HomeConnecticutNiantic › Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve

Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Running trail in Niantic, Connecticut · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve'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.

Natural surfaceScenicTrailhead parkingMile markers

What runners say about Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (27 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Beautiful, well maintained trails, with several entry points.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Beautiful scenery and lots of fun areas to explore off the main trail.”

Very cute trails that are well-maintained and marked. They have little "sight-seeing" spots on the trail that appear to be quite kid-friendly. Not a long or strenuous hike, but worth a visit to take in nature. Very pretty.

★★★★★ — Kindra , Aug 2020

Love the new bridge and wide, clean trails. Trees are marked with signs to let you know where you are going and how to get back. You can also pick up a trail map at the entrance.

★★★★★ — Connecticut , May 2019

One of the most beautiful trails I've seen in new England...great spot, easy trails and trail markers/maps along the way! Thanks to the volunteers who make it possible!

★★★★☆ — Aaron , May 2020

Great short hikes for you and your pup, beautiful, quiet. Be careful, though. It's easy to get lost ( but they have little maps posted at entry points, so grab one!!!)

★★★★★ — Cmac1One , May 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 27 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 5 mentions

“Beautiful scenery and lots of fun areas to explore off the main trail.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“great spot, easy trails and trail markers/maps along the way!”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

“There is easy parking at several spots (one main lot and a couple of small areas).”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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Plan your run at Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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 — reported by runners
  • Websiteoswhills.org
  • Social Facebook

Where to find Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve

88 Quarry Dock Rd, Niantic, CT 06357

Get directions

Running trails near Niantic

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

Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 59 reviews

Niantic, CT

LoopNatural surface

Nature preserve featuring trails that are good for kids and dogs on leashes.

1.3 miles away

Niantic Boardwalk

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,299 reviews

Niantic, CT

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

Popular oceanfront park featuring a boardwalk, plus train views and sandy stretches for swimming.

1.9 miles away

Stenger Farm Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 155 reviews

Waterford, CT

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring picnic areas, walking, and fenced trails, as well as a pond.

3.1 miles away

Goodwin Trails Start

4.6 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

East Lyme, CT

3.3 miles away

Ravenswood Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

Niantic, CT

3.7 miles away

Bates Woods Park

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

New London, CT

3.8 miles away

All running trails in Niantic, CT →

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.