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West Rock State Park - Lake Wintergreen
4.7 ★★★★★ 358 Google reviews · Running trail in Hamden, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from West Rock State Park - Lake Wintergreen'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.
Scenic park known for trails for hiking, dog-walking and biking, plus a lake for fishing and kayaking; also scenic ridge views.
What runners say about West Rock State Park - Lake Wintergreen
“The paths are generally well maintained, though some areas can feel more natural and less developed.”
“Connecticut really is one of the most beautiful cities in the east coast and West Rock park/ Lake Whitney doesn't disappoint.”
“The trails are clearly marked and most of them are easy but, some have moderate hills.”
“West Rock State Park – Lake Wintergreen is a peaceful area within the park that’s ideal for walking, relaxing, and enjoying nature.”
“This park is very dog friendly and we saw so many dogs here.”
I love it here. Way less busy than east rock, so it's comfortable visiting during this pandemic. You can easily wander off into the woods via several different marked trails, or you can just take a loop around the lake. It's beautiful, easy to navigate, and definitely worth visiting over and over again.
Wonderful place to enjoy hiking in any season, spring summer fall or winter, it's lovely just to walk around or even seat somewhere near to the lake and enjoy the view. Don't miss it.
Nice place for a walk. The trail loops around the lake which is mostly flat. Seasonally, you can rent kayaks during the weekends.
Our third time to this beautiful serene lake. We've mountain biked and hiked to a beautiful lookout. Today the lot was full to capacity with cars parked outside the gaits but we only passed by 4 or 5 people. The place is huge with so many off trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Wonderful place to enjoy hiking in any season, spring summer fall or winter, it's lovely just to walk around or even seat somewhere near to the lake and enjoy the view.”
“The baby fell asleep with the bumpy ride and the little dog was able to keep up and even waded in the stream I included a pic of.”
“the only downside to this park is that the parking lot is extremely small and gets crowded fast.”
“West Rock State Park – Lake Wintergreen is a peaceful area within the park that’s ideal for walking, relaxing, and enjoying nature.”
“They have some that are flat for those who have limitations and then there are more challenging ones for the adventurers.”
“Red/white part is very rocky and rooty and something out of a dream.”
“You can easily wander off into the woods via several different marked trails, or you can just take a loop around the lake.”
“There's a restroom at the parking and a couple of tables near a lake.”
Plan your run at West Rock State Park - Lake Wintergreen
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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(203) 287-5658
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