Old Wethersfield Historic District

Old Wethersfield, located 5 miles south of Hartford, is a great opportunity to get in a scenic run while enjoying some history. The neighborhood is the state’s largest historic district, spanning 2 sq mi and 1,100 buildings, dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The area is bound by I-91 and the Connecticut River to the east, the train tracks to the west, Rt. 5 to the north and Rt. 3 to the south.

One can put together a lovely 4-5 mile tour of the pretty, tree-lined streets, passing by historic homes and buildings. We’ve mapped out a specific route, starting at Main St. & State St. Head west on Main St. to the lovely Broad St. Garden, and then come back to Garden St., turning LEFT and going north for ~1 mile along Garden and then Hartford St. until reaching the highway. Double back and enter Cove Park, enjoy the water views, and then take Main St. back to the start. The total is 4.25 miles. For more in the historic district, add on a few of additional side streets. Here is a good resource describing the landmarks (or creating your own running tour).

Longer Run: Continue west on Main St. to Folly Brook Rd. There, you can head south on a multi-use path for ~ 1 mile, or north, passing Wethersfield High School and continuing on a gravel path to Cumberland Rd., where you’ll turn RIGHT, heading east to Cover Park.