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Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 117 Google reviews · Running trail in South Windsor, Connecticut · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Major Michael Donnelly Land 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.
Trail-lined park featuring wetlands, grasslands, wildflower meadows, bird-watching opportunities, ponds, and a butterfly garden.
What runners say about Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve
“The preserve is beautifully maintained — the trails are clear, the grounds are clean, and every corner feels thoughtfully cared for.”
“Beautiful easy walk 1 mile long, peaceful and quiet with intermittent sitting benches throughout along an elevated watch tower overlooking marshy scrublands full of wildlife.”
“So glad that the trails were clearly marked!”
“Beautiful easy walk 1 mile long, peaceful and quiet with intermittent sitting benches throughout along an elevated watch tower overlooking marshy scrublands full of wildlife.”
“Beautiful easy walk 1 mile long, peaceful and quiet with intermittent sitting benches throughout along an elevated watch tower overlooking marshy scrublands full of wildlife.”
They got mad rabbits!!! Legit sometimes you see like 15 of those lil' guys on the trail. They're cool as hell too, let ya get like 5 feet from em before they hop off LMAO!!! What a bunch of chill rabbits😂😂😂 trails are nice too, serious walkin round these parts. Check it out!!!
beautiful, open hike! easy to spend a couple hours here. I'd recommend bringing binoculars considering there's a wide variety of bird species living amongst the wetlands :)
The Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve in South Windsor is truly a hidden gem for anyone who loves peaceful walks in nature. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the calm atmosphere settle in.
Definitely a beautiful area to check out. There is even a map on the all trails app that will take you in a loop. There are two parking spots for this area. I saw A lot of birds and bunnies when I walked this trail. Dog friendly. Alot of mosquitoes though and muddy in some parts.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful easy walk 1 mile long, peaceful and quiet with intermittent sitting benches throughout along an elevated watch tower overlooking marshy scrublands full of wildlife.”
“Beautiful easy walk 1 mile long, peaceful and quiet with intermittent sitting benches throughout along an elevated watch tower overlooking marshy scrublands full of wildlife.”
Plan your run at Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Distance2.5 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(860) 644-2511
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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