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James L. Goodwin State Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 212 Google reviews · Running trail in Hampton, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from James L. Goodwin State Forest'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.
Statewide, multi-use trail featuring a lake, native plant gardens and a nature center in a forest setting.
What runners say about James L. Goodwin State Forest
“Beautiful space to walk or hike with any age children or adults.”
Traveled an hour to get here and so happy we did. Wonderful trails and even a native plant garden. We walked the short Discovery trail and then went to the annual native plant sale held by Friends of Goodwin. We came home with amazing plants for pollinators or just color.
The hiking is pleasings and the wildlife abundant. Weekends are crowded and lately there has been more shade than sun. Logging has been a problem in the area in the east side of the lake. Many trail closures. Encounters with snakes and small mammals are common. We saw a dragon, but its wings were missing.
So far my experiences and hikes have been great. Please download or print a map before you go as trails don't all make easy loops if at all. Some trails are muddy or Rocky. There seems to be trails for all types of hikers or walkers. Have fun!
2021--Found Lady Slippers! Haven't seen them in 60 years--so excited. I go to Goodwin everytime I visit Willimantic, CT. Enjoy my 2021 photos~~ 2020--Great walking trails in the forest, views of Pine Acres Lake, perfect for Birders.
Trail conditions & character
“Enjoy my 2021 photos~~ 2020--Great walking trails in the forest, views of Pine Acres Lake, perfect for Birders.”
“The Wildflower garden is really nice and it is close to the parking area if you can’t do long distances.”
“Some trails are muddy or Rocky.”
Plan your run at James L. Goodwin State Forest
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.
- Websitectparks.com
- Phone+1 860-455-9534
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Hampton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mansfield Hollow Lake Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Popular spot for boaters (launch available), paddlers and hikers, plus picnics.