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Connecticut Running Trails and Maps

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Looking for the best Running trails around Connecticut?

Find the top rated running trails in Connecticut, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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City Trails and Maps in Connecticut

Accordion

Air Line State Park Trail

54.6 mi

State: CT

Ballast, Dirt, Gravel

Billings Trail

3.3 mi

State: CT

Dirt

Branford Trolley Trail

0.6 mi

State: CT

Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel

CTfastrak Multi-Use Trail

4.4 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Concrete

Captain John Bissell Trail

4.5 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Charter Oak Greenway

16.6 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Cheney Rail Trail

1.7 mi

State: CT

Crushed Stone

Derby Greenway

2 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Dirt

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

48.3 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Farmington River Trail

16.5 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

G & S Trolley trail

1.6 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Hanover Pond Trail

1 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Hartford Riverwalk

1.7 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Hop River State Park Trail

20 mi

State: CT

Crushed Stone

Kress Family Trail

3.1 mi

State: CT

Dirt

Larkin State Park Trail

10.8 mi

State: CT

Cinder, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Mattabassett Trolley Trail

2.9 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Middlebury Greenway

4.5 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Middletown Westlake Area Bikeway

2.2 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Moosup Valley State Park Trail

5.8 mi

State: CT

Ballast, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand

Accordion

Naugatuck River Greenway

5.4 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

New Milford River Trail

5 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Niantic Bay Boardwalk

1.1 mi

State: CT

Boardwalk, Concrete, Gravel

Norwalk River Valley Trail

5.8 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Pequonnock River Trail

13.6 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Putnam River Trail

2 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Quinebaug River Trail

4.8 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Quinnipiac Linear Trail

1.25 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Gravel

Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail

1.3 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Railroad Ramble

1.7 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Dirt, Grass

Ridgefield Rail Trail

2.3 mi

State: CT

Gravel

Savin Rock Trail

1.2 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Concrete

Shoreline Greenway Trail

4.1 mi

State: CT

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Stratton Brook State Park Trail

1.2 mi

State: CT

Asphalt, Cinder, Crushed Stone

Sue Grossman Still River Greenway

2.9 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Trolley Trail (CT)

0.75 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)

