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Torbert Macdonald Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Running trail in Medford, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Torbert Macdonald 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.
Park by the Mystic River with paths, benches and a tower for observation of birds and other wildlife.
What runners say about Torbert Macdonald Park
“There is a tall lookout structure to climb, a dock on the river, benches, small waterfront picnic area, gorgeous scenery and big beautiful trees to marvel.”
Macdonald Park is a real riverside gem. It's a great mix of walking/bike paths and natural habitat so close to the city. It has been an outdoor oasis during Covid. It hosts a surprising amount of wildlife, especially birds.
Favorite place for a night walk and spend some times by the river. There are several spots in the reservation, all have unique views in the night.
Great walking paths through grasslands along the river. There is a tall lookout structure to climb, a dock on the river, benches, small waterfront picnic area, gorgeous scenery and big beautiful trees to marvel. It is a vast escape to relax and more open now and safer then ever before.
It's a nice little city park. It has plenty of parking, very clean, picturesque and have lots of birds to see and even a wildlife observation tower. There's even a pier to fish and look out at boats on the mystic river. If you cross the bridge to Somerville and make a loop out of it, you'll get a good workout.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a tall lookout structure to climb, a dock on the river, benches, small waterfront picnic area, gorgeous scenery and big beautiful trees to marvel.”
“It has plenty of parking, very clean, picturesque and have lots of birds to see and even a wildlife observation tower.”
“It's easy to access by car, and the path is good for strollers and wheelchairs.”
Plan your run at Torbert Macdonald Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone(617) 727-5380
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Medford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mystic River State Reservation
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Rivergreen Park
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