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Vale Reservation
4.5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Running trail in Andover, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Vale 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.
Nature preserve featuring marked trails for hiking and walking, plus wildlife, including birds.
What runners say about Vale Reservation
“The trails are well maintained and clearly marked.”
“Well marked trails, easy walking, and plenty of birds and other wildlife.”
We did 3.2 miles in 1.75 hours. Nice wide trails with little poison ivy off to the sides. Some mud but manageable. Lots of boardwalks and bridges. We saw seven swans, four geese, one hawk, one large deer and several chipmunks.
Ballarvale's central park. Ok, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but it is a nice place to go for a nature walk. Trail is easy to follow, with minor deviations here and there. Not much straining on inclines - trail is nearly flat all the time.
It is a beautiful walk along the river but the problem is-- there is no designated parking area that I could find. You have to pay for the train lot :( .
Well marked trails, easy walking, and plenty of birds and other wildlife.
Trail conditions & character
“Great place to walk the trails, great place to bring your dogs for a walk & to see more wildlife I love walking here”
“Some tree roots and stumps scattered around the path, perhaps positioned by the wood fairies or nymphs for their amusement (at your expense).”
Plan your run at Vale Reservation
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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7:30 PM |
Running trails near Andover
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wilmington Town Forest
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Andover Community Path
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South Street Trail
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Bay Circuit Trail
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