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Day Pond State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 325 Google reviews · Running trail in Colchester, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Day Pond 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.
Park featuring hiking trails and a beach for swimming and fishing in a forest setting.
What runners say about Day Pond State Park
“This is a beautiful spot to hike there's plenty of hiking trails throughout this park they do have a little Beach area but the water has a lot of lily pads and is very mucky.”
“The trails offer a nice mix of scenery, with peaceful views of the pond and surrounding nature.”
A great spot to hike. The Salmon River trail is about a three mile loop. It features rolling, wooded hills, several stream crossings, plenty of ups and downs and many wet spots.
Wow that waterfall! Is soooooooo amazing! A must see for sure! There was a couple super extra muddy spots so beware (obviously could’ve been the weather). Some hills up some hills down rocks everywhere and little narrow near bushes.
Fair amount of trails, just without any overlooks. Good place for some neutral terrain mountain biking. Large pond for fishing and some space to sit out and picnic. No shortage of mushrooms around either. Gets pretty muddy in the wet season, so bring some decent if you're hiking.
This is a beautiful spot to hike there's plenty of hiking trails throughout this park they do have a little Beach area but the water has a lot of lily pads and is very mucky.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a beautiful spot to hike there's plenty of hiking trails throughout this park they do have a little Beach area but the water has a lot of lily pads and is very mucky.”
“I can’t even tell you which way we went we did the loop down the straight path but then did a little side path to get to waterfall from where we were.”
“Also there is a smaller parking lot open during the off season at the end of the road past the pain entrance.”
“There was a couple super extra muddy spots so beware (obviously could’ve been the weather).”
“The trails offer a nice mix of scenery, with peaceful views of the pond and surrounding nature.”
“It features rolling, wooded hills, several stream crossings, plenty of ups and downs and many wet spots.”
“The bathrooms were locked but they was a port-a-john There is a large pavilion too”
Plan your run at Day Pond 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 distance3 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.
- Websitectparks.com
- Phone+1 860-424-3000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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