HomeConnecticutEnfield › Scantic River State Park East

Scantic River State Park East

4.5 ★★★★★ 94 Google reviews · Running trail in Enfield, Connecticut · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Scantic River State Park East'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.

LoopOpen 24hScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAHillyTrailhead parkingQuiet

Popular park offering miles of hiking trails through dense forest, as well as fishing.

What runners say about Scantic River State Park East

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (94 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Wonderful scenery with a flowing river so clear and clean you can see the bottom.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“The paths have been opened up and this is our new favorite place for a beautiful walk.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“The pathes lead along the Scantic River with stops to view the river and listen to the peaceful sounds of the fleeting water.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

This is a hidden treasure. My girlfriend and I both tried this place before we met and was disappointed as we only found an overground path. Recently we decided to try it again and was extremely happy with the changes that were made. The paths have been opened up and this is our new favorite place for a beautiful walk.

★★★★★ — Richard , Nov 2020

First time on these trails. We loved hiking them. Easily marked. The river is beautiful

★★★★★ — Laura , Jan 2021

This is a really quiet area, with great views, and multiple trails to explore. There is not usually a port a potty in this portion of the park, but the trails are well worn, making it perfect for families, and less experienced outdoors persons.

★★★★★ — Dustin , Nov 2017

Wonderful scenery with a flowing river so clear and clean you can see the bottom. Great walking trails from easy to challenging. You can fish here and swim here in the summer months. Best part is you can bring your dog but has to be leashed for safety reasons. Only negative is not alot of parking spaces.

★★★★★ — Elaine , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 94 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“The paths have been opened up and this is our new favorite place for a beautiful walk.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“Great place for a hike, walking dogs, fishing, and kayaking some times of the year.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“The pathes lead along the Scantic River with stops to view the river and listen to the peaceful sounds of the fleeting water.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Wasn't too bad but some places were steep.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“It is not a loop, so be aware you either need to then around and walk back or you will end up on the road and will have to walk a little ways to the parking lot.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“It is not a loop, so be aware you either need to then around and walk back or you will end up on the road and will have to walk a little ways to the parking lot.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Not stroller friendly in the winter.”

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Plan your run at Scantic River State Park East

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitesrwa.org
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Scantic River State Park East

640 Hazard Ave, Enfield, CT 06082

Get directions

Running trails near Enfield

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Scantic River State Park - South

4.6 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

Enfield, CT

Scenic

under a mile away

Scantic River State Park - West

4.6 ★★★★★ 129 reviews

Enfield, CT

Natural surfaceScenic

Linear state park featuring riverside trails, waterfalls and woods.

1.3 miles away

Scantic River State Park, Powder Hollow Block

4.6 ★★★★★ 253 reviews

Enfield, CT

Natural surfaceScenic

State park with riverside walking paths, woods, and a historical stone wall.

2.0 miles away

McCann Family Farm

4.7 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

Somers, CT

Dog-friendly

3.4 miles away

Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 29 reviews

Somers, CT

Natural surfaceDog-friendly

3.8 miles away

Scantic River State Park East Windsor

4.8 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Broad Brook, CT

Dog-friendly

3.9 miles away

All running trails in Enfield, CT →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.