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Saugatuck Falls Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 176 Google reviews · Running trail in Redding, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Saugatuck Falls Natural Area'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 bisected by the Saugatuck River, offering 5+ miles of trails.
What runners say about Saugatuck Falls Natural Area
“Beautiful nature preserve with enjoyable trails ranging from level to decent incline to short rocky scrambles.”
“Enjoyed the easy hike and scenic water spots here on a brisk spring day.”
NOTE: Park at middle School on weekend for best parking A great place to hike with amazing water scenery. Some of the trails go through some streams so traversing these can be a bit tricky at times. The falls are amazing to look at and listen to. There are quite a few trails in the area as well.
This park is a beautiful representation of Connecticut nature at its best. A short hike of about 6/10 of a mile that is relatively flat and easy, and about 2/10 of a mile that is steep, rocky, and tricky, to get to the falls.
Nice trail. Buggy, so take lots of spray. The falls trail is difficult, climbing over roots and rocks. Take one of the other trails and then down to the falls.
Enjoyed the easy hike and scenic water spots here on a brisk spring day. Trails are very flat and good for all abilities. There’s even handicap accessibility at least a hundred to two hundred yards in. Appreciated the signage provided in part by the local middle school which gave a very local feel.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful nature preserve with enjoyable trails ranging from level to decent incline to short rocky scrambles.”
“A short hike of about 6/10 of a mile that is relatively flat and easy, and about 2/10 of a mile that is steep, rocky, and tricky, to get to the falls.”
“A short hike of about 6/10 of a mile that is relatively flat and easy, and about 2/10 of a mile that is steep, rocky, and tricky, to get to the falls.”
“NOTE: Park at middle School on weekend for best parking A great place to hike with amazing water scenery.”
“A short hike of about 6/10 of a mile that is relatively flat and easy, and about 2/10 of a mile that is steep, rocky, and tricky, to get to the falls.”
“I would not attempt without a map / interactive map … as the trail is not well marked at certain spots.”
Plan your run at Saugatuck Falls Natural Area
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.
- Websitereddingctlandtrust.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Redding
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Saugatuck Universal Access Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 87 reviews
Area known for peaceful hiking trails and a reservoir.
Topstone Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Forested 280-acre park with a picturesque lake used for swimming & kayaking, plus nature trails.
Collis P. Huntington State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 538 reviews
1,017-acre park with hiking, pond fishing, horseback riding, archery-only deer hunting & more.
