Breakheart is a wonderful reservation that deserves a five star rating if it were not for the increasing number of dog owners who do not clean up after their pets. It's getting so bad that I sometimes refer to it as dog feces reservation. This past weekend I observed a couple simply walking away after their dog pooped in the middle of the asphalt walk. I called them out and was told to mind my own business. If this is the kind of people that are going to be there then I'll find another place to go. read more

Love this place! A little nature oasis in the burbs :-) there is a playground for kids, a couple lakes, two paved paths and many dirt trails, a nature center (with bathrooms), a dog park etc. read more

This is a great place for hikes. I have 2 dogs who go with me on each hike. There are points where I let them off leash as there are typically no people. There are a ton of trails, some more challenging (climbing up rocks) than others. There is also a tar path that wraps throughout the park you can walk on if you don't like to walk through the woods. There is also a couple of ponds/lakes throughout the park, 1 of which has lifeguards and you can swim in. The parking is VERY tough and often full if it's a nice day, so go early if you want to make sure you get a parking spot. Trails are pretty well marked w/spray paint or wooden markers on trees and occasionally on rocks (in the rocky sections). read more

Breakheart Reservation is a "little piece of heaven" located in Saugus and Wakefield. I lived off the Lynn Fells so I always enter via Saugus. There is a decent amount of parking along the road as well as a parking lot where the hockey rink is (I think it's a hockey rink). There is a visitors center with CLEAN restrooms and vending machines. When I want to walk or jog I stick to the paved trail. I think it's a little over 3 miles. I must say that I am always impressed with the cleanliness on this trail. For the amount of people that frequent it, it's nice to see nature being respected. I have occasionally gone off into the hiking trails, but I feel that there are other trails in the Middlesex Fells that are better for hiking, such as Crystal Springs. When you get to right around the halfway point you reach a pond and it is a great spot to take pictures. It's a beautiful scene with all the majestic pine trees. There is a little beach there and in the summer it gets crazy busy with families swimming and grilling. I just keep going. I personally wouldn't swim there but it doesn't seem nearly as bad as other places in the area (read my review on Sandy Beach...gross). Breakheart is a great place to take your bike. Even though I haven't been on a bike since I was 10, I say this with confidence. There seems to be some pretty sweet bike trails along the path. Although this is a great place to escape, I wouldn't advise women to go alone. I have seen some creepy guys (and girls) on the trails and I do recommend that if you don't have a buddy to go with you, at the very least bring a dog or some pepper spray. Breakheart is great during all seasons. It's gorgeous in the fall, as well as early winter after the first snowfall. The summer tends to get pretty buggy with black flies (like most places between late June-Aug.) so bring some spray. Overall, a great place to get some good old fashioned fresh air and exercise. read more

I have been exercising with my husband in Breakheart it seems like forever. We love the hills and trails and of course the scenery. Our Bichon Kola loves it too. I must say that since he injured his knee we have been taking him in his doggie stroller, and no, I am not one of those people who talk baby talk to my dog, but I must say he does have alot of outfits he strolls in at Breakheart. read more

My husband and I walk Breakheart all the time. It is very peaceful. Nice place for a 3 mile stroll or a nice hike in the woods.

So pleasantly surprised by this park not too far north of Boston. Really nice trails that go up and down a few very small peaks. Also some easier, paved paths which are pleasant as well. The swimming area is not something I would partake of...lots of small kids roped into a very small area...but walking around the rest of the pond was very picturesque. read more

This is a great reservation - not too wild for a novice like me to be intimidated but still a challenge. They have a number of varying trails and the scenery is as expected - beautiful. My wife and I come here often with our 18 month old son and he has a blast. We're outdoor loving people, especially my son who just loves running up the paved paths and being carried when we climb up a few rocks on one of the many winding paths. This is a great place to bike or go for an intense run if you'd like. They have a visitor center with bathrooms when you enter, a good deal of parking, and a varity of trails so everyone has something they can do. And the location is great for those of us north of Boston. read more

This reservation is truly a gold mine of nature just outside the city. The dog run here is a little under-the-weather, but our puppy certainly didn't notice. There are tons of dog-friendly walking paths, well-maintained facilities, and, of course, magnificent scenery. Thank you DCR for maintaining such a beautiful reservation! read more

Pretty tall pines and some good elevation for cardio. Too many loud group of revelers to fully commune with nature.

