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Russell Mill Pond and Town Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 237 Google reviews · Running trail in Chelmsford, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Russell Mill Pond and Town Forest'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.
Trails for hiking and mountain biking around a pond with fishing.
What runners say about Russell Mill Pond and Town Forest
Pump track was cool. I really liked it. Trails were beat down but it still was very cool and I liked it. The Russel Mill Pump Track in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, is an absolute gem for biking enthusiasts!
Review is for avid and future Mountain Bikers. Pros: A) The ratio of hikers/dog walkers to the amount of bike hitches I see on Saturday is 20 to 1. Already a win if your only goal is to ride. B) Great single tracks. Just tight enough that no dog walkers would bother trailing it.
Great hiking area, however very popular with bikes as trails are moderately challenging and rocky...bikers all very nice and willing to share the trail. Only critique is we found the trail markers lacking...
Stunningly beautiful. The pond was a mirror image of everything around it. Only saw one small snake other than that a beautiful light walk on this crisp fall day.
Trail conditions & character
“Dries out quickly after rain and there's a good amount of technical stuff in here if you know how to get to it.”
“Not a bunch of climbing, but some is rather technical so what it lacks in elevation gain it makes up for with tech challenge.”
“Pros: A) The ratio of hikers/dog walkers to the amount of bike hitches I see on Saturday is 20 to 1.”
“Only saw one small snake other than that a beautiful light walk on this crisp fall day.”
Plan your run at Russell Mill Pond and Town Forest
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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Chelmsford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Thanksgiving Forest Reservation
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Hiking area with dog-friendly trails, and options for boating and fishing.
Archer Meadowbrook Preserve
3.8 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews
Billerica State Forest
4.5 ★★★★★ 194 reviews
Urban green space providing rustic, multi-use trails & wooded areas for walking & wildlife viewing.
