Team Gloucester Guide to Area Trails: Halibut Point

Directions:
From Route 128 (Exit 9), take Route 127 north (Eastern Avenue) toward Rockport 3 mi. At 5-way intersection, turn left onto Railroad Avenue (remains Route 127) and follow for 2.4 mi. Turn right onto Gott Avenue. Entrance is opposite the state park's parking lot. To avoid traffic in Rockport Center (during summer), pick up Route 127 north at Gloucester Rotary (Exit 11) and follow through village of Lanesville. After crossing into Rockport, pass Folly Cove and look for "State Park" sign leading to Gott Avenue on your left.

• Map of Halibut Point State Park (MA State Parks)
• Map #2 of Halibut Point State Park (.pdf file, trustees of Reservations)

Why We Like It:
Team Gloucester doesn't do any group runs from Halibut point--at only 12 acres it's too small for a regular training run. However, it deserves mention as an ideal spot to repeats-- there are plenty of stretches that would lend themselves well to intervals, and the view can't be topped.

That said, if you're coming here for repeats you're better off trying it in the spring or fall (or winter if you're impervious to icy winds). If you attempt it in the summer, you're better off doing so early before the crowds hit, as this place gets packed. In the summer parking is $2/car and the lot doesn't open until 8:00.