I absolutely love coming here for my weekly walks! Breakheart Reservation is such a beautiful place, with amazing trails, peaceful surroundings, and gorgeous views along the way. The playgrounds are also lovely for little ones, making it a great spot for families to enjoy some outdoor time The only downside is that parking on the Saugus side can sometimes be a little challenging, especially when it's busy. Other than that, it's a wonderful place to spend time outdoors, enjoy nature, get some exercise, and even take some beautiful pictures read more

Breakheart Reservation - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

See all

Fantastic recreation area. I bicycle here regularly. Solid mix of flat, uphill and downhill terrain. Very scenic, safe and peaceful.

Breakheart Reservation is a nice place to visit nestled between Wakefield and Saugus with the main gate in Saugus you can walk through the gates and either go for a walk or go fishing or just take your family to the beach and have a picnic. There's plenty of fun stuff to explore they have paved roads so you can enjoy a healthy walk around the reservation it's a nice spot you can check out Eagle rock that you can see for miles Breakheart Reservation read more

See all

I grew up near here and often snuck into the reservation for a swim. Great water but sometimes a little sketchy. Don't go alone. Be careful in the lower pond. read more

I love going for walks in here! It's an easy 2 mile loop with trails branching off of the main path. Very easy to navigate. I haven't visited in summer yet but they have a swimming area, grills, picnic tables, and restrooms as well. read more

Went for a hike with a friend here and I loved this reservation. It's about 2.5 miles and there is a road trail and 4+ different hiking trails through the woods. On the other side, there is a beach and picnic area with at least a hundred families enjoying the hot summer day. Brett from DCR had a table and went over the different animals and tracks you can find here. Great for adults and kids. read more

See all

Love going to Breakheart. I personally go to walk, but there is a lake "beach" spot that is used in the warmer seasons too. There is also a dog park, playground, workout stations, benches and picnic tables. There are multiple trails available - main one is fully paved; the others are more in the woods. You can access it from Saugus (main entrance) or Wakefield (High School). I recommend Saugus entrance especially if your walking - the Wakefield side if you go right pops you out where some of the incline is - so I prefer to get warmed up first on the Saugus side. Additionally the Saugus side has the "welcome center" and restrooms. It's really beautiful inside, you can find some hidden gem spots with great views. Definitely recommend if you're looking to be in nature - you have to really keep you eyes and ears open, but you may see some other wildlife too! read more

See all

We love walking here! Why is it currently not plowed? Normally I would give it 5 stars, but 1 star now due to no plowing at all?

I just love Breakheart. Sometimes I park near the NE Technical HS entrance. Other times on the Saugus side. Before the pandemic, the DCR hosted lots of fun events: hikes, maple sugaring, yoga, movies, fun runs, lectures/education, bonfires. So there is that to look forward to again. I did a ranger-led moonlight hike, and a firefly hunt at night in the summer before which were great! I enjoy both the paved roads and the trails. Trails are well marked. I haven't been in the water in a long time, but it looks clean. It gets really crowded in the summer. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. In December, people add decorations to a small tree. I highly recommend if you aren't opposed to hills. Even if you don't like hills, you can do an out-and-back on one side that isn't as steep as the other. read more

Breakheart Reservation - This isn't the sharpest photo, but some of the December Christmas decorations are visible on the tree. - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

Walk is really nice, trees are tall. My favorite part about this place was the way the lifeguards handled adversity, many dogs were going in the water and this was clearly not allowed as the signs said so. The lifeguards also were very talkative and friendly. read more

This is a beautiful park with so much to offer. They have paved walking paths, hiking trails, lakes and more. If I lived closer, I'd walk my dogs here on a regular basis. The other Yelpers described Breakhart well. It is a peaceful and relaxing place to get away. It was raining the day I visited so I didnt venture too far. I did start one of the hiking trails. I could see higher ridges further into the park. There is a map at the entrance that shows all of the trails throughout the Breakheart Reservation. read more

