Trail Running
As someone who enjoys the outdoors, but isn’t particularly competitive as a runner, I find that trail runs let you take in beautiful sights while still being challenged by a variety of terrain. There is something appealing about researching offbeat paths and exploring a completely new location for the first time while being surrounded by nature. This page is devoted to sharing some of the trails I’ve enjoyed running in the New England area over the past few years – accompanied by brief descriptions and photos. If you happen to check out any of the trails I have run, I would love to hear about your experience!
Rating System
Since a single rating for a trail feels incomplete, I’ll provide a few different ratings based on the qualities I find most important for trails. I am pretty selective and prefer trails that are on the quieter side, more rural, and well-maintained. Although I enjoy technical trails, terrain with too many jagged rocks or extremely steep inclines detract from the overall experience. With these things in mind, here is my rating criterion:
Terrain: the balance between different types of terrain and difficulty. a lower rating means the terrain is either too difficult, or too paved and suburban.
Safety: while we all have different thresholds for safety, a trail with minimal markers or washed out areas, blocked or hidden paths, or no reception are causes for concern.
Scenery: it’s a bit difficult to assign an objective rating, but I will generally give higher ratings to trails with a variety of scenery, such as tall trees and bushes, nice colors in the autumn, interesting landmarks, bodies of water, and expansive overlooks where you can take everything in.
#1. Wickaboxet Loop (West Greenich, RI)
Terrain = ★★★★★
Safety = ★★★★☆
Scenery = ★★★★★
With its entrance tucked away at the end of an unassuming cul-de-sac, this trail hits the ground running with a short climb to its summit where you can see for miles around. After this, you’ll be treated to makeshift log bridges over creeks, open clearings, dense thickets of bushes and shrubbery, and noble pine trees casting comforting shadows. For better or worse, this is one of the more remote trails I have been on, so you may go for miles without seeing anyone.
#2. Breakhart Pond and Shelter Loop (Exeter, RI)
Terrain = ★★★★★
Safety = ★★★★☆
Scenery = ★★★★☆
For much of this trail, you’ll find yourself on soft ground padded by pine needles, with occasional glimpses of the Breakhart Pond. However, there are some real surprises in store such as the abandoned log cabin and ancient water tower that are almost a little unsettling, especially if you run during light rain and misty fog like I did.
#3. West Middlesex Fells Reservoir Trail (Stoneham, MA)
Terrain = ★★★★☆
Safety = ★★★★★
Scenery = ★★★★★
This is a fairly technical trail with plenty of rocks and roots, as well as a number of changes in elevation. However, your persistence will be rewarded with some truly wondrous views of the autumn leaves in the fall, as well as the tranquility of the sparkling Middle Reservoir. There are some parts of the trail that are a bit more crowded, so you may need to squeeze past people who are walking, or make room for people on dirt bikes to pass you.
#4. Lexington Route A (Lexington, MA)
Terrain = ★★★★☆
Safety = ★★★★★
Scenery = ★★★★☆
This trail is significantly more paved and suburban than others, but you really get a mix of everything. Although you start out on the popular Minuteman Bikeway, you are quickly taken off the main path through woodsy areas, the back of a middle school, the rolling fields of the iconic Chiesa Farm, and cozy neighborhoods throughout.
#5. Blue Hills Skyline Loop (Quincy, MA)
Terrain = ★★★☆☆
Safety = ★★☆☆☆
Scenery = ★★★★★
This is a tough run with lots of jagged rocks and steep portions – some parts so steep that I had to stop and use my hands to help myself climb. If you run during the colder months, some of the uncomfortable rocks will be padded by snow, but you’ll want to be cautious especially near the summit as patches of snow can melt and and refreeze into slippery sheets. Nevertheless, if you’re up for a challenge, your efforts will be rewarded with some beautiful views where you can see for miles around and you truly feel like you’re in the wilderness despite the proximity to the suburbs.
