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Hammonasset Natural Area Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,401 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Hammonasset Natural Area 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.
What runners say about Hammonasset Natural Area Preserve
“Free for CT residents, clean beaches good surf - enjoyable day option or camping”
“You have so many different topographical features, such as glacial moraines, tide pools, salt and freshwater ponds, meadows and forests and of course the beautiful beaches.”
Hammonasset Natural Area Preserve is truly a gem! We love coming here just to take a breather and reconnect with nature. It’s such a gift to have this beautiful place so close to home and even better that it’s free for Connecticut residents.
I absolutely love this place. It seems like every time I go, I find a new place to explore or find something new. It is a great place for hiking, biking, camping, picnics. You name it. I go there to do wildlife photography, and there is never a shortage.
Clean water, clean sand. People generally keep their music down. Gorgeous views. A little confused after they remodeled the area. More trails added. Park and charge your vehicle for free. If you are a CT state citizen no charge to get in. Camping area available. Not sure about the charges on that.
A great place to relax. There are transfer rooms, toilets, enclosed showers, open showers. Good bike path !!! You can watch birds or go fishing, ride a bike or just sunbathe !!! Convenient place to stay with children!
Trail conditions & character
“You have so many different topographical features, such as glacial moraines, tide pools, salt and freshwater ponds, meadows and forests and of course the beautiful beaches.”
“What a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, beach walk and even a place to walk the dogs 🐕.”
“Moraine walking trail is worth checking out, it’s a path between marshes and rocky beach.”
“There is also a snack shack for foods and bathrooms at a few different points across the beach.”
Plan your run at Hammonasset Natural Area Preserve
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
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(203) 245-2785
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.
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Kenilworth Forest
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