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Hollister Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in Glastonbury, Connecticut · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Hollister 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.

Natural surfaceLoopScenicHilly

What runners say about Hollister Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (22 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

This used to be called “overlook” growing up! But is a beautiful hike with beautiful view! It’s definitely peaceful out there when you get to the view. Not much parking as it’s in a residential neighborhood.

★★★★★ — Chelsea , Jun 2024

The trail is a pretty easy one to do when I went it was very very muddy and wet and most spots and very slippery because of the leaves. It took me about 2 hours to do the loop because I took my time and walked around and looked at everything there is a little viewpoint of Hartford.

★★★★★ — Joan , Oct 2023

Lots of history hidden in these woods. The hike up/down the hill can be a little strenuous for kids but you're rewarded with a sweeping view of the Connecticut River Valley and downtown Hartford when you get there.

★★★★★ — Tim , Aug 2024

A Great vista. Good for kids, not a challenging hike. Watch the muddy areas.

★★★★☆ — Ray , Nov 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“The hike up/down the hill can be a little strenuous for kids but you're rewarded with a sweeping view of the Connecticut River Valley and downtown Hartford when you get there.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“The hike up/down the hill can be a little strenuous for kids but you're rewarded with a sweeping view of the Connecticut River Valley and downtown Hartford when you get there.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“The trail is a pretty easy one to do when I went it was very very muddy and wet and most spots and very slippery because of the leaves.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“It took me about 2 hours to do the loop because I took my time and walked around and looked at everything there is a little viewpoint of Hartford.”

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Plan your run at Hollister Preserve

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.
  • Websiteglastonburyct.gov
  • Phone+1 860-652-7679

Hours

Monday 8 am–4:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am–4:30 pm
Thursday 8 am–4:30 pm
Friday 8 am–4:30 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Hollister Preserve

Glastonbury, Connecticut

Get directions

Running trails near Glastonbury

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Whitehouse Family Nature Preserve

3.1 ★★★☆☆ 7 reviews

Glastonbury, CT

LoopNatural surfaceScenic

under a mile away

Earle Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 34 reviews

Glastonbury, CT

Scenic

1.5 miles away

J.B. Williams Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 241 reviews

Glastonbury, CT

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Large woodland area offers hiking trails, a softball field, playground, pavilion & ice-skating pond.

1.5 miles away

Cotton Hollow Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 423 reviews

South Glastonbury, CT

ScenicDog-friendly

80-acre retreat providing forested hiking trails, wildlife & a creek for seasonal fishing.

1.7 miles away

Matson Hill Road Open Space

4.6 ★★★★★ 39 reviews

South Glastonbury, CT

Scenic

Park featuring ruins of a former cotton mill as well as an open field and a stream.

1.7 miles away

2.4 miles away

All running trails in Glastonbury, CT →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.