Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
330.00 ft (100.58 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.00 mi (4.83 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Cold Harbor Trail is a 4.3-mile out-and-back route through Carney Park, though hikers can choose a shorter 3-mile route that stops at Cherry Street. It is a mostly flat trail with wide fields, singletrack forest trails, small bridges, and a manmade dam. The wide and open spaces and streams make for a refreshing experience in the middle of a town. This trail is mostly used for social dog walking, and most dogs run around off leash. There are poop bags and a trash can at the Carney Park parking area, and the trail is free of excrement. The trail is not well marked, which can make it hard to find the next section or know which trail to take, but it would be challenging to get lost.

From the Carney Park parking area, head to the Cold Harbor Trail behind the trail map. After a minute in the woods the trail will open when the dam starts. This is often the windiest and coldest section of the trail. At the end of the dam sits a pool of water that dogs will often play in, and there are three trails available here, all of whic lead to a big field. The big field is where most dog owners will stand and socialize while letting their dogs play. The Cold Harbor Trail continues on the far side of the big field. Follow the perimeter trail around the big field and there will be an obious but poorly marked trail to take. This section is wide, short, and in the woods. Next is another short dam section. At the end of this dam section there is a trail to the right and to the left. To the right is a trail that goes to the Oak Street parking area. Continue to the left on the Cold Harbor Trail. At this point the trail is singletrak, wooded, rooty, and homes can be seen. After about 10 minutes the trail will turn to the left, leave the woods, and continue onto a raised wooden walkway. This turn is not well marked, but it is obvious. Once you arrive at Cherry Street the trail markers are not clear where to go to continue on the trail, though the map suggests you can walk along Cherry Street until it joins with West Street and the trail will continue accross the road.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Local. Flat. Easy footing. Open fields and wooded trails.

Cons

Nothing thrilling.

Trailhead Elevation

371.00 ft (113.08 m)

Highest point

383.00 ft (116.74 m)

Features

Family friendly
Wildlife

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

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