HomeConnecticutRedding › Centennial Watershed State Forest

Centennial Watershed State Forest

4.9 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in Redding, Connecticut · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Centennial Watershed State Forest'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 surface

What runners say about Centennial Watershed State Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (12 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Great place to take a hike in most any season. Once the leaves pop out the shade will be appreciated for the summer although the views will be limited. Hilly, but all non-technical to the top of the crests. No pets as this is a public water supply area!

★★★★★ — Bill , Apr 2019

The hiking doesn't get much better than this! A moderately challenging trail, mostly easy going with a few steeper, rocky areas. The trail is completely surrounded by a plethora of Mountain Laurel, that will transform this trail into a floral Wonderland in Kune during the local bloom.

★★★★★ — Lance , May 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 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.

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“A moderately challenging trail, mostly easy going with a few steeper, rocky areas.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Centennial Watershed State Forest

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
  • 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.
  • Websitect.gov
  • Phone(860) 424-3200

Hours

Monday 7 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–8 PM
Thursday 7 AM–8 PM
Friday 7 AM–8 PM
Saturday 7 AM–8 PM
Sunday 7 AM–8 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 Centennial Watershed State Forest

Newtown Turnpike, Redding, CT 06896

Get directions

Running trails near Redding

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

Saugatuck Universal Access Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 87 reviews

Redding, CT

Scenic

Area known for peaceful hiking trails and a reservoir.

under a mile away

Great Ledge

4.7 ★★★★★ 28 reviews

Weston, CT

Scenic

1.2 miles away

Saugatuck Falls Natural Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 176 reviews

Redding, CT

LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Forested park bisected by the Saugatuck River, offering 5+ miles of trails.

1.6 miles away

Topstone Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 127 reviews

Redding, CT

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Forested 280-acre park with a picturesque lake used for swimming & kayaking, plus nature trails.

2.9 miles away

Collis P. Huntington State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 538 reviews

Redding, CT

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

1,017-acre park with hiking, pond fishing, horseback riding, archery-only deer hunting & more.

3.4 miles away

Devil's Den Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 461 reviews

Weston, CT

20 miNatural surfaceScenic

This 1,756-acre property features a variety of habitats & trails for wildlife viewing & hiking.

3.5 miles away

All running trails in Redding, 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.