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Black River Trail Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 160 Google reviews · Running trail in Black River, 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 Trail Trailhead'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-friendlyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Dogs are allowed on this popular paved riverfront trail for walking, running, and biking.

What runners say about Black River Trail Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (160 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“My only complaint is there are no recepticals for pet waste, making it harder for those who bring dogs to clean up after their pets.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“The scenery is beautiful and I’m sure it is quite amazing during the fall and obviously summer time.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“I run here every week, and even though it is usually crowded, it’s always an enjoyable experience.”

It's a nice trail that goes along the river. It's a paved Trail, I personally don't like that because it puts more work on joints (knees, hips). Doesn't really have any elevation gain. Would be nice for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Open dawn to dusk.

★★★★★ — Lea , Dec 2024

Really a beautiful trail! We loved it and this will definitely be our go to for walking!

★★★★★ — Alexa , Jun 2025

This place is really cool and can serve as a nice place to bring the kids and dogs if you have them. Make a family day out of it if you will. Just know that if you have kids you need to make sure they’re being safe and staying away from the rushing water.

★★★★★ — Tyler , Sep 2022

Great place for a walk or bike. Paved trail in excellent condition. No bathrooms at the parking lot. Lot is fairly big. As of 10/18/24, the leaves have some good color. Nice quiet walk with some nice views of the river.

★★★★★ — C , Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 160 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 16 mentions

“The scenery is beautiful and I’m sure it is quite amazing during the fall and obviously summer time.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 9 mentions

“It's a paved Trail, I personally don't like that because it puts more work on joints (knees, hips).”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“My only complaint is there are no recepticals for pet waste, making it harder for those who bring dogs to clean up after their pets.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“I’ve walked miles along this trail and haven’t seen bathrooms so just take that into consideration before your walk/hike… take care of your business before hand.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“No bathrooms at the parking lot.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“It'd be nice if there were bathrooms or water fountains.”

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Plan your run at Black River Trail Trailhead

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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteparks.ny.gov
  • Phone+1 315-938-5083

Hours

Monday 6 am–6 pm
Tuesday 6 am–6 pm
Wednesday 6 am–6 pm
Thursday 6 am–6 pm
Friday 6 am–6 pm
Saturday 6 am–6 pm
Sunday 6 am–6 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 Trail Trailhead

151 Leray Street, Black River, NY 13612

Get directions

Running trails near Black River

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

4.8 ★★★★★ 42 reviews

Watertown, NY

PavedScenic

1.6 miles away

James R. Kanik Nature Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 7 reviews

Calcium, NY

2.5 miles away

Black River Running Trail Head

4.7 ★★★★★ 203 reviews

Watertown, NY

PavedScenicDog-friendly

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

3.2 miles away

Black River Trail extension

4.7 ★★★★★ 6 reviews

Watertown, NY

3.5 miles away

Kanik Nature Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 127 reviews

Calcium, NY

4 miCrushed gravelScenicDog-friendly

Gravel-covered trail popular for birdwatching with picnic tables.

3.9 miles away

Black River Trail Hunt St

4.7 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

Watertown, NY

4.0 miles away

All running trails in Black River, 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.