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Lathrop Wildlife Refuge

4.4 ★★★★☆ 39 Google reviews · Running trail in Westerly, Rhode Island · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
1 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Lathrop Wildlife Refuge'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 surface1 miScenicDog-friendlyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Short trails weave through this 86-acre preserve to a salt pond where visitors may spot birds and other wildlife.

What runners say about Lathrop Wildlife Refuge

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (39 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Beautiful beach views, live with crabs and dragonflies, a beautiful spot to take a walk to if you are looking for an hour or two or refuge from the crowds and busy life!”

86 acre Audubon preserve that is really just for wildlife. The parking lot is impossible to access unless you have a Hummer, and there is only a short trail that ends abruptly at a salt pond. Nice to know this place exists for wildlife, but if you want to hike the nearby Dr.

★★★★★ — Andrew , Feb 2016

Great place for a nice hike or walk. There are several trails depending on how long you want to walk. Nothing to challenging and all paths are marked well. Along trails there are points with information boards. There is a great app that has maps of the park and more information.

★★★★★ — Kevin , Oct 2019

Great little walk for my Littles! This is a walk, not a hike, it's less than half a mile out and back, but a lot of fun for my 4, 6, and 8 yr old. We looked for birds, bugs, and plants! Found a tree that reminded my 8yr old of the Womping Willow from HP which she though was so cool!

★★★★★ — Martha , Apr 2021

Short walk to Winnepaug Pond where you can observe birds and other wildlife. Another peaceful Audubon open space for everyone to enjoy.

★★★★★ — J. , May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 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 8 mentions

“Beautiful beach views, live with crabs and dragonflies, a beautiful spot to take a walk to if you are looking for an hour or two or refuge from the crowds and busy life!”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 8 mentions

“The parking lot is impossible to access unless you have a Hummer, and there is only a short trail that ends abruptly at a salt pond.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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🚻 Restrooms

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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Plan your run at Lathrop Wildlife Refuge

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • 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.
  • Websiteasri.org
  • Phone+1 401-949-5454
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 am–5 pm
Tuesday 7 am–5 pm
Wednesday 7 am–5 pm
Thursday 7 am–5 pm
Friday 7 am–5 pm
Saturday 7 am–5 pm
Sunday 7 am–5 pm

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 Lathrop Wildlife Refuge

102 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI 02891

Get directions

Running trails near Westerly

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

Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park

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Scenic

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Rotary Park

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Recreational area with tennis and volleyball courts, plus a playground, and picnic areas.

1.0 miles away

Mastuxet Brook Greenway South

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Natural surface

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Avondale Farm Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 20 reviews

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Scenic

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Moorewoods

4.1 ★★★★☆ 18 reviews

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ScenicDog-friendly

1.7 miles away

Pawcatuck River Wildlife Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 29 reviews

Pawcatuck, CT

Dog-friendly

1.9 miles away

All running trails in Westerly, RI →

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.