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Black River Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 42 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 Trail'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.

Black River Trail — running trail in Watertown, NY, photo 1

Black River Trail — running trail in Watertown, NY, photo 2

Black River Trail — running trail in Watertown, NY, photo 3

Black River Trail — running trail in Watertown, NY, photo 4

Black River Trail — running trail in Watertown, NY, photo 5

PavedScenicTrailhead parkingQuiet

What runners say about Black River Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (42 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

 ✨ well-maintained 3 mentions 
“The trail is clean and well maintained.”
 🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions 
“Beautiful day along the Black River, still a few patches of snow.”
 🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions 
“Parking area can be very crowded but the trail is long enough that it is still peaceful.”

This review is for the Black River Trail. We did the whole 4.4 miles with totals to 8.8 going up and then back. Nice parking at the trail heads. The pavement is in good condition and very little elevation change. Several stops to get of the trail and enjoy the river. The only problem is that it is not long enough.

★★★★☆ — Mike , Jun 2020

Great bike path to run on. Pavement is in good condition and the trail is pretty flat overall. Couple different trailheads to start at along the way.

★★★★★ — Chris , Jun 2025

This leopard definitely changes its spots as you progress along. It's a delight to see such different scenes along this path. The variety of wildlife you will see is amazing as well. I highly recommend this path.

★★★★★ — Mike , Aug 2025

Wonderful walking and biking trail. Parking area can be very crowded but the trail is long enough that it is still peaceful. No restrooms.

★★★★☆ — Hoodie , Jul 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 42 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 6 mentions 
“Beautiful day along the Black River, still a few patches of snow.”
More trails like this →
 🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions 
“Parking area can be very crowded but the trail is long enough that it is still peaceful.”
More trails like this →
 🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions 
“Parking area can be very crowded but the trail is long enough that it is still peaceful.”
More trails like this →
 🛣️ Paved surface 2 mentions 
“Paved, shaded area for walking, jogging, running, skating, hiking.”
More trails like this →

Plan your run at Black River Trail

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 — reported by runners
Websiteparks.ny.gov
Phone+1 315-938-5083

Hours

Monday	6 am–8:30 pm
Tuesday	6 am–8:30 pm
Wednesday	6 am–8:30 pm
Thursday	6 am–8:30 pm
Friday	6 am–8:30 pm
Saturday	6 am–8:30 pm
Sunday	6 am–8:30 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

Black River Trail, 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 Running Trail Head

4.7 ★★★★★ 203 reviews

Watertown, NY

PavedScenicDog-friendly

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

1.6 miles away