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Black Pond State Wildlife Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 160 Google reviews · Running trail in Meriden, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Black Pond State Wildlife Area'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.
Lake, pond and hiking trail area for boaters and anglers with scenic views.
What runners say about Black Pond State Wildlife Area
“Decent pond for fishing and great hiking trails (not too strenuous) with stunning views of Meriden, Wallingford and Southington.”
“It's a small pond for SUP or kayaking but great for a beginner because the water is so calm.”
9.21.22 My review is for paddleboarding/ kayaking black pond, not hiking. It's a small pond for SUP or kayaking but great for a beginner because the water is so calm. The views are spectacular. I used an inflatable paddleboard and it was easy to get into the pond.
This is a great place to start a hike from. Yo can go and climb the mountain that you see from the parking lot, Mt. Beseck. When you go up the big hill the trail will branch off, take a right and follow the light blue trail to the top! Also you can fish at the lake.
It's a great place for fishing and hiking. The trail on the top rim of the hill is a good hike and dog walk and the fishing is better if you walk around the back towards the hill with the trap rock.
Such a beautiful spot. Sit and relax. They also have a great trail to hike!
Trail conditions & character
“There are plenty of impressive overlooks to see the pond and Meriden landmarks within a mile from the parking lot, and you can choose to turn around whenever you want.”
“There are plenty of impressive overlooks to see the pond and Meriden landmarks within a mile from the parking lot, and you can choose to turn around whenever you want.”
“The trail on the top rim of the hill is a good hike and dog walk and the fishing is better if you walk around the back towards the hill with the trap rock.”
“Nice quiet place for a hike along the pond or a good place to relax by the water in the car.”
Plan your run at Black Pond State Wildlife Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
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