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East Rock Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,730 Google reviews · Running trail in New Haven, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from East Rock 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.
A 425-acre park offering scenic views of New Haven, wooded hiking trails, fields & picnic areas.
What runners say about East Rock Park
“The park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, with well-maintained trails that cater to various skill levels.”
“The panoramic vistas from the top are nothing short of spectacular, providing a stunning vantage point to appreciate the surrounding landscape.”
“No cars are allowed, so it’s nice and quiet — aside from an occasional bicycle zooming by.”
East Rock Park in New Haven, CT is a hidden gem that made our drive from NYC absolutely worth it. The breathtaking views and numerous viewpoints are a treat for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a refreshing escape from the city hustle.
This is a nice place for hiking and has a harder trail,that I love to do. Definitely will keep you in shape. It’s also nice to just take a stroll. The top of the mountain can get quite busy with people just hanging around. It’s not the prettiest of views I have seen but a close place to go to for exercise and fun.
Lovely park! Great for an easy hike! You get a scenic view of the city which is very nice! The park is free and people bring their pets. It is also easy and great for kids to walk around. You get a very beautiful view for the city.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, this park is a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. The main attraction is the summit. Getting there is half the fun, and you have options!
Trail conditions & character
“The breathtaking views and numerous viewpoints are a treat for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a refreshing escape from the city hustle.”
“There’s some cool shortcuts that are pretty steep and narrow, but the view is sweet.”
“Has about 100 parking spots up top and some picnic tables and grilling spots, as well as a castle and a couple great spots to sit and enjoy the view.”
“No cars are allowed, so it’s nice and quiet — aside from an occasional bicycle zooming by.”
“All paved walking road (with gravel and rocky trailhead shortcuts) and wonderful views at the top.”
Plan your run at East Rock Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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
- Websitenewhavenct.gov
- Phone(203) 946-6086
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–10:30 PM |
Running trails near New Haven
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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