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Niquette Bay State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 326 Google reviews · Running trail in Colchester, Vermont · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Niquette Bay State 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.
Pet-friendly destination with hiking trails, beach, cove & scenic vistas open summer to early fall.
What runners say about Niquette Bay State Park
“Located just about 30 minutes from the VT big city, it offers lots of space and trails to get out for some fresh clean covid free air!”
“Beautiful stone outcroppings and a very mild loop.”
“Usually pretty low traffic, too, if your looking for peace and quiet.”
“I took my two kids here (9 and 13), along with our dog, and we really enjoyed walking the well-maintained, shaded trails.”
Fantastic park with lovely views. We walked the poetry trail which was a real pleasure. I would advise bringing swimsuits for the water and bug spray if you plan on walking after 4 pm. All in all it was a great park with well kept trails comparable to the Red Rocks!
This quickly accessible year round day use park is a great choice for hikers. Located just about 30 minutes from the VT big city, it offers lots of space and trails to get out for some fresh clean covid free air! The network of trails offer varying degrees of difficulty and lengths.
Beautiful park with lots of diverse terrain. Trails vary from flat and clear to steeper and rocky. Nothing too intense, nice hills and gullies. Beautiful cliffs to swim from and access to the beach (no dogs on beaches, but welcome on trails on leash).
It's nice for hiking. Wasn't too impressed with the beach or pet beach, have yet to jump from the cliffs, I may love it if I ever get the pleasure. There were a decent amount of people all over the place. Lots of roots and loose rocks in some areas but I REALLY enjoyed my hikes.
Trail conditions & character
“Pretty solid mix of easy to moderate trails, connecting beaches, lookouts on Malletts Bay’s inner and outer bays, a dog swimming area, etc.”
“Niquette was pretty busy today, but we avoided most people by doing the Burns and Muhley to Island View trails (essentially staying right where many people start by going left).”
“Lots of roots and loose rocks in some areas but I REALLY enjoyed my hikes.”
“The only thing we noticed was when we were headed back to our car we passed 4 different signs saying Parking.”
Plan your run at Niquette Bay State Park
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.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitevtstateparks.com
- Phone+1 802-893-5210
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7 pm |
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