Winter at Breakheart

Breakheart Reservation stays open all winter, from sunrise to sunset, and parking is still free. DCR lists cross-country skiing among the park's activities, and its trails and car-free paved loops work for winter walks and snowshoeing. DCR's one winter rule of etiquette: if you are on foot or snowshoes, stay off the ski tracks and walk to the side.

Cross-Country Skiing

DCR includes Breakheart in its list of cross-country skiing locations, and cross-country skiing appears in the park's activity list. DCR does not mention grooming, so conditions depend on the snow. After a good storm, the paved loops are the easiest ski routes: Pine Tops Road (the 2-mile Inner Loop) and the 3-mile Outer Loop, which follows Pine Tops Road, Elm Street and Hemlock Road over hillier ground. The blazed trails over the hills are rockier; DCR rates several of them moderate. Routes and distances are on the hiking page; the trail map page lists the forest roads.

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

DCR's Stories in Stone guide spells out the winter rule: when hiking or snowshoeing, please keep off cross-country ski tracks and hike off to the side. A boot hole in a ski track freezes overnight and stays there for the rest of the season. DCR's general hiking advice matters more in winter: dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, plan conservatively, start early and watch the time. Days are short in December, and the park closes at sunset. Carry water, since DCR warns drinking water may not be available.

Hunting Season

DCR's hiking notes ask visitors to be aware of hunting seasons and to wear blaze orange when appropriate. A bright hat or vest costs little and makes you visible on the trail.

Ice

DCR does not list ice skating on Pearce Lake or Silver Lake, and both lakes were made by damming marshes, with inflow and outflow through the Flume and the dams. Stay off the ice unless DCR posts that it is open. If you want to skate, DCR's Kasabuski Memorial Rink is just up Forest Street.

Kasabuski Memorial Rink

DCR runs the Kasabuski Memorial Rink at 201 Forest Street, Saugus, close to Breakheart's main entrance; DCR's trail map marks it near Forest Street. Parking is on site. DCR's page says to call the rink for public skating hours, at (781) 231-4183. More on things to do in Saugus.

Winter at the Visitor Center

The Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center by the Saugus lot has kept Wednesday-to-Sunday hours in the fall program season, with historic photos, artifacts and animals inside. Winter schedules can differ, so call the park at (781) 233-0834 before you plan around it. See hours.

Good For

• A snowy walk on a paved, car-free loop with no parking fee.
• Cross-country skiing close to Boston when there is snow on the ground.
• A family afternoon that pairs a short walk with skating at Kasabuski.

Maybe Skip If

• The trails are icy and you have no traction: the rocky hill trails get slick. Stick to the paved loops.
• You want a longer ski network: Lynn Woods, run by the City of Lynn, lists cross-country skiing on over 30 miles of trails.

Before You Go

Check which entrance suits your route, read the dog rules if your dog is coming, and see the park rules.