Riverside Park

It’s a great getaway for a run, hike or leisurely walk along the river. Just north of downtown, there are well maintained paths for a good outing. Close enough to downtown hotels that you can easily walk there before or after work for some exercise. If you like to go off the beaten path, there are trails just past the boat house for great hiking. Riverfront trails, rowing docks, a boat launch, volleyball, cricket and playgrounds, fishing and athletic fields — there is something for everyone!

Great little bike riding, boat launch and fishing area just North of Hartford with plenty of parking. There is a wonderful view of the CT River and you can bike ride South to Hartford or Northeast toward South Windsor and Manchester, the bike trail is all paved in both directions. Very scenic, good 3 season riding area with much to see along this beautiful section of the CT River.

Did you ever have an experience where, there’s a place you’ve heard of, but never bothered checking out, until one day you do? And then you feel like a total doofus for missing out for so long?
This happened to me today, when I wanted to do something outside and decided to go to Riverside Park for the first time. It’s so pretty, and clean. A great place for picnicking, hiking, biking, boating, and enjoying a sunny day.
There’s also this intense looking Adventure Course, for you adventurous types.
It’s a great way to experience Hartford from a different angle; after strolling along the river walk, we actually wound up right behind the Science Center and wandered into downtown for a bit.
I’ve always stuck with familiar parks like Elizabeth and Bushnell, but my lovely visit to Riverside Park reminded me that there are so many gems to appreciate in this city.

During a recent trip to Hartford, CT, I was beyond psyched to find that there was a decent network of running trails near our hotel at Riverside Park. I was less than enthused to find that these trails were completely flooded! However, I still think this is a pretty solid park all around.
The park itself is beautiful as it’s set against the backdrop of the Connecticut River. Activities abound in this park with the aforementioned hiking/​biking/​running trails (I assume they are not always flooded), a greenway, a canoe launch, a challenge course, a volleyball court, and numerous picnic tables and charcoal grills.
Despite getting off on the wrong foot with the park, I am sure I’d be a frequent visitor if I lived in the Hartford area!

Finally visited this park today and the husband and I enjoyed a walk from the parking lot by the boat house through the park and up the steps to the convention center and science center area. We were surprised at how clean the park was.
There is a boat launch, picnic tables, playground, sculptures, and an Adventure Challenge course (team building low and high ropes course). We will have to go back for some of the events like free movies on select Friday nights in the summer and the Dragon Boat festival that I’ve missed out on the last few times I wanted to go.