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Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Running trail in Niantic, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
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.
Nature preserve featuring trails that are good for kids and dogs on leashes.
What runners say about Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve
“Fantastic local preserve with an extensive and well-maintained trail system.”
“An incredible hike, well marked trails, place cards describing natural wonders.”
One of my favorite trails in Niantic. A well marked trail. It takes a little over an hour to complete.
Beautiful beautiful, trails for novice hikers and more experienced. I actually got lost with my dog.
Very well-marked trails! I ran a 3.5 mile loop of red and blue trails. Some cool rock ledges and well cleared hilly paths. I stopped to enjoy a couple landmarks that were labeled on the trails. You could probably stretch it to 7-8 miles if you go further north and come back.
Fantastic local preserve with an extensive and well-maintained trail system. Great spot for hikers and many opportunities to view unique birds. Highly recommend.
Trail conditions & character
“Took blue trail ard 6pm n got a little lost trying to follow the map (maybe because was getting dark); trail had many markers but map/layout was confusing.”
“We parked on a grassy lot prior to the park but there was some parking closer to the trailhead.”
“We didn't do the main loop, but it was good to see a spot to pick up doggy bags at the main entrance.”
Plan your run at Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve
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 — reported by runners
- Websiteoswhills.org
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
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