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Penwood State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 390 Google reviews · Running trail in Bloomfield, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Penwood 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.
This park provides a wooded trail system, a scenic overlook, lakeside paths & picnic areas.
What runners say about Penwood State Park
“Beautiful place to hike, picnic or even pick a spot and read a book.”
“Peaceful and trail is well marked”
“However, aside from the pot holes and rocks, it was a peaceful and easy hike.”
“However, aside from the pot holes and rocks, it was a peaceful and easy hike.”
Couldn't find the beginning to the yellow trail but eventually crossed over to it using a path that connects trails. Beautiful hike! Up and down hills. Really got a workout! Brought my two kids - 7&9 they had no problems.
Fabulous park. I can't believe we've never come here. The parking lot was super packed and the trails were not. Plenty of room for everyone and loads of options and difficulties. Good for family fun also. Many great hikes of various difficulty levels.
Always a good time at this park. Is there an easier way to access the picnic area, other than hiking in from points south? The eastern entrance by the park headquarters is accessible from Gun Mill Road. Gun Mill is listed as a private road. You have this lovely picnic area, which canno tbe enjoyed by all.
This 787-acre park was established in 1944 and connects with Talcott Mountain State Park, which is across the street. Curtis H. Veedor donated the land to the state and asked for it to be preserved the way it was. Most of the trails were blazed by him. The parking lot was large.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place to hike, picnic or even pick a spot and read a book.”
“parking lot can be full and often I never see anyone on the trails.”
“However, aside from the pot holes and rocks, it was a peaceful and easy hike.”
“The trail was on an incline and paved; there was a bunch of potholes so it looked like it was never kept up with since it was originally paved.”
“The eastern entrance by the park headquarters is accessible from Gun Mill Road.”
“You can do “easy” on old paved/gravel roads or “difficult” on some gnarly single track.”
Plan your run at Penwood State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitectparks.com
- Phone+1 860-242-1158
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Bloomfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Talcott Mountain State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,378 reviews
Vast park featuring miles of trails, varied wildlife & a 165-ft. tower offering panoramic views.
