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Sweetcake Mountain Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Running trail in New Fairfield, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Sweetcake Mountain Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Kid-friendly area offering a short trail with scenic views of Candlewood Lake.
What runners say about Sweetcake Mountain Preserve
“A nice, quick hike up a fairly steep trail rewards you with a stunning view over Candlewood Lake.”
“Pretty easy hike to the top of a beautiful lookout over the west side of Candlewood”
Sweetcake Mountain has some great views of the lake below! The trails leading up to the views can be a little confusing. I would consider this trail to be considered moderate and may be a challenge without proper footwear.
Slightly tricky to find the trail head . We had given up following the Google Maps we arrived at a sign the said, "Private Road - No trespassing". We turned around and found we had driven past the trail head (originally on our left) less then a quarter mile back.
It's a nice beautiful hike in fall, not that easy, steep & not marked properly. The view is worth it. I used all trail free app to navigate. Whoever is managing this trail needs to freshly mark the path.
Had a great time walking here. Amazing views of lake. 2 trails white and blue one 😁😉
Trail conditions & character
“A nice, quick hike up a fairly steep trail rewards you with a stunning view over Candlewood Lake.”
“Not a very long hike, bit some spots along the trail are a bit steep for elderly or not in shape.”
Plan your run at Sweetcake Mountain Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- Websitecandlewoodvalleyrlt.org
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.
Bear Mountain Reservation
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Finn’s Land and Demento Preserves
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Squantz Pond State Park
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Family-friendly spot with activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, and swimming, plus a public restroom.
Still River Greenway Trail
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Park with a short, paved trail suitable for kids and leashed pets.
Pootatuck State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
Hiking spot in a lush forest featuring views of Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond.