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Black Rock State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Watertown, Connecticut · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
1.6 mi
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Black Rock State Park'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.

Natural surface1.6 miLoopDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parking

What runners say about Black Rock State Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (34 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Nice place to take the family to fish picnic hike something for everyone and it's clean and convenient.”

Love it here. I go camping twice a year. Ranger are awesome. Very friendly and kind. Swimming, hiking, there a picnic area an a ball field. Hot showers. Cabins to rent if you need one. ( the leather man trail )goes through the park area . That a story a legend in his time.there adding a forest headquarters

★★★★★ — Ray , Jun 2022

It's a small park in Watertown ct.it has a fishing pound as well ,a swimming area,there a trail up black rock and circles the pond. Also some picnic area too.and there is a campground directly across,the street from park,and branch brook trail also

★★★★★ — Robert , May 2020

Nice place to take the family to fish picnic hike something for everyone and it's clean and convenient.

★★★★☆ — Jamie , Apr 2023

My children and I try to hike here at least once a month. The loop to the lookout is 1.5 miles and has some fun features. There is a large open field that is frequently used for frisbie, soccer, football, cross country, etc, and a nice large pavillion available to rent for events.

★★★★★ — Ryan , Feb 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 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.

🔁 Loop trail

“The loop to the lookout is 1.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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🚻 Restrooms

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Black Rock State Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • Loop distance1.6 mi back to where you parked
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websiteportal.ct.gov
  • Phone(860) 283-8088
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Black Rock State Park

151-599 Bidwell Hill Rd, Watertown, CT 06795

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.

Mattatuck State Forest

4.5 ★★★★★ 235 reviews

Thomaston, CT

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Begun with a donation of land in 1925, this undeveloped state forest now spans some 4,500 acres.

under a mile away

Mattatuck Trail

4.2 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews

Watertown, CT

under a mile away

Rock House

4.7 ★★★★★ 42 reviews

Watertown, CT

Scenic

Rock formations and a cave, along with scenic views and hiking trails.

under a mile away

Black Rock State Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,474 reviews

Watertown, CT

1.6 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

439-ac. park featuring multiple campsites, hiking trails & ponds for fishing & swimming.

under a mile away

Field 1 - Veteran's Memorial Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 76 reviews

Watertown, CT

Scenic

Clean park featuring a playground, fields, swings and picnic tables.

1.8 miles away

Naugatuck River Walk

3.3 ★★★☆☆ 11 reviews

Thomaston, CT

4 miPavedDog-friendly

2.9 miles away

All running trails in Watertown, 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.