Directions to Breakheart Reservation: From north or south: Take Rte. 1 to Lynn Fells Parkway exit, follow Lynn Fells Parkway a short distance, (in vicinity of Target, Marshall's,across from Petrie's Florist), take a right onto Forest Street.
The Park entrance is after Kasabuski Ice Skating Rink.
The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Breakheart Reservation is a 640-acre hardwood forest with jagged, rocky outcroppings, two fresh-water lakes, and a rambling section of the Saugus River.
Seven rocky hills, over 200 feet high, provide vistas of Boston, southern New Hampshire
and central Massachusetts. An extensive trail system through the woodlands guides visitors to various areas of the reservation. Fishing in Silver and Pearce Lakes, hiking
the trails and birdwatching by the Saugus River are popular year-round activities.
The reservation is closed to vehicles year round, providing a fresh airatmosphere for visitors.
Parking is available at the Forest Street parking lot in Saugus,
and the Northeast Vocational School parking lot in Wakefield. The supervised swimming area at Pearce Lake, one of the few fresh- water swimming spots north of Boston, draws crowds in the summer.
In addition to its natural resources, the reservation has a rich cultural history.
All events, programs and activities are subject to change.
Please take a moment to call ahead to confirm. (781) 233 - 0834
2013 Programs & Events at Breakheart Reservation Many co-sponsored by MA DCR and
the Friends of Breakheart Reservation & Camp Nihan
Park Serve Day RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 27, 2013 SaturdayApril 27, 2013
from 10:00 am to 12 noon
Meet at Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center Join thousands of civic minded volunteers across the Commonwealth
to clean, plant, and beautify your State Parks. Please register athttp://parkserv.env.state.ma.us/volunteer.aspx
Ranger Dan’s Nature Walks Sundays-April 7, 14, 21, 28
from 1:00 to 2:30 pm Meet at Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center Explore Breakheart Reservation at a gentle family-friendly pace.
For additional information about the many FREE programs
offered in your State Parks, please call (781) 233 - 0834 or e-mail The following DCR Staff-Led Programs
are offered Free of Charge to your school or organization
Breakheart Movie Friday Nights at 7:00 pm FREE for all ages.
At the Breakheart Reservation Visitor Center
with hot cocoa, a roaring fire (when appropriate), and a family movie.
Dress the kids in their PJ’s and bring a cozy blanket for a fun family night out.
Plenty of free parking.Early birds get the rocking chairs! For more information, please call (781) 233-0834 The Friends of Breakheart & Camp Nihan provided the audio visual magic
machinery to present family friendly fare on the big screen. We welcome your organization to sponsor a family movie night
at our fabulous hunting-lodge-style Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center.
Coastal Awareness Environmental Education Program click here to view / print flyer By appointment January through April
A DCR educator is available to visit schools, libraries, hospitals,
and other meeting places to present the 1-hour programs listed below.
(Note that no live animals are used.)
Delightful Shorebirds-for children in grades 4 through 6
During this lively presentation utilizing games and activities, children will
learn about shorebirds that live on or visit the coast of Massachusetts,
and some of the problems that they face.
In order to perform the activities, a large meeting area is needed
for the children to move around in.
Sea Turtle Surprises-for children in grades K through 5
During this lively presentation, children will learn about turtles that visit
the coast of Massachusetts and some of the problems that they face.
Spectacular Seashell Animals-for children in grades 4 through 12
Using hands-on activities, children and teenagerswill learn about
animals with shells that live in coastal and marine habitats.
Environmental Ethics-for children in grades 6 through 12
Using games, activities and discussion childrenand teenagers will
explore issues surrounding conservation, land use, and wildlife.
Schoolsmay need to supply some materials for this program
(markers and large pieces of paper).
Contact Matthew Nash to arrange a visit to your meeting place. or call (781) 485 - 2804 ext. 105
SIGNS OF LIFE Park Field Trips by Appointment Educators and youth leaders are welcomed to book field trips to beautiful
DCR North Region (Metro North) forest, marsh, and coastal locales. For more info and registration call (781) 231-1203 or email
GREAT DESTINATIONS Call for this travelling slide show of the prettiest places in the Commonwealth
to come to your Senior Center, Library, or Civic Organization. By appointment
Contact LynnHildenbrand at (781) 231-1203
THE CCC SHOW The Civilian Conservation Corps put people to work during the Great Depression.
See how the Pinecone Johnnysmadepublic lands
into the recreation havens we know and love to this day. For more info, call (781) 231-1203 or email
Breakheart Offers Trails for Hiking, Walking, and Jogging
Healthy Heart Trails DCR is excited to promote the Healthy Heart Trails initiative to promote better health.
Over 50 trails will be designated statewide in the hope Massachusetts residents will
make them part of their regular exercise routine.
Healthy HeartTrails measure approximately 1.5 miles or less in length and are easy to moderate.
The Fox Run Trail to Saugus River Trail at Breakheart is designated a Healthy Heart Trail.
The trail begins off the main parking lot near the visitor center. (1.4 miles - Moderate)
Breakheart is a great place for you and your dog
to go for a long, healthy walk. Just remember to bring a leash and please pick up after your dog. Picking up after your dog is a service YOU can do for the community.
Bark Place is the only area in Breakheart Reservation where dogs are allowed off leash,
and is reserved exclusively for the use of dogs and their people.
Jim Smith, Chairman Peter Rossetti, Treasurer Breakheart Reservation Needs You!
Due to cutbacks in staff and funds, your beloved reservation faces a big challenge.
Without your help, some programs and services may have to be curtailed or eliminated.
How can you help?
By joining the new Breakheart Volunteer Team. The need for volunteers currently exists for:
Opening and staffing the Visitors Center
Movie Night staffing
Park wellness checks
For more information please contact:
"No Child Left Inside" is a special initiativedesigned to encourage Massachusettsfamilies and visitors
to enjoy all therecreational resources and outdoor activities that Massachusetts state parks have to offer! From Cape Cod, to Boston, to the BerkshireHills, it's time to discover the fresh air and fun of the great outdoors!
ED MURRAY(1942 - 2012) Breakheart Reservation and the Friends of Breakheart
lost a real friend this February. Ed Murray, our long time Chairman, will be missed by many as the most ardent
defender of, and generous contributor to the park. He was never afraid to speak
up about issues or contribute to a cause. He was also the sole sponsor of the
Breakheart Concert Series.Although his failing health prevented him from
participating in many events in the last 20 months of his life, Breakheart issues
remained in his heart, until it failed him on February 17, 2012. Any contributions in Ed's memory to the "Friends of Breakheart Reservation"
would be greatly appreciated and what he would have wanted as his legacy. Please mail checks to:" Friends of Breakheart - 172 Forest Street, Saugus, MA 01906