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Yale Nature Preserve
3.2 ★★★☆☆ 9 Google reviews · Running trail in New Haven, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Yale 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.
What runners say about Yale Nature Preserve
One of the best things about New Haven is the beautiful natural areas within the city limits. This particular preserve has protected wetlands and rocky outcroppings offering some challenge or an easy hike. The trails clearly receive regular use by hikers and mountain bikers.
The Yale Nature Preserve is tucked away between the Yale Golf Course and the Merritt Pkwy and is miles of great trails, views of the golf course, vernal pools, marshes, rocky roads. Found an embedded golf ball on the mountain bike trail that had been crushed into the ground by the bikes.
Trail conditions & character
“This particular preserve has protected wetlands and rocky outcroppings offering some challenge or an easy hike.”
Plan your run at Yale 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.
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