HomeMassachusettsGloucester › Ravenswood Park

Ravenswood Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 276 Google reviews · Running trail in Gloucester, 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 Ravenswood Park'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.

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

Hemlock groves, magnolia swamp, miles of trails & old carriage roads offered on 600 secluded acres.

What runners say about Ravenswood Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (276 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“The trails are extremely well kept, with lots of main trails great for an afternoon stroll, as well as some much more challenging, off the beaten path trails we enjoyed.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Beautiful Trustees property with miles and miles of trails, some carriage-path broad and flat and some more challenging, plus interesting topography and environments.”

🪧 well-marked 5 mentions

“The trails are very well marked with maps and numbered posts, so if you pay attention you can find your way.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“There are lots of interesting trails (such as the Magnolia Swamp Trail and the Boulder Field Trail) that are as beautiful as they are peaceful.”

Ravenswood in Gloucester proved to be an ideal park for Lily. Its versatility caters to both short strolls and extended walks, offering a delightful experience for both pets and owners.

★★★★★ — Shaun , Nov 2023

Beautiful little wood in Gloucester. Conservation area with vernal pools and several marked trails. The woods are about ten degrees cooler due to all the trees. Bring bug spray this summer: lots of rain this spring has brought lots of skeeters!

★★★★★ — Carolyn , May 2019

One of Gloucester’s hidden gems. A hiking trail sandwiched between little river and 127. This is a “junior” version of the trails and hiking in Doggtown in Gloucester up the road. Main trail is very wide (old jeep road?) and rest of trails are well travelled and rocky and root-ey. Like lots of New England Trails.!

★★★★★ — Tyson , Apr 2024

This place was amazing! Definitely worth a trip and visit. The trails are extremely well kept, with lots of main trails great for an afternoon stroll, as well as some much more challenging, off the beaten path trails we enjoyed.

★★★★★ — Fred , May 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 276 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 13 mentions

“The park’s appeal lies in its suitability for various preferences, making it a wonderful spot for dog owners seeking both convenience and the option to explore.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“Beautiful Trustees property with miles and miles of trails, some carriage-path broad and flat and some more challenging, plus interesting topography and environments.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“There are lots of interesting trails (such as the Magnolia Swamp Trail and the Boulder Field Trail) that are as beautiful as they are peaceful.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“) and rest of trails are well travelled and rocky and root-ey.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Small parking lot at the south side, some street parking available.”

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📏 Mile markers 3 mentions

“The trails are very well marked with maps and numbered posts, so if you pay attention you can find your way.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Beautiful Trustees property with miles and miles of trails, some carriage-path broad and flat and some more challenging, plus interesting topography and environments.”

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Plan your run at Ravenswood Park

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(978) 281-8400
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Ravenswood Park

481 Western Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

Get directions

Running trails near Gloucester

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Ravenswood Park Main Gate

4.7 ★★★★★ 54 reviews

Gloucester, MA

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Natural area featuring a variety of well-maintained trails through forests, swamps, and hills.

under a mile away

Rafes Chasm Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 235 reviews

Gloucester, MA

Natural surfaceScenic

Kid-friendly park featuring sea views, a short trail to the shore, and rocks that are fun to climb around.

1.3 miles away

Mass Audubon's Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary

4.3 ★★★★☆ 84 reviews

Gloucester, MA

4 miLoopBoardwalkScenic

Mass Audubon wildlife refuge featuring a lighthouse, trails, and opportunities for birding.

1.9 miles away

Red Rocks Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 16 reviews

Gloucester, MA

Natural surfaceScenic

2.1 miles away

Tompson Street Reservation

4.6 ★★★★★ 33 reviews

Gloucester, MA

12.2 miMixedScenic

2.1 miles away

Mount Ann Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 37 reviews

Gloucester, MA

Natural surfaceScenic

2.1 miles away

All running trails in Gloucester, MA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.