HomeConnecticutNorth Stonington › Nature Conservancy Gladys Foster Preserve Trailhead

Nature Conservancy Gladys Foster Preserve Trailhead

4.2 ★★★★☆ 17 Google reviews · Running trail in North Stonington, Connecticut · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Nature Conservancy Gladys Foster Preserve Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

ScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastHillyTrailhead parking

What runners say about Nature Conservancy Gladys Foster Preserve Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (17 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“The paths are well worn, there are up and down segments and beautiful views.”

Watch for a small pull off for parking. No formal parking lot is available. The sign for Nature Conservancy land is set back from the road and slightly hidden. A short hike leads to an overlook. Further down the trail much beaver activity may be seen.

★★★★☆ — Jerry , Jan 2018

This is a nice hike with beautiful deep woods. Initially, it can be a bit steep, but it does level off making it a nice hike for bird watching and mushroom hunting. Pleasant overall hike.

★★★★☆ — Leigh , Sep 2019

So beautiful and quiet in the winter. There is some up and down elevation in the first mile but once you get to the Brook it is mostly level. Tons of beautiful stone walls, hemlock grove and Brook crossings. Only room for a couple of cars to park roadside. Preserve sign is set off about 50’ off the road.

★★★★★ — Michelle , Feb 2021

The trail begins right away with a bit of a hike up and then levels out for a bit. The paths are well worn, there are up and down segments and beautiful views.

★★★★★ — Suzanne , Jun 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 17 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

“The paths are well worn, there are up and down segments and beautiful views.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“Easy hike we got to let our dog run.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Watch for a small pull off for parking.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Initially, it can be a bit steep, but it does level off making it a nice hike for bird watching and mushroom hunting.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Initially, it can be a bit steep, but it does level off making it a nice hike for bird watching and mushroom hunting.”

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Plan your run at Nature Conservancy Gladys Foster Preserve Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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 — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.

Where to find Nature Conservancy Gladys Foster Preserve Trailhead

199-155 Ryder Rd, North Stonington, CT 06359

Get directions

Running trails near North Stonington

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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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.