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Niantic Boardwalk
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,299 Google reviews · Running trail in Niantic, Connecticut · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Niantic Boardwalk'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.
Popular oceanfront park featuring a boardwalk, plus train views and sandy stretches for swimming.
What runners say about Niantic Boardwalk
“The path is wide, clean, and well-maintained, with benches placed at just the right spots to sit and soak in the scenery.”
“Niantic Bay Boardwalk is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve visited in Connecticut, and it absolutely deserves a 5-star rating.”
“Apparently it is seasonal, there are train tracks right behind the beach so it isn't exactly quiet so definitely not worth the money and there is no bathroom near by either.”
Has replaced Bluff Point as my favorite walk in SE CT. Easy access from anywhere in town (you're going here to walk, right?). Parking at access points is tight during the summer. Nice 2 mile out and back or loop through Niantic villagne.
Niantic Bay Boardwalk stretches 6000 feet from Niantic Bay Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. Fun yellow seashell location markers installed by Eagle Scout Joshua Miller of Troop 240 indicate how far a walker has traveled along the boardwalk and provide information for emergency services should something go amiss.
Great place to talk a walk. Concrete flat walkway with views of the bay and Long Island Sound. Signage along the way is very informative. Arrow points to Long Island.
Niantic Bay Boardwalk is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve visited in Connecticut, and it absolutely deserves a 5-star rating. Stretching along the coastline with stunning views of Long Island Sound, this boardwalk is perfect for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
Trail conditions & character
“Niantic Bay Boardwalk is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve visited in Connecticut, and it absolutely deserves a 5-star rating.”
“Niantic Bay Boardwalk is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve visited in Connecticut, and it absolutely deserves a 5-star rating.”
“Apparently it is seasonal, there are train tracks right behind the beach so it isn't exactly quiet so definitely not worth the money and there is no bathroom near by either.”
“I did notice a sign that said "No dogs allowed" I also noticed the beach was full of dogs just passed that sign.”
“Parking was free and conveniently located, and the downtown area nearby had great options for food, ice cream, and local shops, all within walking distance.”
“Concrete flat walkway with views of the bay and Long Island Sound.”
“Nice 2 mile out and back or loop through Niantic villagne.”
“Apparently it is seasonal, there are train tracks right behind the beach so it isn't exactly quiet so definitely not worth the money and there is no bathroom near by either.”
Plan your run at Niantic Boardwalk
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitepublictrustfoundation.org
- Social Facebook
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 |
Running trails near Niantic
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