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Squantz Pond State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,207 Google reviews · Running trail in New Fairfield, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 2.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Squantz Pond 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.
Family-friendly spot with activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, and swimming, plus a public restroom.
What runners say about Squantz Pond State Park
“Very nice clean lake with it's size and the mountain scape surrounding the lake give me a lake George feel.”
“A very warm and sunny afternoon alongside a lake with such great views, greens and a quiet environment makes it a perfect weekend spot to spend some time with nature.”
“A very warm and sunny afternoon alongside a lake with such great views, greens and a quiet environment makes it a perfect weekend spot to spend some time with nature.”
“Beautiful and family friendly park that has a lakeside trail shared with the nearby Pootatuck state forest.”
Squantz Pond is a beautiful place on a nice day. It gets extremely crowded on weekends in the summer. Lots of people come in from out of town and state to spend the day. I prefer it more in the Fall. The views are great and there is some nice hiking on the west side of the pond. There is also a small boat ramp.
I went there just once to take some pictures and it's so beautiful. Definitely a good place to go with family and friends. But if you don't like crowded places then you should look for another place close by or go during a normal day. I went there on Memorial day and ... It was packed!
Beautiful and family friendly park that has a lakeside trail shared with the nearby Pootatuck state forest. When visited (August 2020) admission was free and swimming not allowed, but plenty of canoeing on the lake. A serene visit and a scenic hike.
I go there with my kayak to get exercise and relax on the water. There's picnic areas and a beach section and fishing is also available. There's trails for hiking also. It's a beautiful lake and a great place to take the family.
Trail conditions & character
“A very warm and sunny afternoon alongside a lake with such great views, greens and a quiet environment makes it a perfect weekend spot to spend some time with nature.”
“A very warm and sunny afternoon alongside a lake with such great views, greens and a quiet environment makes it a perfect weekend spot to spend some time with nature.”
“You can't be in both places at the same time, so it would be more convenient if the boat launch area were closer to the beach and the restrooms.”
“The parking lot has a limited space so be Early or pay your ticket in advance.”
“There was also some dog poop someone neglected to pick up (this is my greatest pet peeve).”
Plan your run at Squantz Pond 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
- Loop distance2.2 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websiteportal.ct.gov
- Phone+1 203-312-5023
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8 pm |
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.
Pootatuck State Forest
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Sweetcake Mountain Preserve
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