Housatonic River Walk (Appalachian Trail)

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.