Breakheart Reservation - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

See all

This place is awesome for walking in nature. There is a loop that is paved and then there are trails in the woods that offshoot from the path. There is parking available, but it did seem to fill up on the weekend. Overall, I highly recommend this spot for nature walks. It is very peaceful. read more

I used to go here when I was younger it seemed a lot better then. It is a cool spot, they have a park, picnic tables you can grill there. There are a lot of trails and actually really cool they have a leash less dog area, it was cute it said for them to bark as well. The water is full of seaweed and it feels awful. The sand is hard too so lying on it can start to get painful fast. The bathrooms are port-a-potty's which as you can imagine sitting outside in the heat doesn't smell good at all. All in all, its a cool lil hang out read more

What a lovely park, and quite close to Boston! We really enjoyed coming here with our dog. Though parking immediately at the park is limited, you can park fairly easily at a nearby shopping strip and walk all of 2 minutes to get there. There is a nice paved road that makes for a smooth, easy nature walk, in addition to off road trails for hiking. The pond is very cute and there is picnic table seating there too! read more

Breakheart Reservation - Pond - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

See all

Not much for parking when the ice rink has hockey games apparently. But there's a strip mall parking lot across from the bottom of the hill to the hike. So you have options Nice paved hike with non paved options along the water etc Nice loop Hills aren't too steep. You could bring a toddler or an elderly partner and be fine. For as busy as the lot was, we didn't really run into many people. You could do this hike as a routine cardio walk read more

Houston, we have a new favorite park. Grab nine of your friends and three generations of four legged friends, rush them to this sprawling piece of the Wakefieldish/Saugusian forestry. Why so many? Something for everybody, of course! "I want elevation, holmes!" - A half dozen peaks scattered throughout the southwest acreage, averaging around 260 feet. You're not gonna break ankles ascending the terrain, but you will get sweeping views of the tree tops (especially from Castle Rock). "I'm amazed by what's trail-blazed!" - Well-marked and plentiful, all trails begin and end at paved walkways, so even the meekest of hikers can find solace in rejoining the masses. First time out here? Ridge Trail with a detour at Ash Path. "Beeeeeeeeach. Beeeeeeeach." - Pearce Lake has a sandy shore. Rock that bikini, Bob. "My three generations of dogs want to run free!" - There's a fenced in pooch park called Bark Place. Not much in the bonus plaything department (I think there's a tire and a filthy tennis ball) but hell, the best dog toy is another dog. "Screw nature. Give me urban comforts." - Breakheart Reservation Headquarters has vending machines, bathrooms and free coffee. Plus, you can hang with the house tortoise. Not the best conversationalist, but your ugly mug won't send her screaming. "I live for danger." - Saw some ants. They looked fierce. Breakheart's got more going for it than Captain Planet, plus fierce ants. If that doesn't bring you out for a look-see, nothing will. read more

Breakheart Reservation - Everything the light touches will be yours. - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

Every town has a hidden gem. For Wakefield and Saugus, Breakheart is that hidden jewel no matter what season you come to visit in. In the winter, you are taken aback by beautiful vistas of majestic pines, birches and deciduous trees. In spring, it seems to come alive with various shades of green around every corner. In summer it provides natural cooling with canopies of lush greenery and by the fall you are treated with the beauty of colorful vistas. Every season is a treat for young and old. read more

See all

well, considering the year we have had, this has become a regular spot for me to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. breakheart is a beautiful oasis off the terror that is rte 1. there is a paved main path to walk, run, bike, etc., or several marked trails through the forest and around the ponds/lakes or up into the hills. truly, something for everyone. dogs are welcome, if leashed. the best part? by the little beach there are portos that are cleaned several times a day. i was so pleasantly surprised to feel safe using a public restroom during this time. the bathrooms at the main ranger station are closed due to the pandemic, but these offer a great alternative. my only gripe is that it does not appear the trash is being regularly removed. it's on the patrons of the park, but there is often overflowing dumpsters and trashcans (and bags of dog poop everywhere). i was raised on the "pack it in, pack it out" mentality, but that doesn't seem to be the norm here. fellow outdoorsmen, please help your park and don't pile on! read more

