HomeMassachusettsGloucester › Red Rocks Trailhead

Red Rocks Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Running trail in Gloucester, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Red Rocks Trailhead'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 surfaceOpen 24hScenicTrailhead parking

What runners say about Red Rocks Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (16 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Came here yo take a quick walk and didnt realize it had climbing as well. Cool spot and at the top you get a good view of the ocean and surrounding towns.

★★★★★ — Hayden , Oct 2024

Red Rocks Conservation Area in Gloucester, MA, is a chill spot for anyone who loves nature without the crowds. The trails are easy to moderate, winding through woods and cool red rock formations that give the place its name. It’s perfect for a laid-back hike, birdwatching, or snapping some photos.

★★★★★ — Phillip , Nov 2024

They have lead and top rope climbing here. I’m not an instructor or professional climber of any sort go at your own risk. But it’s really nice to go during summer since there is a good amount of shade

★★★★★ — Raymond , Jun 2023

I love the fact that this hike is short and has an amazing view.. It is within 15 mins of my house. We do not have many trails like this in eastern mass..

★★★★★ — Trevor , Sep 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“The mix of forest and rocky paths keeps it interesting, and there are even marsh views if you wander far enough.”

More trails like this →

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

“The mix of forest and rocky paths keeps it interesting, and there are even marsh views if you wander far enough.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Red Rocks Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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
  • Websitecapeanntrailstewards.org
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Red Rocks Trailhead

Gloucester, Massachusetts

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.

Red Rocks Conservation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 41 reviews

Gloucester, MA

Scenic

Forested locale with walking trails that's popular for rock climbing and hiking, plus ocean views.

under a mile away

Tompson Street Reservation

4.6 ★★★★★ 33 reviews

Gloucester, MA

12.2 miMixedScenic

under a mile away

Greenbelt Hiking Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

Gloucester, MA

MixedScenic

under a mile away

Old Tompson Street Cart Path

4.6 ★★★★★ 14 reviews

Gloucester, MA

under a mile away

Mount Ann Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 37 reviews

Gloucester, MA

Natural surfaceScenic

under a mile away

Ravenswood Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 276 reviews

Gloucester, MA

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

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

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.