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Air Line State Park Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · Running trail in Thompson, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Air Line State Park Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
State park offering a well-maintained hiking, biking, and running trail.
What runners say about Air Line State Park Trail
“Trail is in great condition, wonderful for bike riding, at least the sections between Pomfret and Kenyon Rd, Hampton!”
“That being said, it is absolutely beautiful and surrounded by nature, especially a bit past the roadside area.”
“Clean, peaceful, nice & flat for walking & biking!”
What a pretty, scenic hike! Easy, flat, out and back trail with lots of geocaches if you are into that. Very quiet, less traveled. Access to the tri-state marker is off the trail as well.
Small parking area, so I recommend carpooling. Also, the trail starts out pretty rocky, so I recommend tougher shoes to avoid hurting your feet. That being said, it is absolutely beautiful and surrounded by nature, especially a bit past the roadside area.
Great hiking rail trail. Terrain on trail is easy gets a bit more challenging if you take some of the side trails. Plenty of unique things to see along the trail.
Great linear park/trail. Easy access, lots of road crossings or parking. Great for hiking, trail running, biking, bird watching, etc.
Trail conditions & character
“That being said, it is absolutely beautiful and surrounded by nature, especially a bit past the roadside area.”
“Path had been converted with rocks at some points, so my dog wasn't too happy, but then it smoothed out.”
“Easy, flat, out and back trail with lots of geocaches if you are into that.”
“Clean, peaceful, nice & flat for walking & biking!”
“Also, the trail starts out pretty rocky, so I recommend tougher shoes to avoid hurting your feet.”
“Access to the tri-state marker is off the trail as well.”
Plan your run at Air Line State Park Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitect.gov
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–11:55 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–11:55 PM |
Running trails near Thompson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Air Line Riverside Dr Thompson
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Air Line North State Park Trail
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Good for children, this park offers trails for walking and biking.
Douglas State Forest
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Woodland environs with a cedar swamp, plus swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling & hiking.
Quinebaug River Rail Trail
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Ardlock Acres
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Southern New England Trunkline Trail
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Popular among hikers, bikers, and equestrians, this 22-mi. trail runs through 6 towns and 2 forests.