Home › Connecticut › Southbury › George C Waldo State Park
George C Waldo State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · Running trail in Southbury, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from George C Waldo 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.
Recreation area for hiking and mountain biking trails, plus a riverside picnic area.
What runners say about George C Waldo State Park
“There is an extensive trail system that goes down to a lake with some very scenic views.”
“Easy trails and a nice spot to sit near the water!”
This is a great park to hike, bike, or walk your dog. There is an extensive trail system that goes down to a lake with some very scenic views. Parking is easy and convenient at the trail head. Parking is usually easy but on nice days the parking does fill up quickly.
Its a great park. BUT why do people with dogs feel they have some God given right to just let their dogs run free off a leash? I love animals of all kinds , I was actually there with my tripod and camera to photography birds.
Excellent MTB trails for an intermediate rider. A couple of quick sections, but mostly technical switchbacks and rock gardens. Runners often do not obey leash laws and their dogs have a really bad habit of jumping in front of tires. Just be careful while out there.
Great Mountain Biking. The trial fun, flows well, not too technical and definitely worth the trip. Take the red trail on the left as you get into the parking lot and keep on it till it merges with the purple by the water. The whole loop took me about 40 minutes.
Trail conditions & character
“BUT why do people with dogs feel they have some God given right to just let their dogs run free off a leash?”
“There is an extensive trail system that goes down to a lake with some very scenic views.”
“For mtn biking the trails are flowy single track with a couple of technical rock garden areas but for the most part it is pretty easy to navigate.”
“Take the red trail on the left as you get into the parking lot and keep on it till it merges with the purple by the water.”
Plan your run at George C Waldo State Park
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.
- Websiteportal.ct.gov
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Southbury
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Great Woods Walk
4.8 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
Upper Paugussett State Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 108 reviews
Large state forest on the river offering multiple hiking trails plus hunting, biking & fishing.
Audubon Center Bent of the River
4.9 ★★★★★ 189 reviews
Nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary offering trails, picnic areas, and river views.
Al's Trail
2 ★★☆☆☆ 1 reviews