Breakheart Reservation - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

See all

It's time for another review by Daisy! My parents and my grandpaw took me here since it was pretty close by. I had such a good time! There were not any dogs at Bark Place, however, so we did some of the trails. I like to run up hills, so this was a good place for me. *shhh* Sometimes I get to go off leash since I am pretty good at recall and I wear a GPS tracker, so I got to go off leash here on one of the trails. I saw an animal while we were on a really elevated part, so I ran off. Oops. I had to walk the rest of the way on a leash since it is not a good idea to be distracted. I still had a good time! There are bathrooms at the beginning of the reservation and a small area for children to play at. There is something here for everyone - easier trails, trails with elevation, a dog park! read more

Breakheart Reservation - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

See all

Excellent place to walk, run, and bike. I was here for the second time a few weeks ago. Walked for a few hours and loved it. This place is huuuge! You can stay on the paved road or you can go off on one of their many trails. Parking was easy and free. There's a visitors center here where you can fill up your water bottle, go the bathroom, warm up from the cold (in the winter months) and get some first aid if you happen to have a minor fall. Swimming here and a playground. I wish I lived closer but I personally think it's so great it's worth the road trip to get to. read more

See all

I visited the reservation for the first time and man... I can't wait to get back. It jas beautiful trails, HUGE trees. Very nice and clean. I was able to see 2 playground for kids. 2 dog parks and the lake or "beach". We parked behind the ocean state store and had to walk like 20min or so to the lake. I was able to count like 8 lifeguards. Land and water plus they rotate a lot. The wayer was clean and not that deep. Kids can play safely which is good. I am definitely going back!!!. read more

See all

Good trails and very pretty trees. Some of the trails are paved which is nice. Unfortunately always very crowded and Not everyone wearing masks on trails. It can be hard to get parking too read more

So I'm trying to take my dog for a hike in the fells, and the roosevelt circle exit is closed on 93N. Well... wtf.... back up plan, drive a bit further and head towards breakheart. I've always gone in the melrose entrance off route 1, near the target and the hockey rink. This place is like the fells, only maintained and fairly clean. There are two loop paths that are paved, perfect for people just wanting to walk in nature. There is a visitors center w/ bathrooms and trail maps... two essentials. Big things I like about this place are: o trash cans along the paved trail. o Beach that is dog friendly in the autumn and spring o dog park for off leash fun o fitness area for some plyometric action o dog friendly water fountain (seen in photos) Really a great place to trail run, walk, bring the pup, take the family, etc. A lot of pretty views of the boston sky line and the ocean. I did the ridge trail, which had 3 hills. read more

Breakheart Reservation - Dog friendly water fountain! - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

I think I found a great new place to walk. Feels like your in a country setting far from the city ,, Amazing views,, relaxing and if your Looking to breath some fresh air it's here !! I found the regulars to be extremely friendly to say hello along to you along the path ,, you don't get that these days !! Cute place to BBQ and their is a """"amazing beach """" and a cute """doggie """park ..... lot's to do for everyone ! Everyone one should check it out !!! read more

Breakheart Reservation - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

See all

Nice clean and well tended park. There are some paved loop trails, some fields and a swimming hole. This is a great local treasure! read more

Conveniently tucked away in the unsuspecting city of Saugus, Breakheart offers a perfectly measured injection of pure nature. This peaceful reservation could sway any city slicker towards appreciating nature and all she has to offer. With a paved trail, walkers, runners, and dog walkers can exercise on solid ground, while trails through the woods laden with pine-needles show off hidden gems such as wild mushrooms, mysteriously shaped trees and moss covered rocks. Breakheart is abundantly stocked for pro and amateur photographers alike, and having just visited today, my camera was out of memory 3/4 of the way through the trail, which took almost 2 hours (we stopped to photograph). On the opposite side of wooded trail, a fresh water beach supplies a very clean and clear swimming spot for dogs and ducks. Ultimately, Breakheart can serve many purposes: a source of exercise, enlightenment, peace, escape, and nature. read more

