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Black River Running Trail Head

4.7 ★★★★★ 203 Google reviews · Running trail in Watertown, New York · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Black River Running Trail Head'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.

PavedScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Serene space featuring a paved path for walking, running, biking and roller blading.

What runners say about Black River Running Trail Head

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (203 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Beautiful view of BLAck river the peace that you feel over here.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Beautiful walking trails and peaceful .”

This is a VERY nice rail trail and yet it's almost not used. We recently walked a couple miles and only saw 2 bicyclists go by. It's virtually flat, nicely paved, and has lots of shade for the hot, sunny days. Previously, we biked the whole length and went on to Fort Drum.

★★★★★ — Bruce , Sep 2021

Love going here. It is a great place to walk or run. I have even seen people riding bikes. In the fall, it is great to see all the leaves change colors. There are spots where you can walk to the river. I have never fished here, but I do see people fishing, and here it's not bad.

★★★★★ — Chinle , Oct 2023

This place is fantastic for anyone wanting to walk or run outdoors... great family outings and bikes are welcome and so are dogs. Water views along the black river.

★★★★★ — Karen , May 2019

Such a peaceful little Trail. Definitely in delightful walk. Also have a spot for dogs for water at the beginning of the trail.

★★★★★ — Tommy , Jul 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 203 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“Beautiful view of BLAck river the peace that you feel over here.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 4 mentions

“It's virtually flat, nicely paved, and has lots of shade for the hot, sunny days.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“We have a small dog and happened to cross paths with a rather large coyote.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“I wish there was a bathroom and a water fountain somewhere along the trail or parking lot.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Beautiful walking trails and peaceful .”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“It's virtually flat, nicely paved, and has lots of shade for the hot, sunny days.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“I wish there was a bathroom and a water fountain somewhere along the trail or parking lot.”

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Plan your run at Black River Running Trail Head

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteparks.ny.gov
  • Phone(315) 938-5083

Hours

Monday 5 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–10 PM
Thursday 5 AM–10 PM
Friday 5 AM–10 PM
Saturday 5 AM–10 PM
Sunday 5 AM–10 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Black River Running Trail Head

25534 Ridge Rd, Watertown, NY 13601

Get directions

Running trails near Watertown

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

Black River Trail extension

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under a mile away

Black River Trail Hunt St

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Black River Trail Walker Ave

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under a mile away

Waterworks Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 106 reviews

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MixedScenic

Green space with a scenic hiking trail & access to a river for fishing, canoeing & kayaking.

1.1 miles away

Black River Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 42 reviews

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PavedScenic

1.6 miles away

Historic Thompson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,005 reviews

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ScenicDog-friendly

Longtime recreational retreat designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, with a zoo, trails & playground.

1.7 miles away

All running trails in Watertown, NY →

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.