The best running trails in Moosup Valley State Park Trail

The running routes in Moosup Valley State Park Trail feature a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll encounter paved asphalt, granular gravel, stone dust, and packed dirt. Some sections even retain the old railroad ballast, offering a varied experience for runners.

Yes, the trail is rich in history! It's built on a retired railbed and includes a large, re-decked trestle bridge at its western end. Around the one-mile mark, you can see a second bridge, a scenic dam, and a beautiful waterfall next to an abandoned mill building. The historic Glen Falls Bridge, an 1886 structure, is also a notable landmark, and further along, a quarry adds another point of interest.

Many sections of the Moosup Valley State Park Trail are suitable for families, especially after recent upgrades that included improved surfaces and an ADA accessible entrance. The trail's generally easy to moderate difficulty makes it accessible, though some side paths might be rockier. The scenic views and points of interest can make for an enjoyable outing for all ages.

While the region research doesn't explicitly state dog-friendly policies, state park trails are generally welcoming to dogs on leash. It's always best to check local park regulations before your visit to ensure a smooth experience for you and your canine companion.

Runners can enjoy a tranquil experience alongside the Moosup River, which accompanies a significant portion of the trail. The park encompasses 62 acres of diverse natural beauty, including wetlands, rivers, and ponds. You'll also find bogs, hilly sections, interesting rock cut-outs, the picturesque Sterling Pond, and deep forests, providing a sense of being immersed in nature.

Yes, there are several excellent loop running routes. For an easy option, consider the Trestle Trail loop run — Carbuncle Pond. Another popular moderate loop is the Coney Brook Trail & Tillinghast Pond loop run — Tillinghast Pond Management Area, which winds through woodland. The Wickaboxet Trail loop run — Wickaboxet Management Area also offers a moderate loop through varied woodland terrain.

Recent improvements to the Moosup Valley State Park Trail in 2023 and 2024 included the addition of new parking lots, making access more convenient for visitors. Specific parking locations can often be found at trailheads or access points along the route.

The running routes in Moosup Valley State Park Trail are generally described as easy to moderate in difficulty. While the main trail is well-maintained, some side paths might be rockier, offering a bit more challenge for those seeking it. There are 2 easy routes and 4 moderate routes listed in this guide.

The running trails vary in length. For example, the Trestle Trail loop run — Carbuncle Pond is about 3.0 miles (4.8 km), while the Wickaboxet Trail loop run — Wickaboxet Management Area is around 4.2 miles (6.7 km). You can find routes ranging from approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) to 4.0 miles (6.5 km).

Significant improvements were made in 2023 and 2024. These upgrades addressed previous issues and enhanced the trail's suitability for recreational activities, including resurfacing, improved drainage, new parking lots, and an ADA accessible entrance. These efforts have made it more comparable to other well-maintained multi-town rail trails.

Runners often praise the tranquil experience alongside the Moosup River and the diverse natural beauty, including wetlands, ponds, and deep forests. The varied terrain, from paved sections to packed dirt, also provides an engaging run. The historical features, like the re-decked trestle bridge and the waterfall near an abandoned mill, add unique points of interest to the routes.

Yes, several routes offer beautiful pond views. The Trestle Trail loop run — Carbuncle Pond provides views of Carbuncle Pond. Another excellent option is the Coney Brook Trail & Tillinghast Pond loop run — Tillinghast Pond Management Area, which offers views of Tillinghast Pond.