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Breakheart Reservation
- Nearest Transit:
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Farm St @ Nahant St - Wakefield Hs (428)
Main St Opp Harmon Rd (428)
Main St @ Harmon Rd (428)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
34 reviews for Breakheart Reservation
34 reviews in English
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Review from Damien S.
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. -
Review from Leo F.
Brooklyn, NY
5/6/2012 1 photo
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. -
Review from Chris M.
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. -
Review from Bungalow B.
Burlington, VT
4/4/2011
My dog and I were down in the Boston area this past weekend and with time to kill on Sunday, I took her to Breakheart to check out the dog park, Bark Place. First, I think it's worth noting that the walking/bike path that runs through the reservation is pretty nice. Lots of smells and friendly dogs for Agatha to sniff. And on such a nice day, how could you not love the reservation?
With that said, I feel so badly for Boston dogs because their dog parks are horrible. As a Vermonter, I'm used to dog parks the size of football fields with plenty of room to run without having to stop and turn around every four seconds. I understand that in a city, space is limited, and that's precisely why I went to Breakheart. It's a reservation with plenty of land, so their dog park must be huge, right? Wrong. Oh my dear lord, how very very wrong.
Bark Place is situated in a shady after-thought of a corner of the reservation. It's shady to the point that, while the rest of the reservation is free of mud, the dog park is still draining its moisture. It's fenced in so the dogs can run around off-leash, yes, but the fenced in area is the size of a Little League infield. There's no way a medium-to-large-sized dog can get enough exercise from running around this park. Not only that, but with so many dogs in such a small place, you're more likely to run into aggression problems. The doggy bag dispenser was nice, but of course it was empty. This place was so disappointing that in the 20 minutes Agatha and I spent in it, four dog owners walked up to the park, looked around, and walked away.
Come on Boston, you can do better. -
Review from Andrea E.
Malden, MA
7/24/2011 2 photos
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! -
Review from Danielle K.
Quincy, MA
6/12/2011
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. -
Review from Kristin S.
Framingham, MA
8/7/2011
I just moved back here from California and the one thing I miss the most other than my friends is the hiking & trail running. One of my friends told me about the reservation and I decided to explore it, I went on a rainy day and didn't care, it was still amazing & breathtaking views. I tried both the blue & red paths; both were wonderful. I have a dog and I'm looking forward to bringing her with me next time for a walk and to the dog park.
I would highly recommend this reservation to anyone and I look forward to bringing my clients here as well! -
Review from Anna W.
9/22/2011
Who would have known that this great green space is located right in the middle of the concrete jungle known as Saugus? I will be forever grateful to my friend Ericka for telling me about this gorgeous place!
Now, granted, I have only been here a handful of times, and each time, all we did was walk the paved trail (it's an oft-hilly loop of approximately three miles). The trail is really nice... it is paved, so I can bring the chibble in her stroller. About halfway through, there's a little beach area that also has picnic tables, porta potties, and a children's playground area. There's also a dog park called Bark Place (if you enter from the entrance on the right, it's about one mile in. If you enter from the left, it's two miles in). The few times we went to the dog park, there were no other dogs there, so we just let our mutts run free for a few minutes.
Things we love about Breakheart:
-- The walk is do-able by just about anyone - kids, adults, seniors, and animals.
-- Terrain is hilly, which makes for a good workout that you can fit in in under an hour
-- Trees everywhere, and a beach halfway through so you can stop and relax
-- Facilities are available (bathrooms, and there are also trashbarrels all around).
-- Easily accessible by car, free parking
Things that could be improved:
-- no water fountains, anywhere :-( I thought my small dog was going to pass out the first time we hiked here. From now on, I bring water with me, but it'd be nice if they had drinkable water around (the lake water doesn't count).
-- gets crowded during peak hours. The path is wide enough for two lanes of people to walk past each other, but when there are a lot of people, it gets a little squishy.
-- mosquitoes. Everywhere! bring bug spray if you go at dusk or dawn.
-- I read in the paper a few weeks ago that a woman was assaulted here. PLEASE be careful when you are walking (not just here, but anywhere). Be alert of your surroundings, and don't go when it's dark. Stick to the paved path if you are alone. It has more foot traffic than the dirt trails.
-- The two trail entrances are incredibly NOT stroller friendly. They have these little roadblocks in the way that aren't wide enough for a stroller to get through. HIGHLY annoying.
All in all, we really enjoy coming here! -
Review from Paul S.
Malden, MA
3/14/2011
This place is great! I bring my dog here as much as I can. I let him off leash in their dog park and keep him on leash for the trails.
