Home › Connecticut › Madison › Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,777 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 1.4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Hammonasset Beach 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.
Popular destination features a 2-mile-long beach with a boardwalk, boat launch & 550 campsites.
What runners say about Hammonasset Beach State Park
“Always a clean beach love it here never too busy which is an extra plus amazing photos never a disappointment”
“Lots of parking, large modern restrooms (composting toilets), beautiful sand, fairly shallow water with waves but no heavy surf (very kid friendly!”
One of the best state parks on the Connecticut shoreline (I think) that has almost 2 miles of sandy beach front with paved paths and a walking / bikeing trail way along the shore, this park also has a massive campground in the inner part of the park.
The water was nice and warm very clear path on beach even with clutter of other guests. There are changing rooms in rinsing off stations as you exit the beach plus a small little bistro quick grab snacks. Plenty of parking spaces with multiple lots available plus there is a shuttle service offered for the campers
Best Ct Beach! I love how big it is. I always find a quiet spot. There is an awesome linear trail to walk also. I take a break from sitting too long on the beach & walk the boardwalk to the beautiful nature center. The wildlife here is simply amazing. I also camped here for many years in my life.
Hammonasset Beach State Park was such a relaxing place to spend the day. The beach is long, wide, and clean, with plenty of space to spread out without feeling crowded. I loved walking along the shoreline with the sound of the waves and the ocean breeze, it’s the kind of place that instantly puts you at ease.
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of parking, large modern restrooms (composting toilets), beautiful sand, fairly shallow water with waves but no heavy surf (very kid friendly!”
“Lots of parking, large modern restrooms (composting toilets), beautiful sand, fairly shallow water with waves but no heavy surf (very kid friendly!”
“Lots of parking, large modern restrooms (composting toilets), beautiful sand, fairly shallow water with waves but no heavy surf (very kid friendly!”
“The paved trails along the beach and around the campground are perfect for biking and longboarding in the winter/spring.”
“I wandered along the boardwalk and nature trails and enjoyed seeing birds and marsh views along the way.”
“We ordered a cheeseburger, foot-long hot dog, surf & turf platter, and fish with fries.”
“We went at the end of the State Park and it has a rocky part and lots of shells.”
Plan your run at Hammonasset Beach State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance1.4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteportal.ct.gov
- Phone+1 203-245-2785
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Madison
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Shoreline Greenway Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
Meigs Point Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 247 reviews
Long-running, family-friendly environmental learning center at Hammonasset Beach State Park.
Rettich Preserve - Madison Land Trust
4.7 ★★★★★ 35 reviews
Preserve featuring a riverside walk, a former farm and lawns for outdoor concerts.
The Elliot Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Kenilworth Forest
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews