Home › Massachusetts › Belmont › Rock Meadow Conservation Area
Rock Meadow Conservation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 290 Google reviews · Running trail in Belmont, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rock Meadow Conservation Area'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.
Public conservation land of meadow, wetlands, streams & woods, plus updated Belmont Victory Gardens.
What runners say about Rock Meadow Conservation Area
“My wife and I used to be used to not be fans of this place but as we have explored more and more it has endless trails and beautiful scenery.”
Rock Meadow is a great place to walk your dog, go for a run, ride your mountain bike, or just go for a stroll. It's a beautiful arrangement of open fields, woods, and wetlands that host a variety of wild animals. There are community gardens and operating bee hives.
My wife and I used to be used to not be fans of this place but as we have explored more and more it has endless trails and beautiful scenery. Would recommend as one of the best local places to casually hike. The colors in the fall are spectacular. If it has rained recently it can get muddy, but generally a great spot.
This place feels like a hidden gem in Waltham. From peaceful walks in the forest to wandering around the community garden, it’s a beautiful spot to escape and enjoy nature. I added pictures from September but now in late October you can see a gorgeous spread of fall foliage. Mostly flat with different trail lengths.
A lovely spot for a quick, light walk with beautiful open meadows and peaceful surroundings. Great sunset view spot—perfect for winding down the day or capturing some amazing photos. Especially breathtaking in the fall when the foliage adds a warm glow to the landscape.
Trail conditions & character
“My wife and I used to be used to not be fans of this place but as we have explored more and more it has endless trails and beautiful scenery.”
“Rock Meadow is a great place to walk your dog, go for a run, ride your mountain bike, or just go for a stroll.”
“If you have a dog, it's helpful to know that Belmont animal control occasionally camps out at the parking lot on the Belmont side.”
“Pathways and trails that navigate swamp, ridges, hills, riverbeds, forests and meadows.”
“The trails are relatively flat so they're good for families with kids and dogs.”
“Beautiful easy loop through meadow, woodland, marshy boardwalk, and even a community garden.”
Plan your run at Rock Meadow Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- Websitewalkboston.org
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Belmont
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Beaver Brook Reservation
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Historic buildings share this 59-acre park with woodlands, a waterfall, open fields & sports areas.
Beaver Brook North Reservation
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This 254-acre natural area features many wildlife viewing opportunities, plus hiking trails.
Mackerel Hill
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Menotomy Rocks Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 350 reviews
Spread among the grounds are wooded trails, ball fields, a 3-acre fishing pond & a playground.
Shady's Pond Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 52 reviews
Park offering walking paths & a rustic setting with mature woods, ferns, a pond, a marsh & a stream.
