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Windsor Center River Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · Running trail in Windsor, Connecticut · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Windsor Center River Trail'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.
Kid-friendly, peaceful paved trail with scenic river views.
What runners say about Windsor Center River Trail
“Beautiful 😍 small loop that leads to another longer route.”
“This was a very quiet, clean, and peaceful walk.”
“This was a very easy, short, paved walking trail that's great for all ages.”
7.4.25 Bring bug spray. I got eaten alive by the mosquitoes. This was a very easy, short, paved walking trail that's great for all ages. You can walk down to the river from a few spots. Folks were walking, running, fishing, and kayaking, and one young lady said she came here to paint.
This trail is lovely. While walking or running, you will pass by families, dogs, and lots of trees. Different groups from the town also sponsor little exercise areas. The path sometimes has water covering some of the pathways, but it does not happen often, and if it does, there are other trails to allow a walk around.
Jack LOVES coming here every day for our walks...he enjoys going on a 'Sniff-ari', seeing, hearing, and sniffing anything within his leash distance!!! 2-3 laps a day usually wears him out enough...(at least until after dinner time!!!)
Get up and go for a quick walk on this trail. ~20min and a little over a mile, one loop, you can’t get lost. It’s beautiful in the crisp fall morning. Pavement throughout the trail, very flat.
Trail conditions & character
“Surrounded by trees & river, 2 different routes with different views.”
“This was a very easy, short, paved walking trail that's great for all ages.”
“The trail is a loop of about a mile with a short trail at each end, one that leads to a park at the south end, and BART’s Grill at the north end.”
“This was a very quiet, clean, and peaceful walk.”
“Nice paved trail with easy parking, early June and quite a few bugs.”
“he enjoys going on a 'Sniff-ari', seeing, hearing, and sniffing anything within his leash distance!”
“The flat trail is shady and paved and suitable for strollers.”
Plan your run at Windsor Center River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewindsorct.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Windsor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Linear Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
Secluded spot featuring trails along the river as well as boating access.
Windsor Meadows State Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 201 reviews
Riverside park with undeveloped forest, entrance to popular trails & the Bissell Bridge Boat Launch.
Rye Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 185 reviews
Sprawling sports and recreation area featuring baseball fields, soccer courts and a playground.
Waterworks Park & Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
John R Welch Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 74 reviews
Clean public park featuring a playground and baseball fields, plus a swimming pool.