Here’s a section of the Appalachian Trail that’s good for running! Thru-hikers love this section of the AT for its flat terrain (a welcome respite from the surrounding mountains) and beautiful scenery along the Housatonic River. The Housatonic River Walk is the stretch of the Appalachian Trail between Kent and Cornwall Bridge. It totals about 5 miles one-way, but the 3.7 mile stretch from the Kent trailhead to Dawn Road is the best for running. We recommend starting from the trailhead off River Road in Kent and running an out and back of your chosen length. It’s a flat and easy-going trail — perfect for those new to trail running — but if you don’t feel up to the terrain, the gravel road leading up to the hiker’s trailhead is also part of the AT, and just as scenic. It’s particularly beautiful in fall when the trail is shrouded in a corridor of yellow leaves.
Kelsey Perrett
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Essentials
- Up to 7.4 miles out and back
- 125 feet
- Kent Trailhead at end of River Road
- River Road
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Other Routes in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
These long twin bike paths run from the Massachusetts border to Long Island Sound. Access paved routes from Simsbury, Avon, Collinsville, Unionville, Plainville, and Southington. The River Trail branches off the Heritage Trail for 16 miles.
Run the Litchfield Hills charming namesake town through the town green, main strip, residential streets, and the locally famous, leg crushing, Gallows Lane hill. We've mapped 3.6 and 6.8 mile options.
This enormous parcel of conservation land right in Litchfield is the go-to training zone for cross country running, with 39 miles of paths. Nice variety of terrain from forested to open to lakes. Trail running options range all abilities.
Run across the scenic dam and around the reservoir that provides water to Hartford on paved sidewalks and dirt access roads. We've mapped a 3.8 mile out and back run, but there are other trails and roads good for running in the area.
A quiet, small village with elegant homes and lovely town green is featured in this 2 mile tour of Connecticut’s back roads. Options for a longer run on pleasant, quiet side roads
Salmon Kill Road in Salisbury is arguably one of the most scenic roads in Connecticut’s northwest corner. Farmland and creekside sections, with some trail as well. We've mapped out and back or loop options.
8 mile loop around the Kent hillside featuring a private school campus, winding stone walls, saltbox homes, and rolling farmland and mountain views. Hilly.
Lining the banks of the Shepaug River, Washington’s Steep Rock Preserve is trail running heaven. There's something for everyone here. We recommend the Steep Rock Loop trail out to the scenic suspension bridge and railroad tunnel.
10 mile gravel track on a former railroad bed, running through scenic bogs, lakes, and forests just south of our other Litchfield Hills routes. Choose any section of this trail and enjoy!
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