4.2 mi

State: CT

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail

5.4 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Windsor River Trail

0.8 mi

State: CT

Asphalt

Trail Image	Trail Name	States	Length	Surface	Rating
	Air Line State Park Trail The Air Line State Park Trail winds nearly 55 miles from the northeast corner of Connecticut, where the state borders Massachusetts, down to East Hampton in the heart of the state. The pathway is...	CT	54.6 mi	Ballast, Dirt, Gravel	124 reviews
	Billings Trail Open in several disconnected segments, the Billings Trail is a dirt path that traverses a lovely scenic and wooded landscape outside Norfolk in northern Connecticut. Built on the abandoned railbed of...	CT	3.3 mi	Dirt	0 reviews
	Branford Trolley Trail The Branford Trolley Trail is essentially a long footbridge occupying an old bridge along the route of an abandoned trolley track. The bridge links nature trails on both sides of the water through a...	CT	0.6 mi	Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel	9 reviews
	CTfastrak Multi-Use Trail A part of Connecticut's first bus rapid transit line, the CTfastrak Trail serves as recreational and multi-use path for walking and bicycling between Downtown New Britain and Newington Junction. The...	CT	4.4 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	4 reviews
	Captain John Bissell Trail The Bissell name looms large in this part of New England, and has been immortalized in multiple ways, including the Bissell Ferry, the Bissell Memorial Bridge and now, the Captain John Bissell trail,...	CT	4.5 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
	Charter Oak Greenway The Charter Oak Greenway offers more than 16 miles of paved pathway through Hartford and its eastern suburbs. At first glance, the trail looks as if it is simply a highway side path, but the journey...	CT	16.6 mi	Asphalt	23 reviews
	Cheney Rail Trail The Cheney Rail Trail follows part of the corridor of the South Manchester Railroad, built by the Cheney brothers in 1869. The line was a 2.5-mile spur from the main Hartford, Providence, and Fishkill...	CT	1.7 mi	Crushed Stone	2 reviews
	Derby Greenway Running alongside both the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers, the Derby Greenway demonstrates a seamless integration of Connecticut’s natural river systems and parks with man-made interventions of the...	CT	2 mi	Asphalt, Dirt	11 reviews
	Farmington Canal Heritage Trail First a canal, then a railroad, and now a trail define the history of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Completed segments span Connecticut south to north, from New Haven to the Massachusetts...	CT	48.3 mi	Asphalt	142 reviews
	Farmington River Trail A dozen miles west of Connecticut’s capital of Hartford, the Farmington River Trail forms a 16.5-mile arc that connects to the larger Farmington Canal Heritage Trail on both ends. The rail-trail was...	CT	16.5 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	40 reviews
	G & S Trolley trail At the turn of the 20th century, Groton & Stonington Railway Company began to move passengers between Groton to Mystic via electric trolleys. But in 25 years, the line had been discontinued due to...	CT	1.6 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	0 reviews
	Hanover Pond Trail The Hanover Pond Trail is a mile-long rail-trail in Meriden, Connecticut offering scenic natural escape combined with historical exploration. The smooth asphalt trail is open to a diverse range of...	CT	1 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
	Hartford Riverwalk The Hartford Riverwalk is a charming network of paved pathways for cyclists and pedestrians that runs along the banks of the Connecticut River through the state capital. The trail provides an off-road...	CT	1.7 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
	Hop River State Park Trail It’s hard to pick a favorite season to experience the Hop River State Park Trail, set amid the dense forests of Eastern Connecticut. Sections of the 20-mile rail-trail dive through steep rock cuts...	CT	20 mi	Crushed Stone	69 reviews
	Kress Family Trail The 3.1-mile Kress Family Trail in Roxbury occupies the former route of the Shepaug Valley Railroad (the Shepaug, Litchfield and Northern Railroad). The railroad was famously known as the “crookedest...	CT	3.1 mi	Dirt	2 reviews
	Larkin State Park Trail The Larkin State Park Trail meanders 10.8 miles through the woods and around the lakes and low hills of southwestern Connecticut. The rail-trail follows the route of the New York & New England...	CT	10.8 mi	Cinder, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel	30 reviews
	Mattabassett Trolley Trail Where a trolley once ran, now you can too on the south bank of the Mattabessett River. The electrified trolley shuttled passengers from Berlin to Middletown and beyond. The smooth blacktop and an easy...	CT	2.9 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
	Middlebury Greenway The Middlebury Greenway provides a paved, off-road option for a self-propelled journey across suburban Middlebury. The trail touches on several business districts and parks, ending at an amusement...	CT	4.5 mi	Asphalt	14 reviews
	Middletown Westlake Area Bikeway Over 2 miles from start to finish, this U-shaped trail meets both the commuting and the recreational needs of local residents in Middletown. The trail begins on Middle St, marked by a trailhead with a...	CT	2.2 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
	Moosup Valley State Park Trail This 5.8-mile trail is part of the planned East Coast Greenway, an off-road path that will eventually run from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida. The Moosup Valley State Park Trail will connect with...	CT	5.8 mi	Ballast, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand	26 reviews

