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Nehantic State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 115 Google reviews · Running trail in East Lyme, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Nehantic State Forest'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.
These expansive, historic wildlands offer opportunities for boating, swimming, hiking & picnicking.
What runners say about Nehantic State Forest
“It would be 5 stars if the scenic overlook was actually any sort of enjoyable view.”
“Usually not crowded trails through varied terrain.”
Awesome piece of nature. Spent the whole day hiking. And there's some vert cool buildings and old stone structures. The view s are unbelievable. Cant wait to go this fishing season
Really great place to take your dog for a walk, even off-leash! As previous reviews have stated, the forest would be nicer if people refrained from dumping their old couches here. There are several miles of trails here and the forest expands into the neighboring towns of Lyme and Salem.
Very nice area to hike, bike, and explore. They did an awesome job on the trail system, the trails are marked clearly. I suggest printing a map and go explore. They have marked many sites on the map that can be explored.
I have never been here before and was pleasantly surprised but a nice long walk (Over a mile out) through the woods! Can't wait to go back and finish off the trail I didn't have time for!!
Trail conditions & character
“It would be 5 stars if the scenic overlook was actually any sort of enjoyable view.”
“Really great place to take your dog for a walk, even off-leash!”
“Usually not crowded trails through varied terrain.”
“Rocky but wide path with some small offshoots along the way.”
Plan your run at Nehantic State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitect.gov
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
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