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Black Rock State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,474 Google reviews · Running trail in Watertown, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1.6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
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.
439-ac. park featuring multiple campsites, hiking trails & ponds for fishing & swimming.
What runners say about Black Rock State Park
“Usually really clean, staff is very friendly and you can see some pretty views if you are up for a hike.”
“I enjoyed this trip very much, the staff was so nice and it was a beautiful place (btw if you can, DEFINITELY camp here, fish here, and hike here.”
“lots of trees for shaded areas beach is there so cool down area is available.”
“It gets so quiet in the night with such a pleasant open space to gaze at the stars.”
I enjoyed this trip very much, the staff was so nice and it was a beautiful place (btw if you can, DEFINITELY camp here, fish here, and hike here. Such a good place to be. Can’t wait to come back!
We spent a weekend here during the shoulder season as part of a larger road trip. All and all it is a pleasant park. It is geared towards families with a free swimming beach, access to trails and other features.
Beautiful park, nice camp sites (you can take your car right up to them). Pretty good distance away from other campers, has fire pits and sells 5 pieces of firewood for $5 and ice bags for $2. Amazing trails that really do a workout, and extremely clean bathrooms.
One of my favorite places to go camping. Usually really clean, staff is very friendly and you can see some pretty views if you are up for a hike. Cabins are great but have to book far in advance. Good fishing spot for trout!
Trail conditions & character
“lots of trees for shaded areas beach is there so cool down area is available.”
“The staff were courteous and so polite in dealing with campers and the restrooms were clean and could see the janitors visiting the restroom regularly.”
“I enjoyed this trip very much, the staff was so nice and it was a beautiful place (btw if you can, DEFINITELY camp here, fish here, and hike here.”
“It gets so quiet in the night with such a pleasant open space to gaze at the stars.”
“If your car is registered in the state of Connecticut parking is free here.”
Plan your run at Black Rock State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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