Accordion

Naugatuck River Greenway The Naugatuck River Greenway will one day span 44 miles from Torrington to Derby in western Connecticut, but is currently open in a few short disconnected segments totaling just over 5 miles. The...	CT	5.4 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
New Milford River Trail The first phase of the New Milford River Trail runs southeast from Gaylordsville via the scenic but lightly traveled River Road, through Sega Meadows to Boardman Bridge, a distance of about 5 miles....	CT	5 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt	2 reviews
Niantic Bay Boardwalk Bookended by beaches and offering gorgeous vistas of Niantic Bay, the Niantic Bay Boardwalk is a must-do excursion in the small Connecticut village of Niantic, part of the larger Town of East Lyme....	CT	1.1 mi	Boardwalk, Concrete, Gravel	2 reviews
Norwalk River Valley Trail When completed, the Norwalk River Valley Trail will run from Danbury to Long Island Sound in southwestern Connecticut, for a total of about 27 miles. Currently, several disconnected sections totaling...	CT	5.8 mi	Asphalt	5 reviews
Pequonnock River Trail The Pequonnock River Trail is not a name you will see on the ground along this developing trail in southwestern Connecticut. Formalized in 2001 by the state, the regional trail pieced together...	CT	13.6 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	54 reviews
Putnam River Trail The Putnam River Trail extends between Arch Street in the Putnam District and Providence Street to the south. The trail follows the east bank of the Quinebaug River between the river and Kennedy...	CT	2 mi	Asphalt	6 reviews
Quinebaug River Trail The Quinebaug River Trail exists in two segments in northwest Connecticut. The northern section parallels Park Road and Tracy Road for about 2 miles in an industrial section of Putnam with few trail...	CT	4.8 mi	Asphalt	5 reviews
Quinnipiac Linear Trail The Qunnipiac Linear Trail is an easy multipurpose path in Wallingford, Connecticut. The trail skirts Community Lake while traveling a heavily wooded corridor along the Quinnipiac River. It is one of...	CT	1.25 mi	Asphalt, Gravel	0 reviews
Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail The Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail is a 1.3-mile rail-trail in Meridan, Connecticut. The trail occupies the former railbed of the Meriden, Waterbury & Connecticut River Railroad, a 17-mile line which...	CT	1.3 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Railroad Ramble The Railroad Ramble occupies a corridor abandoned by the Central New England Railroad, which provided service from 1871 through 1967. In Lakeville, the trail can be found just off of Route 41 behind...	CT	1.7 mi	Asphalt, Dirt, Grass	3 reviews
Ridgefield Rail Trail The Ridgefield Rail-Trail meanders for nearly 2.5 miles through the forested exburbs of Ridgefield, Connecticut. The trail passes among suburban acreages, along a creek at one point, and past a couple...	CT	2.3 mi	Gravel	11 reviews
Savin Rock Trail The Savin Rock Trail offers just over a mile of paved pathway along West Haven’s coastline. Along the way, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of Long Island Sound and access to its sandy beaches. The west...	CT	1.2 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	1 reviews
Shoreline Greenway Trail When complete, Connecticut’s Shoreline Greenway Trail will be a scenic 25-mile route through four quaint New England towns off Long Island Sound. From Lighthouse Point to Hammonasset Beach State Park,...	CT	4.1 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	3 reviews
Stratton Brook State Park Trail The Stratton Brook State Park Trail presents a great way to work up an appetite for a picnic at Stratton Brook State Park, the first state park in Connecticut to be entirely wheelchair accessible. The...	CT	1.2 mi	Asphalt, Cinder, Crushed Stone	3 reviews
Sue Grossman Still River Greenway Coming in at just under 3 miles, the Sue Grossman Still River Greenway is anchored by the towns of Winchester to the north and Torrington to the south. It occupies the right-of-way of the Naugatuck...	CT	2.9 mi	Asphalt	10 reviews
Trolley Trail (CT) The Trolley Trail runs through Plainfield and is a key link the East Coast Greenway. Plans are to use this trail as a link between the Moosup Valley State Park Trail and the Airline State Park...	CT	0.75 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur) The Rockville Spur, a section of Vernon Rails-to-Trails, is a stone-dust rail-trail stretching 4.2 miles into the heart of historical Rockville. The trail begins on Warren Avenue in Vernon, but you’ll...	CT	4.2 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	20 reviews
Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail Note: Per the State of Connecticut's website, the trail is open from dawn to dusk April 1–November 14. Eagle nesting activities can delay the opening of the southern trail head in Windsor Locks. Due...	CT	5.4 mi	Asphalt	37 reviews
Windsor River Trail The Windsor River Trail is a paved trail along the Connecticut River in Windsor Meadows State Park. The trail begins at the state park’s parking lot on E Barber St. The Captain John Bissell Trail,...	CT	0.8 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews

Recent Trail Reviews

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

Cheshire to Hamden

February, 2020 by bikenrun1205

I have ridden this a few times. Very nice trail. Well maintained. Beautiful area.

