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Orchard Hill Nature Center

4.4 ★★★★☆ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Newtown, Connecticut · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Orchard Hill Nature Center'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.

BoardwalkScenicTrailhead parkingMile markers

What runners say about Orchard Hill Nature Center

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (36 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Lovely short walk on the red trail takes you to a picturesque little river and small waterfall.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

Trails well marked. Never crowded. The 2020 summer we had drought like conditions and yet this brook is always flowing. Theres a sign there that explains the places' history. The boardwalks are solidly built

★★★★★ — Curt , Mar 2021

Great hike with my little kiddos. Between the waterfalls, bridge, and boardwalk, there was plenty to keep them engaged. We had a little bit of difficulty navigating the trails, but ultimately made a nice loop. Will definitely go back.

★★★★★ — Amanda , Jun 2020

Great trails, nice bridge overlooking a stream and waterfall. Very easy hiking, brought our 3.5 and 1.5 year old and they walked the whole way. Also has a big path that big wheeled strollers could navigate.

★★★★★ — Tim , May 2020

Amazing hike. Really good with little people (around 7-8) you can also use shortcuts if need a shorter hike. The waterfall is gorgeous.

★★★★★ — Sabrina , Mar 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 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 15 mentions

“Lovely short walk on the red trail takes you to a picturesque little river and small waterfall.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

“Between the waterfalls, bridge, and boardwalk, there was plenty to keep them engaged.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

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Plan your run at Orchard Hill Nature Center

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • 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
  • Websitenewtown-ct.gov
  • Phone+1 203-270-4340

Hours

Monday 8 am–4:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am–4:30 pm
Thursday 8 am–4:30 pm
Friday 8 am–4:30 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Orchard Hill Nature Center

Huntingtown Rd, Newtown, CT 06470

Get directions

Running trails near Newtown

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Cherry Grove Preserve

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Fairfield Hills Campus Walking Trails

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Dickinson Memorial Park

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Playground-filled park featuring zip lines, swings, slides and baseball diamonds.

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Rocky Glen State Park Scenic Reserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 68 reviews

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Natural surfaceScenic

State park with kid-friendly hikes, a waterfall, and a forest.

3.5 miles away

Pequonnock River Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 33 reviews

Monroe, CT

Natural surfaceShadedScenicDog-friendly

3.6 miles away

Holcombe Hill Wildlife Preserve

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Natural surfaceLitDog-friendly

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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.