The dog park is a long walk from the parking lot, so its not good for quick trips. Also, bring your own bags. They have a few doggie stations, but they're always out. -
Review from Jeff D.
Winchester, MA
7/15/2005
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. -
Review from Francesca R.
7/6/2009
Yuppie-proofed by the cultural electric fence that is Saugus, Breakheart reservation is an ideal day out for nature lovers of all ilks as it has both something for everyone and is surprisingly uncrowded.
There are trails from easy to moderate, lakes for fishing, a play area for kids, a dog park, a fire pit and actual clean bathrooms. We were there this past weekend--the first sunny weekend after Doom June *and* the 4th of July holiday, and it was remarkably unpeopled. We went on the moderate Ridge Trail hike (sweat-inducing, but definitely doable for all but the morbidly obsese) which takes you past a nice view of Boston's skyline as well as old crumbling rock walls from the farmers that used to live here. We only saw three people on the whole trail. Three!
Most people, admittedly, were at the little beach (complete with an ice cream truck that cruises by every hour or so). But still, given the factors of both holiday weekend and first time we'd seen the sun since May, it was not overwhelmingly crowded. Even at 1 in the afternoon, all six of us in my group would've been able to spread out with a blanket and a book.
So if you're willing to venture into the wasteland of Route 1, there is an amazingly vast and unspoilt bit of nature for you to enjoy right nearby. For free!Listed in: She was a daaaay tripper
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Review from Kelly A.
4/25/2009
How have I not reviewed Breakheart???? It's only been my go-to nature spot for, oh, about four years now.
It is a beautiful nature reservation in the middle of Saugus, complete with both paved and unpaved pathways, a beach, a pond, playgrounds, a dog park, and a visitors center. In other words, it's basically everything you could ever want in a nature reservation.
On beautiful spring mornings like this one, I like nothing better than to trek on over there and walk. On beautiful summer days, I enjoy going there for a swim. The water is rather shallow most of the time, but it gets the job done when you're looking to cool off sans salt and oceany grossness.
I feel lucky to live in such close proximity to Breakheart and it provides me with a great place to clear my head and enjoy trees and fresh air. -
Review from Mary R.
Somerville, MA
4/10/2008
I just visited Breakheart for the first time yesterday and LOVED it (i even went back today - what a great place to spend a day like today!). It really is a hidden gem. I haven't tried any of the actual trails, but I'd walked both loops of the paved path and they make for a great workout. Lots of hills, but I didn't mind because of the beautiful scenery and atmosphere. The visitor center is also very nice and seems well maintained.
I would have easily given it 5 stars, but my co-worker also told me about the car break-ins, which I was totally surprised by, but seem to be a sad reality. -
Review from Betty P.
Peabody, MA
5/11/2008
Wow, it's been over 5 years since I have been here, but I went hiking here today and I was pleasantly surprised. There are some great trails and everybody we ran into today was so friendly.
There were dogs everywhere and the view from Eagle Rock is just so breathtaking. It's kinda funny that nestled next to Target is this beautiful slice of nature. I can't wait to go back and try some other trails. There is even a small beach and dog park! It's a great option for North Shore or Boston families who want to feel removed from the city, but not have to drive too far to "get away" from the hustle and bustle of city life. -
Review from Amy K.
Stoneham, MA
10/16/2007
I was so excited to be here over the weekend - we saw some pretty foliage and it was crisp enough to be a great walk! Never in my life have I seen dog owners pushing their dogs around in baby strollers though. Wha? Yep, crazy-cat-lady types pushing muffy and twinkles along in a baby stroller "we're going home for dinnies soon, see, we go get yum yums now" in this squeaky baby talk voice. I think my eyes did a 360 in my head.
Other than encounters of the strange kind it is really a beautiful place and I am looking forward to my next hike here. Crossing my fingers that the weather holds out for an end of October foliage hike. -
Review from Anonymous U.
Middlesex, MA
8/4/2011
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.
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Review from Katherine I.
Boston, MA
7/12/2009
Located 20 minutes outside of Boston is a well maintained, peaceful, nature reserve replete with visitor center, canopied walkways, pine needle paths, plenty of fresh air, small, life guarded, fresh water beach, playground, gas grill only picnic areas, off leash dog enclosure, friendly people, fishing, swimming, lake vistas, dog walkers, joggers, couples, families, wild turkey, squirrel sized chipmunks, and positive energy. Exactly what a New England reservation should be - clean, quiet, undisturbed, green, and a reminder of the pre-industrial age. Hard to believe this haven is in Saugus.
