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Upper Paugussett State Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 108 Google reviews · Running trail in Newtown, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Upper Paugussett State Forest'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.
Large state forest on the river offering multiple hiking trails plus hunting, biking & fishing.
What runners say about Upper Paugussett State Forest
“Very good and beautiful place for hiking and would of given this 5 stars several weeks ago, but a massive storm blew down a lot of trees completely blocking some of the paths.”
“The trail was well marked until about 4 miles in when it started to loop back around to the starting point.”
Very good and beautiful place for hiking and would of given this 5 stars several weeks ago, but a massive storm blew down a lot of trees completely blocking some of the paths. I would of easily gotten lost since some of the trail marked trees have fallen over as well.
Beautiful hiking trails, cool birds and wildlife. Posted a pic of a Belted Kingfisher I saw!
Lake Lillinonah trail is a good, moderate workout. Can be done in under three hours if you book it. Some logged areas aren't as cute, but the hemlock, rhodedendron, and ferns along the banks of the Housatonic are beautiful.
I thought the blue trail was a great hike. The trail was well marked until about 4 miles in when it started to loop back around to the starting point. The printed map on the state website really wasn't helpful with the maps at the state park that were posted on the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Very good and beautiful place for hiking and would of given this 5 stars several weeks ago, but a massive storm blew down a lot of trees completely blocking some of the paths.”
“The trail was well marked until about 4 miles in when it started to loop back around to the starting point.”
“It can be pretty technical and hilly which is always fun.”
Plan your run at Upper Paugussett State Forest
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.
- Websitect.gov
- Phone+1 860-424-3000
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Rocky Glen State Park Scenic Reserve
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Audubon Center Bent of the River
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