This is a compendium of the best places to run in Connecticut. We’ve curated 100+ routes in coastal spots, the gorgeous countryside, and the major population centers. Overview below — click on links to go to that specific location.
Windsor: Just 15 miles north of Hartford and near the MA/CT border, a highlight is the Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail.
Hartford: 10+ great routes including the river, downtown, and some cool neighborhoods.
Coastal Connecticut. The best places to run in the string of lovely spots along Long Island Sound, from Stonington to Greenwich.
Mystic, Stonington, Groton. Pleasant waterside running in these visitor hotspots, plus some parks with great trails and views.
Rhode Island Coastal. See our coastal routes in neighboring Westerly & Watch Hill, plus all of our Rhode Island running recommendations.
Weston/Wilton/Ridgefield Area. Two great spots are Devil’s Den and Weir Farm.
Litchfield Hills. We’ve mapped out 10+ great routes around this gorgeous countryside. Highlights are: the extensive Farmington Canal Heritage Trail/Farmington River Trail bike path; easygoing trail/dirt road runs on the Housatonic, and in White Memorial Conservation Center, Steep Rock Preserve, and Larkin State Park; and pretty rural roads in Kent, Norfolk, Barkhamsted, Litchfield, and Salisbury.
New Haven Area. Yale University Campus, East Rock, nice neighborhoods, and some lovely coastal running.
Bridgeport: Seaside Park, Pequonnock River Trail
Stamford and Greenwich. Peaceful pastoral roads by high-end homes, and some great parks and coastal points for running.