N.B. The dog enclosure can get muddy after a rain. Warning: There could be mud wrestling. However, there are inlets along the lake's perimeter to rinse Fido. Just keep him off the beach.Listed in: Dog Social!
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Review from Alexis L.
Boston, MA
10/11/2009 2 photos
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. -
Review from Scott F.
Brookline, MA
5/20/2008
There we were, man and dog, ready to brave the elements and traverse the landscape in search of: Bark Place.
Bark Place - where dogs run free and there is no law.
OK, so it's a dog park along the various (very cool) hiking trails at Breakheart, but the drama really adds something, doesn't it?
Breakheart is truly a hidden jewel. Located right near Kelly's Roast Beef, Soc's Ice Cream, and the ubiquitous Target, you'd never know it was there unless you were looking for it.
My advice: pick a warm day, pack the puppy and a picnic, and have a blast. You won't regret it....
5 Stars, and 4 Paws up! -
Review from Lauren F.
2/26/2011
Breakheart is conveniently located halfway between Medford and the Salem-Peabody area, just off Route 1. The park has nicely paved walking trails as well as offroad trails. The reservation is big enough that once you're inside, you won't realize how close you are to a major highway. Also, parking is free and I've never had a problem getting a spot. About a 10 minutes' walk from the Saugus parking lot is Bark Place, a fenced-in off-leash dog park. There are trash barrels (not all state parks have them away from the lot!) and the dog park's surface is mulch chips, which is nice because it doesn't turn to mud.
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Review from David V.
Allston, MA
1/25/2010
Ahhhhh, in my youth I remember Breakheart as a great place to go for a midnight skinny dip or keg party.
As an old man I find it a great place to walk, run, jog and take in some fresh air. My dog loves the many trails available, along with the awesome closed in doggy park that is provided. I try to drive up there at least once a week. Breakheart is only about 15-20 minutes from Boston and is truly a hidden jewel. -
Review from Tricia W.
Wakefield, MA
4/23/2011
This place is awesome!
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Review from Quinn E.
Updated - 1/14/2009 1 Check-in Here
I checked out the dog park with my pup the other day, and it was ok. Small, but double fenced and perfectly ample for a game of chase. But I can throw a ball further than the fence, so don't bother bringing the Chuckit thing. It's a ways in, so you do get a good walk in before you get to "Bark Place," which helps tire the dog out enough that he doesn't have to run so much, but I would've liked a few more square feet. Still, we'll be back for walks through the woods. I wouldn't make the dog park the destination though.
Listed in: Let's Go Outside!, See Spot Run
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/24/2008
The only reason I can't give this place 5 stars is that every time I've gone here has been with a… Read more »
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Review from Yuko I.
Malden, MA
11/6/2011
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.
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Review from Jim S.
Lynnfield, MA
11/19/2006
We went to Breakheart for a ride with the kids today.. this is a real gem within striking distance of the commercial mess of Route 1. We took the short loop and it was just right for today. The paved roads were perfect for bikes... would probably be good on rollerblades too.
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Review from kelli r.
South Boston, MA
7/31/2007
I can't believe that I grew up in Wakefield and never walked Breakheart. It was a great workout!!! The scenery is beautiful. It is wooded so you are somewhat shaded from the sun which is nice on really sweltering day. The path that I took was a little over 3 miles with quite a few hills. I have a feeling I used some muscles trekking over those hills!!! I'm heading there again tomorrow!
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Review from Marc H.
Boston, MA
3/26/2009
Saugus isn't generally seen as a place to enjoy the great outdoors (unless you sit in the parking lot of Prince Pizzeria with the windows down and enjoy the delicious smells of oregano and cornmeal), but Breakheart Reservation isn't just a great place to get outside, but it is also one of the most rugged spots in the Greater Boston area. Some of the trails are very steep and dicey in places, and the trails around the ponds bring people to some really pristine spots. The place can get crazy in the summer (there is a popular beach here), but most of the time it is a pretty peaceful place. And the visitor center is actually a rustic lodge complete with a fireplace. Tough to beat that....
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Review from julie c.
Santa Fe, NM
9/22/2011
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.
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Review from AJ G.
Boston, MA
11/7/2010
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!
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Review from L E.
Boston, MA
8/23/2011
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.
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Review from Thomas J.
Boston, MA
10/13/2010
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.
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Review from Derek W.
Melrose, MA
5/5/2010
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.
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Review from Omeletteuknow O.
New England, ND
10/5/2007
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.
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Review from James R.
Middlesex, MA
8/1/2009
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.
