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Harkness Memorial State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,148 Google reviews · Running trail in Waterford, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Harkness Memorial 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.
1906 mansion with lawns & landscaped gardens, plus views of Long Island Sound; guided tours offered.
What runners say about Harkness Memorial State Park
“Harkness Memorial State Park is a beautiful and well-maintained place.”
“I spent an afternoon here a few weeks ago enjoying the fall foliage as I checked out the beautiful mansion, the tower, and the gardens.”
Great Park to just relax on the oceanfront. Didn't get a chance to tour the Mansion and gardens. Maybe next time. Went down to the beach which was very nice, but there is no swimming allowed. Many picnic areas with grills and nice tables available. Great place for a large family reunion or get together.
Absolutely beautiful park that has some amazing scenery. I have come here several times in past few years to walk the dogs but this last time was better than all the rest. I proposed to my partner and couldn’t have picked a better place. Highly recommend the views of the ocean, mansion and nature.
We went here as a part of the Sky's the Limit 2022 hiking challenge. This is definitely a hidden gem. The beach, trails, gardens, just all of it is such a treat. When we went there were tons of people flying kites, a wedding was going on, and a bird poop on me while we were hiking around.
Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut, is a historic seaside estate featuring the Gilded Age mansion "Eolia," formal gardens, and beaches on the Long Island Sound, once owned by philanthropists Edward and Mary Harkness.
Trail conditions & character
“I spent an afternoon here a few weeks ago enjoying the fall foliage as I checked out the beautiful mansion, the tower, and the gardens.”
“Friendly gate attendant, reasonable cost for parking, ample parking, plenty of restrooms.”
“Friendly gate attendant, reasonable cost for parking, ample parking, plenty of restrooms.”
“I have come here several times in past few years to walk the dogs but this last time was better than all the rest.”
“The park offers walking trails, picnic areas, fishing, and birdwatching, with the mansion and gardens open for tours, though the grounds are accessible year-round.”
“The boardwalk, mansion, gardens, and just the whole park are worth exploring even if you dont plan to go on the beach!”
Plan your run at Harkness Memorial State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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, 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.
- Websiteharkness.org
- Phone(860) 437-1523
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
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