Breakheart Reservation - Breakheart at dusk - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

See all

I absolutely love this place, one of the hidden gems of the area. The place is massive, with numerous trails that intertwine all over the place. My cousins bring their dogs here and we hike for hours at a time, their dogs love it here. I love going off the trail and exploring the wilderness, seeing overturned trees covered in moss.. it's really a sight to behold. I love stumbling on local wildlife like Mantises and plants like vividly colored mushrooms. The best part about this place is that for a big place.. there isn't a lot of people that get in the way which is perfect for those who come here to run. As I mentioned before, there are numerous trails that vary in difficulty for those who want to run either incline or on a straight leveled path. After your run, just sit back and relax, enjoy the scenery of the lake or just people watch. The downside of this place is that there isn't a lot of parking so come prepared to sit for a bit and wait for a spot to open. Another downside is the fact that a lot of people don't like to pick up after their animals which is very nerve racking when you're running and smash your shoes into a pile of turd. Overall, like Deer Island and Lynn Woods Reservation, this place is a gem for runners and nature enthusiasts. read more

I visited this park during the weekend. It was a cool cloudy day so it was perfect for a walk through a forest. We visited through the Saugus entrance and was able to find parking very easily. My first impression of this park was that it was very popular with dog walkers. I think we passed by almost 2 dozen dogs and their dogwalkers while walking along Saugus River Trail. We don't own a dog through so this feature is lost to us. I was expecting the ponds to be impressive from the existing photos here. Perhaps we came at the wrong day but it looked quite ordinary. There was one lifeguard keeping watch over a few kids playing in the water. Unfortunately, there was a swarm of flying insects occupying the beach so we didn't stay to get a closer look. read more

Breakheart Reservation - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

What a beautiful, beautiful state park. Now that the weather is warming up, I've been looking for somewhere a close to the city to get some nature time. I did the smaller loop around Silver Lake last weekend - about 2.5 miles which was the perfect amount to squeeze into my afternoon before it got dark. Trails were fairly easy to follow if you pick up a map from the visitor center, and there were tons of people: kids, dogs, strollers, skateboarders, etc. Parking was sufficient even though it was a nice enough day to be busy. They also have free coffee in the visitor center with a jar for donations. I didn't have any, but it's a sweet gesture. Apparently there's a beach on the larger of the two lakes. I'll have to come out for a swim this summer! read more

Breakheart Reservation - Silver lake in late February - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

Been coming here for 35 years...It's a great place to walk/hike in and near all the city life that surrounds this gem of land. With 2 spectacular lakes and hilly terrain to give you an extra great workout, you will be an instant fan! It has a great history as well, so make sure to read up on it as well. Over the past 10 years or so, it has definitely been "Discovered" by inner-city peeps which is fine, but just don't plan on a secluded walk on the weekends anymore! I was also disappointed I couldn't "Check In" on my walk. How does one change or add a Check In spot? The Farm Street Address is not even accurate as it's considered the back entrance. The Main Entrance is located off of the Fellsway in Saugus near the Kasabuski Ice Rink. This entrance has the Log Cabin house with facilities and any information you need for trails and upcoming events. There was a live band there today playing in the Gazebo on the lawn...Awesome! Say HI to Maria...she is the Cabin's caretaker and just a wonderful person! read more

Breakheart Reservation - Silver Lake - Parks Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

See all

Nice stop and place to visit for hiking and walking with your dogs. Open paved path along with several trails throughout the area. For the most part, the paved trail is clean. Saw some dog poop on the path. Owners should be careful about leaving dog waste behind. If it becomes worse, this will be one spot that will close to dog owners. Building On site with lounge area and bathrooms. On street parking is limited. There is a local parking lot available for overflow. read more

Good place for a nice walk or run.. definitely beautiful views and walking around nature it's a great experience. More of a family place.. we hoping it stays this way read more