Great place to go for a walk either on or off the road. Have visited at all times of the year for about 50 years. Trails are mostly well marked. Trash barrels are scattered which helps to keep it clean. Staff are friendly and do a great job on what is likely a very limited budget. read more

Advice to the management at Breakheart; train your "Ranger Ricks" to better approach individuals and stop them from harassing people. I personally witnessed one of them, harass an individual who was deaf and had a service animal accompanying them, walking along the beach area. The park security or ranger or whatever they are, I'll go with glorified mall cop, was yelling obscenities towards the individual and was making extremely insensitive remarks towards them, simply because they couldn't hear them with their back turned, it was one of the most disgusting things I've ever witnessed, all because the service animal was too close to the beach; meanwhile there are people smoking pot/cigarettes, vaping and throwing trash everywhere along the "beach area," but by all means go and harass a handicapped individual. Its sad my family had to witness an employee of the park act completely unprofessional not only as an employee but as a decent human. I absolutely never leave reviews, but I hope this is noticed and addressed internally before another unsuspecting individual is confronted with hostility by one of these mall cops. read more

We went here today and had a blast. There are reg. Hiking trails and ones for beginners on the pavement. This place has it all for a fun filled day. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy at least ten great spots to eat. The fish jump out of the water, so fishing is great. The small beach is quaint with attentive life guards. There are multiple areas to relax by the lakes and even a great visitor center with some small reptiles to enjoy. The customer service is excellent there and everyone says hi to you down the trails.there is even an ice cream truck for near the beach.did I mention there are multiple parks for the kids to play. Plan to walk more than you prepared for and spend at least two hours for the full effect. read more

Really enjoyed the hike - we did break heart mtn trail to fox run to around the lakes. Gorgeous views, trails, just went today when temperature around 35-40 with my three under 5 yr old sons, did about 3 miles,nthey should be asleep by 6 pm! Cool huge rocks, trees, etc to climb over Like it even more than middlesex fells ( which is also amazing but has more litter) Will be back as long as temp stays above freezing. read more

This is my favorite park in the area. There's plenty of other awesome features in Breakheart. I'm just going to mention my favorite. If you're mud runner or just trail runner in general and looking for a place to train, you're gonna love the Ridge Trail! Nice elevation changes with rocks to climb over, but nothing over the top. It's always a fun adventure for me. The bonus is that the Ridge Trail, unlike the paved ones below, are almost always a ghost town. Highly recommended! read more

I love the long paved loop, I used to go running here a lot. Never felt unsafe. Multiple entry points for parking options. Good place to go for very easy hikes with small kids. read more

I really enjoy this place! II am a father of a 3 1/2 year old boy and Breakheart offers a lot, and the best thing is its free! We park at the Wakefield entrance and walk into the Pearce Lake area. There is a small playground right behind the beach area, as well as portapotties.. The beach is nothing fancy, but usually not crowded , even on weekends in the summer which makes it relaxing.. Ice cream man comes by which everyone loves...Water in the lake is clean and refreshing..Since it is in the woods, there are areas to sit under in the shade. We've enjoyed walking the trails which are very well marked and have the blazes on the trees and rocks which my son loves pointing out, like a treasure hunt. The hike to Eagle Rock gives a great view of the beach on one side, and Boston in the distance on the other. We also did the blue Pearce Lake trail which is not that strenuous.. Also, the trails are good for trail running and training. Great overall spot. Highly recommended.. One note, if you are going to park in the Wakefield Vocational lot and walk to the beach and come with kids, I'd recommend wearing a backback and also using some type of wheeled cart or wagon to pullyour stuff in...It's a decent walk and your stuff gets real heavy if you have to hold it.. read more

Love this place! great fenced in dog area that I can take my pup to go and play off leash, a wonderful paved walking trail with many other trails off of it, great way to spend some time outside. Love taking my dog around the big loop and stopping by Bark place to get some time off leash. My dog loves it, I love it, everyone I meet there is very friendly and nice. recommend going their for a hike or if you have a four legged friend, it is a great place to get them some exercise. read more

I have loved this place since I was a kid (I've been in Saugus all my life) but it's turning into a dump thanks to the increasing neglect from other visitors. Many people let their dogs run off leash, I don't care if your dog is "friendly" that's ignorant of the other visitors who may not have a friendly dog or maybe are allergic or afraid. Many people also don't pick up after their dogs, last winter this place was littered with poop it was horrendous. And don't get me started on the city folk who have been coming down and leaving litter all over the beach and camp fire areas. If people started picking up after themselves and were mindful of the other visitors this reservation would be restored to the magical place it once was. read more

