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Mianus River Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 537 Google reviews · Running trail in Stamford, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Mianus River 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.
389-acre forest with rugged mountain biking & hiking trails, fishing spots & lots of dog walkers.
What runners say about Mianus River Park
“24 Yhe river is gorgeous, and the trail we took was very wide and very well maintained.”
“We had just had a snow storm that dumped 14 inches of snow on us plus some bitterly cold days, so the river was partially frozen but still beautiful.”
“It's an easy trail but markings and the map can be confusing.”
“If you've got a dog, there are other trails that you can use as well; it seems to be a very dog-friendly park.”
A whimsical wonderland of many trails to choose from for all different skill levels. I entered on the Stamford side which has two levels of parking lots that are smaller and fill up quickly. I parked by the old red barn and walked over the bridge and entered the trailhead at the starting point.
Easy hikes. Beautiful in the fall and winter! Limited parking, so recommend only going early in the day before 830am. Only downside is people don’t wear masks and it’s concerning on the paths that are narrow.
Nice and quiet trail a few minutes from Stamford city. It's an easy trail but markings and the map can be confusing. Maps highlight intersection as numbers but actually markings are alphabets.Best way is to scan QR code given at markings. The trail is well maintained. Onsite parking available
No cell service there. Road is gravel, not for strollers or road bikes. A lot of hills as well. The lake and river are filled with algae. Great park for dog walk
Trail conditions & character
“We had just had a snow storm that dumped 14 inches of snow on us plus some bitterly cold days, so the river was partially frozen but still beautiful.”
“The East River Trail is a nature trail that isn't supposed to have dogs or bikes, so if you don't like dogs or speeding bikes, then that trail is for you!”
“Decent amount of parking but bear in mind to use a restroom before visiting: the red barn building on premise is locked up.”
“You can take an easy cruise down a main trail or find technical rocky trails with switch backs and big drops”
“Not too much elevation made for more of a walk in the woods.”
“There are a lot of trails that are well-marked, you can spend a couple of hours in here!”
“Decent amount of parking but bear in mind to use a restroom before visiting: the red barn building on premise is locked up.”
Plan your run at Mianus River Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefriendsofmianusriverpark.org
Running trails near Stamford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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