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River Highlands State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 200 Google reviews · Running trail in Cromwell, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from River Highlands 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.
Forested park on the Connecticut River featuring trails, campsites & bluffs with scenic views.
What runners say about River Highlands State Park
“The park also offers some scenic views of the Connecticut River and surrounding countryside.”
First time here I figured I would walk the trail and I found the river it is actually really cool it's not even a long walk to get to the river there are also bike trails where you can mountain bike down the path they have fire pits here and picnic benches.
I love this park; it’s huge, there are some great trails which are kids friendly and others which more gavel/mountain bikes. Never too busy. Cool views of the River.
The trails in River Highlands State Park are mostly intermediate-level, with some technical sections and challenging climbs. The park's trails wind through dense woods, rocky terrain, and some open meadows. Mountain bikers can expect to encounter roots, rocks, and some steep hills on the trails.
Great hiking trails with spectacular views of the Connecticut River. Also possible to walk quite a ways along the riverside beach. Easy place to relax all day and enjoy the good weather.
Trail conditions & character
“The park also offers some scenic views of the Connecticut River and surrounding countryside.”
“There are some steep hills near the river but overall I woul d say the trails are "easy to moderate" in difficulty.”
“The trails in River Highlands State Park are mostly intermediate-level, with some technical sections and challenging climbs.”
“A very peaceful place to hike and it is never crowded even though the parking looks crowded.”
“Very nice - been twice so far, we like hiking to the water and letting the dogs play”
“The park has a few different loop options, including a 5-mile loop that is popular with mountain bikers.”
“The trails in River Highlands State Park are mostly intermediate-level, with some technical sections and challenging climbs.”
Plan your run at River Highlands State Park
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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteportal.ct.gov
- Phone(203) 287-5658
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Cromwell
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Great Pond Preserve
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