Charter Oak Greenway

The trails in Vernon are among the most maintained of all trails in Central and Easter CT. There's plenty of parking along the trails which gives you easy access. The scenery is amazing including bridges, side paths, and tunnels.

January, 2020 by davehawes

The trails in Vernon are among the most maintained of all trails in Central and Easter CT. There's plenty of parking along the trails which gives you easy access. The scenery is amazing including bridges, side paths, and tunnels.

Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)

I don't understand it...

December, 2019 by steve--harrison

It's too bad that so many of these trails don't allow the use of snowmobiles and off-road motorcycles. I see a lot of people complain about motored vehicles, but it really makes no sense to me. To me, both activities are equal and should have equal access. You have one group of people who enjoy hiking and biking, and another group of people who enjoy dirt-biking and snow-mobiling. Why does the hiking biking community always win out? Why do they get priority over the other group? Are the activities we enjoy less valuable/important than the activities you enjoy? I'm not whining, but I don't think it's fair. There is no logical reason to allow one activity and restrict the other. It's done out complete bias against and inconsideration for the preferred activities of other groups of people. If noise, speed etc. is the issue, then set rules regulating these things, don't ban the activity altogether.These trails should be open to all applicable activities, with a set of rules allowing everyone to enjoy the trails with each other.

Accordion

Moosup Valley State Park Trail

Maybe good for MT biking but not running

November, 2019 by stonybrookez

I went on this trail as a runner. The first half mile is nicely paved and was very nice. After that though the trail was not very runner friendly. Lots of water hazards, loose rocks, up down ruts and off road vehicle traffic. The trail itself is beautiful with very few road crossings. I could see having a good time as a mountain biker but not great for running.

Farmington River Trail

Some beautiful views !

November, 2019 by hilary.cain

I did the loop today going north on this River Trail then back south on the FCT. The gravel is at mile 12.3 after a little on the road segment but it only lasts about 3/4 mile. I had to go very slowly on the gravel dust because I was on my road bike (22mm) but it was tolerable because it was short (&pretty). At the entrance to the Stratton State Park a sign indicates you can take the road downhill to Simsbury felt safe. froDOWNdown to Simsbury which was much better on thin tires. indicating on esign The on the road section was well marked today - although many of the signs were large temporary ones. I how

Air Line State Park Trail

This trail starts out OK, but as you move further North, into to country the trail narrows and is less maintained. My biggest concern is there is not enough parking places, entrances , and no benches.

October, 2019 by davehawes

This trail starts out OK, but as you move further North, into to country the trail narrows and is less maintained. My biggest concern is there is not enough parking places, entrances , and no benches.

Charter Oak Greenway

This is an amazing trail" with windy. curves, up and down climbing, plenty of benches, and lots of awesome bridges.

October, 2019 by davehawes

This is an amazing trail" with windy. curves, up and down climbing, plenty of benches, and lots of awesome bridges.

Hanover Pond Trail

Fun Little Trail

October, 2019 by christina.rivera1187

Clean paved trail behind the high school. Great for biking.

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

Fall Colors

October, 2019 by SPanny

Enjoyed a ride from Simsbury past the Mass line and back. As always, well maintained, a few frost heaves here and there but nothing major. As we were riding we noticed some trail widening in progress in Simsbury/Granby. The area across the Mass line is very well maintained and passes some fields and a nice golf course. Thoroughly enjoyable!

Niantic Bay Boardwalk

No bikes No dogs please

October, 2019 by barryallen3232

It's a boardwalk not a bike path... No place for your pet to go the bathroom 🚻

Farmington River Trail

Where is the gravel? Please correct the summary

September, 2019 by petesalomone

This entire trail has been paved for years.

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

roy

September, 2019 by water763

September 5 2019. Best Rail to trail we have ridden on. We started at the parking area in Hamden and went north 12 miles. Most of the trail was smooth as fresh tar. We almost did not do this trail because of the reviews but they were wrong. If you like smooth riding and well marked, this is the trail for you

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