") is great place to bring your dog for an off leash experience.”
“The views as well since the piers and surrounding old houses have been upgraded in appearance.”
“It has only improved over the years especially the municipal pool, trails, playgrounds and parking.”
“Stroller friendly but a wheelchair may have a problem traversing.”
Plan your run at Peirce Island
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofportsmouth.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Portsmouth
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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