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Ash Creek/Riverside Drive Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairfield, Connecticut · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Ash Creek/Riverside Drive Open Space'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.
Tidal wetlands area with a marina & boat launch plus fishing, crabbing, picnicking & walking trails.
What runners say about Ash Creek/Riverside Drive Open Space
“Thank you for a gorgeous, natural, playground for so many neighbors.”
As a professional dog walker, I take my clients here all year long. It is one of my favorite places to take my clients and my own dogs. You can bring a picnic lunch, see excellent views of St. Mary’s by the Sea, and watch boats at the marina.
Have been going to this area from South Benson marina to Jennings to walk for many years. Beautiful neighborhood and shoreline, playgrounds and woods. I often walk to the center of town and shop and dine from this location as it isnt too far.
If you like to take walks, the trail going through this open space leads to Benson Marina, and then to the Fishing Pier. It makes for a nice break from walking along roads.
Great little walking area! It is small, so you can walk along the water and then back through the grass in a little loop. Saw multiple doggies walking along as well! But keep an eye on them if you walk near the water, as there are little crab holes in the sand 🦀
Trail conditions & character
“Thank you for a gorgeous, natural, playground for so many neighbors.”
“It was highly utilized by people walking, or in some cases, chasing their dogs, as recklessness appeared to be custom rather than the exception.”
“It is small, so you can walk along the water and then back through the grass in a little loop.”
“Plenty of parking, enter at the South Benson Marina entrance and let the guard know you are going to the open space if you do not have a Fairfield park sticker.”
Plan your run at Ash Creek/Riverside Drive Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefairfieldrecreation.com
- Phone(203) 256-3191
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Fairfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Jennings Beach
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,498 reviews
Wide, sandy stretch on the Long Island Sound with a lifeguard, snack bar, showers & restrooms.
Ellsworth Park
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Park featuring baseball fields & tennis courts as well as a kids' playground & splash pad.
Gould Manor Park
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Playground and park with a pond for fishing and baseball, plus swings.
Seaside Gateway Trail
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