A 652-acre DCR forest of rocky hills and two freshwater lakes straddling Saugus and Wakefield, laced with hiking and mountain-biking trails that feel far removed from Route 1 just outside its gates. A visitor center anchors the Forest Street side and Pearce Lake holds the reservation's swimming beach.
What to expect
Trails
Trails moderate · natural
Dogs
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and…
Hours
Sunrise to sunset; the interior road network stays closed to vehicles year-round beyond the two lots
Swim
Allowed mid-June-Labor Day
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
What's here
On site
Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center
exhibits and information
Common questions
Is Pearce Lake Beach part of Breakheart Reservation?
The swim beach sits inside the reservation at the north end of Pearce Lake and shares its parking and management with the rest of the park.
Are there trails at Breakheart Reservation?
Yes. moderate difficulty. Surface: natural.
Is there an entry fee at Breakheart Reservation?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Breakheart Reservation?
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and search-dog training are excepted (302 CMR 12.13).
What rules should I know at Breakheart Reservation?
No vehicles beyond the two parking lots; cars cannot drive the interior roads at any time of year.