I'm visiting from my home at Hampton Beach NH for July and August. I'm used to walking along the beach, but I love my walk/hikes at Breakheart! It is a beautiful park with something for everyone young and old. I walk the park everyday except for my gym days. I notice people of all ages, lots of people with dogs and lots of families with kids especially around the beach. The hills on the main trail provide an excellent workout! I highly recommend this place! Also, lots of very challenging trails! read more

Absolutely beautiful here. So peaceful, at times. I only wish you could swim out a lil farther. The deepest is prob 3 feet.

I could tell that some of the nature trails would be nice for hiking. However, I came to swim, and upon entering the water I was yelled out through a bull-horn by a lifeguard because I was outside of some "designated swimming area." Unfortunately, the designated swimming area was small, didn't get any deeper than my waist, and was filled with screaming children. read more

I love, love, love Breakheart Reservation. It is incredible for running, with long, rolling hills mixed in with some nice flat sprint space--paved. There are two entrances to this place. One is located off the Fellsway in Saugus and the other on the Wakefield side by the Vocational School. They've recently built a really nice restroom area. There's a great little area to do some stretching and pullups, situps, etc. There are picnic tables, a doggy fenced in "barking lot" and real nice trails. However.....as nice as it sounds, beware, cars have been broken into and you may see one or two odd looking people walking around. The place is always packed with people so I am not concerned about personal safety BUT my car was broken into 2 years ago in daylight. "They" smashed the passenger window and stole my purse which was hidden under the front seat. I learned my lesson and I never bring anything valuable. Minus one star for the hoodlums who stole my purse AND broke my window. I love the place too much to stay away though. This is a pretty popular place anytime of day. read more

This place is sort of amazing. When I was a kid I used to come to the beach here. Now, I've found that it's a great place for a run. There are two paved paths (which are also roads for patrolling state cops and an ice cream truck), one just under 2 miles and the other just under 3. They are mostly under shade, which is great, and you're surrounded by nature. If you want to be totally ensconced in nature, you can run or hike one of the many nature trails here (they offer some pretty breathtaking views). One thing to keep in mind about Breakheart though, is that it is extremely hilly. All in all, I love Breakheart and I doubt I'll ever find a place I'd rather run. I almost gave it 5 stars but it lost 1 for being a little hillier than I'd like and for the damn ice cream truck which always almost runs me over. read more

This is one of the best spots on the North Shore to go hiking (maybe even the best). There are so many secluded trails that make you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere (until you hear an airplane or highway traffic). You will probably get the chance to see deer and other wildlife if you spend enough time here. The trails range from easy to challenging (man, try the Ridge Trail sometime), and there are lots of other recreational opportunities within the reservation. One of my favorite places in the area. read more

I brought my dog here for a play date and due to my bad sense of direction, we ended up walking around for quite a while looking for the dog park. It was a really nice walk. It's great to get out of the city and be surrounded by nature for a little. However, the dog park is so tiny!! It's also pretty dusty and can get very hot due to the lack of shade. I think it's not worth the drive if you're just going to the dog park, but it's worth it if you plan on going on a nature walk. read more

It is a beautiful place with rocks and a good walk, maybe 40min brisk walk or less for a girl. I love this place but there are so many mosquitoes and parking can be annoying. Also, I have heard of a sexual assault... and I also got one stalker from there. So, I am staying away from this place. read more

Amazing place! Very peaceful and quiet. Lots of trails leading off the main road/path. The lake is great for bbq'ing and family outings. Dog friendly, but the dog park inside breakhart has always been empty when I've gone read more

Breakheart, I go hiking here quite regularly. The trails are somewhat ok. However the care of the park is minimal. On the two high rocks there is broken glass all over the place. I am weary of taking my dog up there. Every trail I have been on has trash on it. The beach should be called a wading area, as it is roped off at about 3 feet and it so packed that you cannot swim at all. The dog park is a joke. Its a very small fenced in area. The only time I have seen workers there, they are sitting or driving around or walking around the parking lot looking for trouble. Never have I seen anyone tending the trails. Not sure who manages this place but some more effort should be put into the care of this place. I go to dcr parks all the time and this is one of the worse. read more