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Connecticut College Arboretum

4.8 ★★★★★ 204 Google reviews · Running trail in New London, Connecticut · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Connecticut College Arboretum'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 surfaceLoopScenicTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

Educational forest and park that features scenic paths and pond views and a variety of trees and other foliage.

What runners say about Connecticut College Arboretum

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (204 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“These paths are very well-maintained, but CAUTION because there is a lot of poison ivy off the paths.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 14 mentions

“Beautiful year round, great for a quick stroll or all day.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“Many, trails well marked.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 7 mentions

“The Arboretum offers a nice serene place to chill or study in nature!”

👟 good for all levels 3 mentions

I really love this little Arboretum. There is a very large variety of trees and native plants. Most of the trees are labeled. Trails have been updated. Really nice place for families. I come here during all four seasons.

★★★★★ — S , Jul 2022

This place is such a little treasure. This place is so well-maintained. It's stunning. There are so many different types of trees here and they are labeled so you can get an idea of what type of trees that you're looking at. There are several loops in this place that you can loop around different sections.

★★★★★ — Shianne , Nov 2024

Situated directly across from Connecticut college in new london is this hidden green gem! Beautiful year round, great for a quick stroll or all day. Bring a picnic, a book, binoculars or crafts! Seating is very limited but my favorite is the single wicker chair hidden down by the pond that moves around.

★★★★☆ — Anita , May 2025

So serene there. So many nice trails for walking. Its Kept up nicely. 2 gazebos to relax in and get out of the sun. Great to walk your dog there. And kids can play in nature. We brought a ring toss game and played it there. Has not been crowded at all. There's a beautiful pond to sit by.

★★★★★ — Shelly , Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 204 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 15 mentions

“Beautiful year round, great for a quick stroll or all day.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 7 mentions

“You can park on Williams Street (2 hour parking signs along the street) for the main entrance or off of Gallows street at a small parking lot for an alternate entrance.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 7 mentions

“The Arboretum offers a nice serene place to chill or study in nature!”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“There are several loops in this place that you can loop around different sections.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“Many, trails well marked.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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Plan your run at Connecticut College Arboretum

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.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websiteconncoll.edu
  • Phone+1 860-439-5020
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 am–9 pm
Tuesday 7 am–9 pm
Wednesday 7 am–9 pm
Thursday 7 am–9 pm
Friday 7 am–9 pm
Saturday 7 am–9 pm
Sunday 7 am–9 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 Connecticut College Arboretum

270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy, New London, CT 06320

Get directions

Running trails near New London

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

Mamacoke Island Natural Area

4.4 ★★★★☆ 17 reviews

Quaker Hill, CT

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Bates Woods Park

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

New London, CT

1.7 miles away

Stenger Farm Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 155 reviews

Waterford, CT

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring picnic areas, walking, and fenced trails, as well as a pond.

2.2 miles away

A Story of New London Walkway

3.7 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews

New London, CT

2.8 miles away

Sassacus Nature Preserve

4.2 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews

Groton, CT

3.4 miles away

The Copp Family Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 370 reviews

Groton, CT

Dog-friendly

240-acre former farm, now featuring fields & meadows bordered by forest & wetlands, plus a dog park.

3.5 miles away

All running trails in New London, 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.