Home › Connecticut › Bethel › Stephenson Nature Preserve
Stephenson Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in Bethel, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Stephenson Nature Preserve'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.
What runners say about Stephenson Nature Preserve
“Very pleasant area, with hills, stone walls, a pond and extremely well marked trails”
Very pleasant area, with hills, stone walls, a pond and extremely well marked trails
Took a a walk on the trail with my 2 year old daughter and it was Awesome!! So many mushrooms and twisted trees to show my girl. Best trail so far in the area.
A nice little hike through a wooded area around a pond small pond. The trail is a bit over a mile long and is good for about a 45 minute hike or so. There is just one main trail and a small connector trail behind the pond to shorten the hike.
Great place for a short hike or trail run. Trails are well marked. Definitely hilly but nothing too challenging. Very pretty.
Trail conditions & character
“Very pleasant area, with hills, stone walls, a pond and extremely well marked trails”
“It's really muddy though, so wear boots.”
“This is a nice little loop that is less traveled and has small, interesting terrain changes.”
“Very pleasant area, with hills, stone walls, a pond and extremely well marked trails”
Plan your run at Stephenson Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
Running trails near Bethel
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Overlook Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 39 reviews
Picnic spot featuring trails through wooded hills as well as mountain biking.
Bennett Memorial Park
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Recreation spot offering a playground, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a dog park, and a walking trail.
Collis P. Huntington State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 538 reviews
1,017-acre park with hiking, pond fishing, horseback riding, archery-only deer hunting & more.