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Crescent Lake
4.5 ★★★★★ 406 Google reviews · Running trail in Southington, Connecticut · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Crescent Lake'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.
Relaxed outdoor spot with trails for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and boating, plus picnics.
What runners say about Crescent Lake
“Beautiful lake, enjoyed the apple fritters I got nearby on the dock before taking a nice little hike through the woods around the lake.”
Tonight we did a nice Sunset hike up to the top and completed a loop and went around the lake counterclockwise. The total length in timing was about 2 hours. It's definitely a beautiful spot to check out the sunsets. It's definitely a popular spot where people go to watch them.
It's a beautiful place to take a hike, kayak and walk. I went in April and there was a lot of mud everywhere so just make sure it hasn't been raining. Overall nice place
Sat on large grassy area with 2 picnic tables and had lunch overlooking beautiful lake. Autumn leaves beautiful. Took hike on the "high path" which was wide but much flatter than other path. We had done the other path near the waters edge on a prior visit.
Beautiful lake, enjoyed the apple fritters I got nearby on the dock before taking a nice little hike through the woods around the lake. The trail did get a little muddy, so make sure wear the right shoes!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful lake, enjoyed the apple fritters I got nearby on the dock before taking a nice little hike through the woods around the lake.”
“(this path with lots of roots and rocks, be careful) Gorgeous Views, kayajs, canoes.”
“There were also several steep uphill sections that made the ride more physically challenging than enjoyable.”
“Crescent Lake is a great place to mountain bike once you get away from the hikers, dog walkers, and rock climbing folks at the beginning of the trail near the only parking lot.”
“Tonight we did a nice Sunset hike up to the top and completed a loop and went around the lake counterclockwise.”
“Crescent Lake is a great place to mountain bike once you get away from the hikers, dog walkers, and rock climbing folks at the beginning of the trail near the only parking lot.”
Plan your run at Crescent Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesouthington.org
- Phone+1 860-276-9430
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
Running trails near Southington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sunset Rock State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 130 reviews
This conservation area surrounding Crescent Lake is popular for hiking in a backcountry setting.
Novick Southington Open Space
4.4 ★★★★☆ 74 reviews
Popular hiking area with well-marked trails offering varying views, including at sunset.
Trumbull Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 72 reviews
Park with a baseball field, picnic tables, playground, and restrooms.
Metacomet Trail - New England National Scenic Trail
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Ragged Mountain Memorial
4.8 ★★★★★ 70 reviews
Kid-friendly range known for its rocky terrain, featuring various well-maintained hiking trails.