Marblehead Running Highlights

Marblehead is one of the prettiest towns on Boston’s north shore, and has fantastic options for running. Historically a major center of commercial fishing and whaling, the town boasts spectacular homes along the water, narrow, older streets, and parks with great running trails. Here are four great running options in Marblehead, all of which can be interwoven:

Marblehead Neck. A great 4.25-mile (6.8km) loop, with water views and spectacular homes. From the intersection of Ocean Ave. & Beach Rd., run across the causeway for 1/2 mile, then hug Ocean Ave. Jaunt out to the point at Chandler Park, and return via Harbor Ave. and Foster St. MAP

Marblehead Waterfront. Very nice running along the water for about 2.5 miles (4km). A good starting point is Seaside Park (Cliff St.). Hug the water on Cliff St., Gregory St., & Front St. to Fort Sewall. Then take Doaks Ln., Beacon St. Orne St., & Beacon, to where it turns inland at Crowningshield. 2.5 miles one-way, or 5 miles out and back. Add on interior Marblehead roads. Intermittent water views, nice homes and parks.  MAP

Historic Streets. Just away from the water, there are some narrow, historic streets featuring antique homes and quaint businesses. Create your own run, staying north of Seaside Park., up to the Simon Bradstreet House, and east of Pleasant St.

Off-Road Trails. There are 1.5 miles of trails in Steer Swamp Conservation area (Trail MAP). The Marblehead Rail Trail is 4.1 miles (6.6 km) with two branches: From Bessom St., head south through residential sections of Marblehead for 1.7 miles to the terminus at Temple Emanu-El. Or, head toward Salem, for 2.1 miles through the lovely Wyman Woods, with some nice views of the Harbor, to Canal St. Marblehead Section MAP. Salem Section MAP.