Home › Connecticut › Naugatuck › Larkin State Bridle Trail
Larkin State Bridle Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 143 Google reviews · Running trail in Naugatuck, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 10.3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Larkin State Bridle Trail'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.
Picturesque 10.3-mile trail along a former railroad used for horse riding, cycling & hiking.
What runners say about Larkin State Bridle Trail
“Great views, not easy to cross most streets, you have to climb rocky hills to get back onto the trail.”
“From the Naugatuck end, flat straight path through residential areas and lots of foot traffic, but nice for a stroll, walk the dog, jog.”
Nice first rails to trails path with mixed use for runners, bikers and horses. Good to get on in all seasons but not much in terms of scenery. Overall, did the job for an outdoor walk in the summer with the kiddo
This is a fun trail I bike on. I think it's like a total of 10 miles one way. You have to ride it on a dry spell in the summer otherwise there's a huge mud hole about a quarter of the way in and there's no easy way around it. I really hope they fix this section.
10 mile bridleway, cycling, walking. Linear. Passes lakes, swamps, Preserve off to the south. Easy to miss. Path leads uphill. Gravel. Some slopes to roads where Bridge removed. One section dismount due to rocks. Could have larger gravel to help cycling. Signposted parking off road to Naugatuk . Car park at other end.
Great for dog walking, strolling and biking. The trail is well shaded in warm months. For hikers there are many better choices nearby, but you can't beat it for taking your dog for a long walk without dealing with cars. Just be aware that there are plenty of bike riders.
Trail conditions & character
“Great views, not easy to cross most streets, you have to climb rocky hills to get back onto the trail.”
“From the Naugatuck end, flat straight path through residential areas and lots of foot traffic, but nice for a stroll, walk the dog, jog.”
“It's about 21 miles long round trip and I'm pretty sure it will have even some of the most advanced mountain bikers off their saddle at times.”
“Great views, not easy to cross most streets, you have to climb rocky hills to get back onto the trail.”
“Great views, not easy to cross most streets, you have to climb rocky hills to get back onto the trail.”
“From the Naugatuck end, flat straight path through residential areas and lots of foot traffic, but nice for a stroll, walk the dog, jog.”
Plan your run at Larkin State Bridle Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance10.3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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(860) 424-3200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Naugatuck
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Whittemore Glen State Park Scenic Reserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 87 reviews
Wild area for hiking & horseback riding on trails that wind through a landscape of trees & hillside.
Linden Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 171 reviews
Recreational area with a playground and equipment for skateboarding, basketball, and tennis.
Waterbury Greenway
3.5 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews