HomeConnecticutSomers › Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve

Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Running trail in Somers, Connecticut · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Whitaker Woods 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.

Natural surfaceDog-friendlyMile markers

What runners say about Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (29 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“The trails here are well laid out, well maintained, and easy to follow.”

🪧 well-marked 3 mentions

“Well marked and many options for length and you can link with McCsnn next door.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Which is nice when you don't want to turn around and then you have an easy walk back to the car.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 3 mentions

“I take my 2 dogs here often, and they love it as well.”

Amazing preserve with some of my favorite trails in the area! More than 3 miles of trails and the ability to link into the adjacent McCann family farm property for a much longer hike. Several wonderful streams to enjoy and there is always water available for dogs to drink (please keep on leash at all times).

★★★★★ — Russell , Aug 2018

The trails here are well laid out, well maintained, and easy to follow. It's a relatively new growth forest from former farm land, yet very picturesque with classic New England rock formations, fern glades, water ways, stone walls, etc.

★★★★★ — Michael , Jun 2022

It's got that eerie, spooky energy you typically expect from the woods in Somers. Nice walk even in the winter time. Steady, a couple fun hills but nothing too serious.

★★★★★ — Olivia , Jan 2020

This is a pretty nice trail. At the beginning of the trail you might see a bunch of cows (fenced - no worries) and those are always cute. Quite a few different directions you can go, one of them leads to the McCann Family farm trail opening and it's about a ten minute walk (for slow people) on the road to the Whitaker…

★★★★☆ — Cameron , Sep 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 29 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“Several wonderful streams to enjoy and there is always water available for dogs to drink (please keep on leash at all times).”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“Wouldn't recommend this for older people just because there are a LOT of rocks and roots to trip on.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“Well marked and many options for length and you can link with McCsnn next door.”

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Plan your run at Whitaker Woods 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.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitenorthernctlandtrust.org
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve

26 30-04, Somers, CT 06071

Get directions

Running trails near Somers

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

McCann Family Farm

4.7 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

Somers, CT

Dog-friendly

under a mile away

Avery Road Trail

5 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

Somers, CT

1.5 miles away

Shenipsit State Forest-Soapstone Mountain

4.7 ★★★★★ 366 reviews

Somers, CT

6 miNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Woodsy area with a conservation museum & an observation tower, plus hiking, fishing & more.

1.7 miles away

Skyline Scenic Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 39 reviews

Somers, CT

1.5 miLoopScenic

3.2 miles away

Scantic River State Park East

4.5 ★★★★★ 94 reviews

Enfield, CT

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Popular park offering miles of hiking trails through dense forest, as well as fishing.

3.8 miles away

Scantic River State Park - South

4.6 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

Enfield, CT

Scenic

4.0 miles away

All running trails in Somers, CT →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.