Home › Connecticut › Woodbury › Whittemore Sanctuary
Whittemore Sanctuary
4.9 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Running trail in Woodbury, Connecticut · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 8 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Whittemore Sanctuary'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 Whittemore Sanctuary
“Very easy to navigate, Whittemore offers 2 lakes (Lake Quassapaug and what they call the Bog), incredible variety of vegetation and a wooden structure for bird watching.”
“Mother Nature provided lots of ice and downed branches but the natural beauty here was abundant as well as a serene place to hike the day after Christmas.”
Peaceful trails. I’ve come here many times and it never disappoints. Dogs love it. The white/red/blue trails are marked fairly well and offer lots of options for long or shorter hikes. For some reason the yellow trail becomes very dense along the bog and I lose confidence I’m going the right way and end up backing out.
A good nature preserve. Has both short trails and long multiple hour long loops. Only complaint is that it’s very easy to get turned around and the place could use a couple more maps. But that’s nitpicking this place has Beautiful scenery, plenty of bogs and springs.
Mother Nature provided lots of ice and downed branches but the natural beauty here was abundant as well as a serene place to hike the day after Christmas. The new markers make the trails easier to access and find your way around now. It was a busy trail the day after Xmas for sure.
Trail conditions & character
“Mother Nature provided lots of ice and downed branches but the natural beauty here was abundant as well as a serene place to hike the day after Christmas.”
“Taking the loop clockwise will have you hiking up a slightly rocky area vs walking down the rocky area if taking the trail counter clockwise.”
“The new markers make the trails easier to access and find your way around now.”
Plan your run at Whittemore Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websiteflandersnaturecenter.org
- Phone(203) 263-3711
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Woodbury
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Trolley Bed Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
Nature preserve with a pond and trails that is good for kids.
Hidden Pond Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 56 reviews
Woods walk, pond and deer-spotting area also featuring two disc golf courses of varying difficulty for all levels of player, as well as bench seating.
Hinman Park
3.5 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews
Settlers Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
Park featuring a playground, gazebo, picnic area.
