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Tompson Street Reservation

4.6 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Running trail in Gloucester, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
12.2 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Tompson Street Reservation'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.

Mixed12.2 miOpen 24hScenicTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

What runners say about Tompson Street Reservation

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (33 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“Beautiful wandering trails up and over old granite, through the woods and amongst wetlands.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“I’ve been to Thompson Street Reservation a few times during the winter and spring, and it’s such a peaceful spot to get outside.”

Beautiful and fun place for snow-day hiking! A little bit slippy though, so be prepared! The rock trail is more challenging, while the swap one is more family friendly.

★★★★★ — Xing , Jan 2022

Beautiful scenery, trails not marked as nicely as I hoped. Got turned around a few times but made the most of it.

★★★★☆ — Rich , Aug 2020

Nice trail for a walk. It took 2 hours to walk from start to finish and almost 4 miles.

★★★★★ — Anastasiia , Feb 2024

I’ve been to Thompson Street Reservation a few times during the winter and spring, and it’s such a peaceful spot to get outside. It’s really quiet and not overly crowded, which makes it perfect if you just want to clear your head and enjoy nature.

★★★★★ — Merina , Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 33 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 12 mentions

“Beautiful wandering trails up and over old granite, through the woods and amongst wetlands.”

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📏 Mile markers 8 mentions

“Could benefit from a few more tail markers but is a good walk with the pups.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“I’ve been to Thompson Street Reservation a few times during the winter and spring, and it’s such a peaceful spot to get outside.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“Nice wooded walk, but expect roots and rocks along the way.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

“Essex County Greenbelt property with many trails, a swamp with a boardwalk across it, and 2 small mountains.”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

“5 mile lollipop loop is to start at the Norcross Gateway and then do the Red Maple Swamp Trail clockwise until you jump on the Eagle Rock Trail and do that clockwise as well.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Tompson Street Reservation

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • Distance12.2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websiteecga.org
  • Phone+1 978-768-7241
  • Social Instagram · 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 Tompson Street Reservation

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.

Greenbelt Hiking Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

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MixedScenic

under a mile away

Old Tompson Street Cart Path

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under a mile away

Red Rocks Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 16 reviews

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Natural surfaceScenic

under a mile away

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.

1.2 miles away

Mount Ann Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 37 reviews

Gloucester, MA

Natural surfaceScenic

1.6 miles 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

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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.