In town for some vacation, needed a traffic free place to take a walk and get some fresh air/exercise. Several options here both on the trail and off. Nice that there are a couple lakes as well. Some of the terrain is a bit hilly, so be ready for that, but it's not mountain like. The trails could use some more maintenance...but I understand the winter is just about over and no doubt there will be more maintenance coming soon. We parked on the Wakefield side at Northeast Regional Voc HS. Look forward to adding this to my routine when in town. read more

I stopped by the Saugus entrance to Breakheart Reservation this morning, to meet friends for a few laps on the 3 mile trail. The route is paved, but a bit hilly. I was early, so I stopped in the visitors center. They have a very friendly staff, coffee for sale, and a fish tank with adorable cat fish. There are also 2 vending machines on the visitor center front porch. I was disappointed that I couldn't check in on Yelp, because only the Wakefield entrance is listed as an address. read more

Nice place to come for a walk. They have a little beach and two playgrounds. Its very dog friendly. The visitors center is nice and it has a seating area, a fireplace, maps, bathrooms and coffee and hot coco. It a a very pretty place to come. I want to come back in the summer. read more

See all

The Breakheart Reservation in Saugus, Massachusetts has 29 scenic trails, and also, a special, safe, play environment for dogs in an area of the reservation called Bark Place. It is Breakheart's Leash-Free Barking Lot - a place where dogs can have fun, run free, and socialize with other dogs. Visit the Friends of Breakheart Reservation at http://www.saugus.org/FOBR/ and you will find a list of rules and a map for Bark Place (459885) which is available for download in PDF format. If you are interested in joining the Friends, applications can be found at the Breakheart Visitor Center, or can also be downloaded at the FOBR Web site. Also, visit Saugus.com - The Official Home Site for Saugus, MA - Breakheart Reservation at the following URL: www.saugus.com/content/view/31/119/ Park Leash Policy: Off-leash only in Certain areas Permitted Dog Areas: Restricted Fenced Areas: Certain Sections Park Size: Medium (10-20 acres) Poop Bags: Often Available at accessible areas Parking: Good Recommended Reading: Dog-Friendly New England - A Traveler's Companion by Trisha Blanchet with Ginger Warder, The Countryman Press, Woodstock - Vermont, Copyright © 2014 read more

See all

No high mountains or waterfalls but a great little few miles walk. It does have two lakes not big or anything but pretty. You can walk on the no traffic paved road or through the forest. Either way a good time. read more

Just find a parking spot and walk, jog, swim and enjoy.

Quiet Historical nice building structure great to study for school projects fun looking

The Breakheart Reservation is an excellent place to get out in the wild away from the hustle and bustle of life in the suburbs and city. It is convinient to route 128 and 93 as well as route 28. One entrance is located on the other side of the reservation in Saugus but I prefer to park at the NE Vocational Tech. H.S. just past the Wakefield H.S. off of farm rd. The reservation offers many things to do: Miles of trails of varying degree of difficulty criss cross the reservation. The most popular trail is the Paved trail that runs for about 3-4 miles around the reservation. It is perfect for walking, jogging , biking or rollerblading. There is an outer loop and inner loop. the Fox Run Trail is more difficult ridge trai runs alongside a ridge that overlooks Pearce Lake for atime. It is a good trail for conditioning. The Fox Run Trail is blazed in Red The Ridge Trail is the most difficult trail in the park. It is blazed white and quite steep in places. It offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline and surrounding area however. The Silver Lake trail is blazed in Blue and encircles Silver Lake. A beautiful Sunset spot and also a relatively easy hike. the Fern Trail is in Gold blazes and connect with the Pearce Lake trail. The Pearce Lake trail encircles the Pearce Lake. It is of moderate difficulty. There is a visitor center at the Saugus side, but as I said I prefer to park at the Wakefield Side off Farm Rd and route 129, since it can be reached easily from route 128 and also since Wakefield Center is nearby for snacks and or dinner afterwards. There is no real transit nearby unless you take the commuter rail to Wakefield Center and then a taxi. there are maps of the Breakheart Reservation available at the park entrance. The park has a swimming beach (no lifeguards) at Pearce Lake and a playground. Lots of Picnic tables, and even a dog off leash area. The state police patrol the area for safety. read more