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The perfect sampler of what the biggest park in Boston has to offer.


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Map Key

2.9

Miles

4.7

KM

99%

Runnable

156' 48 m

High

65' 20 m

Low

128' 39 m

Up

125' 38 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Historical Significance

Overview

Using the Walking Loop as the main path, this run heads into "The Wilderness" for some additional wooded exploration as well as a rewarding view from the Schoolmaster Hill Trail. These paths and trails can be traveled in any direction.

Runner Notes

Fun runs and competitions held at Franklin Park commonly use the trails through The Wilderness. A beautiful urban woodland with dozens of trails to link together.

Description

From the main parking area by the William J. Devine Golf Course, start out heading south on the paved Walking Loop parallel to Blue Hill Ave. After a couple hundred yards or so, continue through the playground and picnic area as the path heads west/southwest around the golf course.

At the first intersection, head right (east) toward and around Scarboro Pond. Continue north along the paved path past the tennis courts and baseball field to Circuit Drive and the 99 Steps/Ellicott Arch. Here, you'll enter "The Wilderness" area on one of the many paths through the area. Keep an eye on the Trail Run Project mobile app as you generally make your way to the northwest. When in doubt, turn right and you'll hit Circuit Drive/Jewish War Veteran's Drive, where the Walking Loop continues and accesses the Schoolmaster Hill Trail.

The Schoolmaster Hill Trail loop provides one of the best viewpoints in the area. The name honors Ralph Waldo Emerson who was a teacher in nearby Roxbury in the 1820s.

After taking in the views, continue back to the Walking Loop and finish the remaining three-quarters of a mile back to the golf course parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Native oak forest.

History & Background

Franklin Park was established in 1885, 27 years before the zoo in 1912, as the largest of the parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It's said that the name of the park is due to the park commissioners initially hoping that the money needed to create the park would come from Benjamin Franklin's trust fund.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#3814

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Photos

99 Steps
Oct 22, 2019 near Jamaica…, MA
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Oct 22, 2019 near Jamaica…, MA

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