HomeConnecticutStonington › Dodge Paddock / Beal Preserve

Dodge Paddock / Beal Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Stonington, Connecticut · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Dodge Paddock / Beal Preserve'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 surfaceScenicDog-friendlyTrailhead parking

What runners say about Dodge Paddock / Beal Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (43 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“Beautiful spot that overlooks the sound and a great place to meditate.”

Nice secluded natural shoreline area tucked in between the many houses of Stonington Borough. A non-secluded gravel parking lot with surrounding stone walls is conveniently located at the end of Wall Street. A trail winds along the rocky shoreline with native flora abounding.

★★★★☆ — Jerry , Aug 2018

A beautifully serene view of Fisher's Island Sound, Stonington, and Watch Hill, RI. Limited but free daytime parking. Walking distance to Stonington Boro sights and shops. Come sit out on the rocks in the sun and contemplate.

★★★★★ — James , Feb 2019

It is a great little place to access the coastline. There's a small parking area available. You can walk the dig or just walk yourself. There's some great wildlife to be seen and some stunning views. There's also some nice stone walls and a breakwater that makes for some great photo locations.

★★★★★ — Jeff , Jul 2025

Invasive plants with nice walk and great views. The habitat restoration area is commendable.

★★★★★ — Gail , Jun 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 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 17 mentions

“Besides the views of Fishers Island Sound and Napatree Point, a unique view of Sandy Point may be seen.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“A non-secluded gravel parking lot with surrounding stone walls is conveniently located at the end of Wall Street.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“A trail winds along the rocky shoreline with native flora abounding.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

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Plan your run at Dodge Paddock / Beal Preserve

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
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteavalonialandconservancy.org
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 AM–7:30 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–7:30 PM
Wednesday 6:30 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday 6 AM–7:30 PM
Friday 6:30 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday 6 AM–7:30 PM
Sunday 6 AM–7:30 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 Dodge Paddock / Beal Preserve

Wall St, Stonington, CT 06378

Get directions

Running trails near Stonington

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

Avalonia Land Conservancy, Sandy Point Nature Preserve

5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews

Westerly, RI

Dog-friendly

1.4 miles away

Paffard Woods

4.6 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

Stonington, CT

LoopNatural surface

1.7 miles away

Knox Preserve - Avalonia Land Conservancy

4.8 ★★★★★ 56 reviews

Stonington, CT

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Short-ish, easy trail featuring views of the water and peaceful scenery.

1.9 miles away

Napatree Point Conservation Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 676 reviews

Westerly, RI

4 miScenicDog-friendly

Founded in 1945, this coastal nature preserve for bird nesting & migratory resting features a trail.

2.1 miles away

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 183 reviews

Mystic, CT

LitScenic

Up-close encounters with frogs & turtles, plus a wildlife rehabilitation center & forested trails.

3.0 miles away

Avondale Farm Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 20 reviews

Westerly, RI

Scenic

3.6 miles away

All running trails in Stonington, 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.