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Kettletown State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 588 Google reviews · Running trail in Southbury, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Kettletown 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.
Swimming & fishing in the Housatonic River, plus hiking & 63 camp sites in open or wooded settings.
What runners say about Kettletown State Park
“I enjoy Kettletown as there is swimming, boating, hiking and fishing, and it is well kept.”
“Very nice, beautiful park!”
“There were a few trails you could take and they were all extremely well marked and took you through various parts of the woods.”
Nice quiet place. We went a few days after 4th of July so we just missed the crowds. Has bathrooms, showers (yes water is heated), water stations, fire rings on every site, sell fire wood and ice in park. Also, each site has a picnic table which is a big help. Sites are decent size.
I hiked here in October 2020. It was a warm, peaceful day with not many hikers out. I was able to enjoy the trails and the waterfalls, but what I absolutely enjoyed most was finding a spot by the river. I was able to sit down and relax for hours, watching boats pass me by on a lazy sunday... absolutely wonderful.
Nice park with lots of space for parking and picnic tables. Easy trails that goes along the brook. When we went it was not busy and we had a good time. There is also a place to launch your canoe.
This is a review for campgrounds as well as state park. I enjoy Kettletown as there is swimming, boating, hiking and fishing, and it is well kept. Unfortunately the water is too yucky for me- skeevy to say the least but the kids enjoy.
Trail conditions & character
“I was able to enjoy the trails and the waterfalls, but what I absolutely enjoyed most was finding a spot by the river.”
“There was good parking, maps now and then, and free to get in for CT residents.”
“The trail runs right next to a brook, and the drop off is quite steep so watch your footing.”
“Has bathrooms, showers (yes water is heated), water stations, fire rings on every site, sell fire wood and ice in park.”
“There were a few trails you could take and they were all extremely well marked and took you through various parts of the woods.”
“From our campsite we had to walk up a very steep, rocky hill.”
“The brook trail brings you to a fork, and you can either walk to the beachhead area or go down the boardwalk to follow the water out a bit.”
“Has bathrooms, showers (yes water is heated), water stations, fire rings on every site, sell fire wood and ice in park.”
Plan your run at Kettletown 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
- 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, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteportal.ct.gov
- Phone+1 203-264-5678
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Southbury
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Paugussett State Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 123 reviews
State park offering hiking & biking trails, fishing & a launch for boating activities.
Newtown Halfway River Trail
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Southford Falls State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,216 reviews
Park, with ponds and waterfalls plus trails, a watchtower and a covered bridge.
