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Pootatuck State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Running trail in New Fairfield, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Pootatuck State Forest yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Hiking spot in a lush forest featuring views of Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond.
What runners say about Pootatuck State Forest
“You can hike up to the top and get a great view of Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond.”
Nice hiking trails....goes for miles. The trails are in good condition and parking is easy It is free every day. You can hike up to the top and get a great view of Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond. It is rarely crowed and you can hike year round.
Decent hike that isn't too flat, it will get your heart rate up a bit. There's some trails but also a fire road you can loop in. Took us 3 hours with plenty of stops. Good view overlooking the end of Candlewood.
Beautiful hike down and up Pootatuck State Forest. Moderate trail, with plenty of areas for great pictures. Parking lot can get busy later in the day.
Pretty tough hike but the view is beautiful, definitely a big payoff! Giving 4 stars only because the parking situation could be better. Squantz Pond closes half of the parking in the off season forcing me to park by the boat launch.
Trail conditions & character
“You can hike up to the top and get a great view of Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond.”
“The trails are in good condition and parking is easy It is free every day.”
Plan your run at Pootatuck State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitect.gov
- Phone+1 860-424-3200
Running trails near New Fairfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Squantz Pond State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,207 reviews
Family-friendly spot with activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, and swimming, plus a public restroom.
Finn’s Land and Demento Preserves
4 ★★★★☆ 1 reviews
Sweetcake Mountain Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
Kid-friendly area offering a short trail with scenic views of Candlewood Lake.
Pond Meadow / Still River Nature Preserve
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Bear Mountain Reservation
4.6 ★★★★★ 229 reviews
A 140-acre green space with dog-friendly hiking trails, wooded areas & access to Candlewood Lake.