Home › Connecticut › Suffield › Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail
Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 554 Google reviews · Running trail in Suffield, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Windsor Locks Canal State Park 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.
Picnicking, biking, and hiking are among the activities available at this spot with tables and wildlife.
What runners say about Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail
“The CT river, Kings Island, and the canal itself bring so many beautiful sights and I've seen tons of different animals on my many visits.”
Nice to see this place during spring when the plants and flowers are blooming and growing back. The atmosphere personally was a little scary especially since the trail's paved area was a little thin and you're surrounded by water on both sides.
Very nice area with 4 mile paved fairly flat walkway with beautiful fragrant trees & flowers. Clean portable toilet stalls at beginning of the walk near ample parking area. Rolling river canal on one side & smaller river on the other. Several benches to sit on & a few steep hilly places to fish.
This is one of my very favorite places to walk! It would be a 5+ star if the trail itself was better maintained. I love walking along the river. I so enjoy the opportunity to see Great Blue Herons, ducks, fish jumping, eagles, song birds, and turtles galore!! I will definitely be back soon.
This is a nice place to walk or bike through! There's a riverside trail surrounded by water on both sides that has great views! It's a good place to go to be surrounded by sounds of nature.
Trail conditions & character
“The atmosphere personally was a little scary especially since the trail's paved area was a little thin and you're surrounded by water on both sides.”
“The CT river, Kings Island, and the canal itself bring so many beautiful sights and I've seen tons of different animals on my many visits.”
“There are a couple/few porto potties strategically placed near the parking areas, which can be helpful.”
“First to get on trail you have to cross a steel bridge that has holes in it, there is a wooden part for Dogs.”
“Very nice area with 4 mile paved fairly flat walkway with beautiful fragrant trees & flowers.”
“Wide paved trail with steep sides along the bank of the Connecticut River.”
“Clean portable toilet stalls at beginning of the walk near ample parking area.”
“4 miles one-way and is marked each mile, with benches and sign posts pointing out areas of interest along the trail.”
“The 5 mile long canal bike path is gorgeous with water on both sides.”
Plan your run at Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance5 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitect.gov
- Phone(860) 424-3200
Running trails near Suffield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Angelo Joseph Sferrazza Memorial Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 55 reviews
Kid-friendly riverside trail plus a boat launch for canoes and kayaks, along with a rustic campsite.
Brainerd Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 118 reviews
Park offering picnic tables, basketball and softball fields, and a playground.
Stony Brook Park
4 ★★★★☆ 47 reviews
Park with kid-friendly hiking trails and a river.
Scantic River State Park, Powder Hollow Block
4.6 ★★★★★ 253 reviews
State park with riverside walking paths, woods, and a historical stone wall.
Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge
4.7 ★★★★★ 118 reviews
Sanctuary showcasing abundant wildlife, including ducks and eagles, as well as birds .
Longmeadow Conservation Area
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews