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Bates Woods Park

5 ★★★★★ 3 Google reviews · Running trail in New London, Connecticut · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Bates Woods Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

What runners say about Bates Woods Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (3 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

A beautiful woods with trails and ancient rock ledges and various wetlands that feed into Fenger Brook and Alewife Cove. Really wish the city would stop dumping in here.

★★★★★ — Andrew , Nov 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 3 reviews →

Plan your run at Bates Woods Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.

Where to find Bates Woods Park

128 Buchanan Rd, New London, CT 06320

Get directions

Running trails near New London

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Stenger Farm Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 155 reviews

Waterford, CT

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring picnic areas, walking, and fenced trails, as well as a pond.

under a mile away

A Story of New London Walkway

3.7 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews

New London, CT

1.6 miles away

Connecticut College Arboretum

4.8 ★★★★★ 204 reviews

New London, CT

LoopNatural surfaceScenic

Educational forest and park that features scenic paths and pond views and a variety of trees and other foliage.

1.7 miles away

Mamacoke Island Natural Area

4.4 ★★★★☆ 17 reviews

Quaker Hill, CT

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

2.7 miles away

Sassacus Nature Preserve

4.2 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews

Groton, CT

3.0 miles away

Harkness Memorial State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,148 reviews

Waterford, CT

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

1906 mansion with lawns & landscaped gardens, plus views of Long Island Sound; guided tours offered.

3.6 miles away

All running trails in New London, CT →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.