6.6-mile Black Point Run, Niantic, CT
This mid-length run takes you along the scenic seaside of the Niantic peninsula. You will jog past a plethora of sandy shores including McCook Point Beach, Crescent Beach, Attawan Beach, Black Point Beach and Old Black Point Beach. You will encounter an abundance of wildlife including deer, ospreys and various shorebirds.
Starting at Niantic Center School, at the corner of East Pattagansett Road and West Main Street (Route 156) in Niantic, CT, head east down Main Street. Take a right down Columbus Avenue, just before Frosty Treat. Continue straight over the train bridge past McCook Point Park.
Taking a left onto Atlantic Avenue towards McCook Point Beach and continuing right onto Crescent Avenue, you will weave through the pleasant Crescent Beach community. After turning left onto South Washington Avenue, take a right onto Beach Street and another left onto Terrace Avenue. Terrace meets with Black Point Road, where you will continue left to Attawan Road.
At the circle, bear left onto Attawan Avenue towards the shore. Here you will take in picturesque views of Niantic Bay. Follow the road towards the right on Bidwell Avenue to West End Avenue. Head back to the shore on Billow Avenue and continue your seaside run on East Shore Drive. The quiet beach community of New Black Point showcases quaint cottages and manicured lawns.
East Shore Drive meets with Bond Street. Take your first left onto West Lane (unmarked). At the croquet green, take a right onto Great Wight Way. Traveling past the tennis courts, you will come to Old Black Point Road. Turn right, heading up the west side of the peninsula and taking in views of the peaceful Pattagansett River Marsh.
At the stop sign, take a left onto Black Point Road. Continue left as the road takes you through a railroad tunnel. Beware of cars as the tunnel is very narrow. Follow the road around to the right past Scotties farm stand. End your run back at Niantic Center School.
Free parking is available at Niantic Center School, located at 7 West Main Street, Niantic, CT after school hours.
Directions from the North:
Take CT-2 toward Norwich. Take the Route 11 exit, exit 19. Turn left onto Route 82. Turn right onto Route 85 South toward New London (several miles). Turn right onto Route 161 and follow into Niantic (several miles past the intersection of Routes 161 and 1). At the intersection of Route 156 turn right. This is Main Street Niantic. Niantic Center School is on the right.
Directions from the South/Southwest:
Take I-95 North towards Providence. Take the Route 161 exit, exit 74, towards Flanders/Niantic. Turn right onto Route 161 and follow into Niantic (several miles past the intersection of Routes 161 and 1). At the intersection of Route 156 turn right. This is Main Street Niantic. Niantic Center School is on the right.
Directions from the North/Northeast:
Take I-95 South towards New Haven. Take the Route 161 exit, exit 74, towards Flanders/Niantic. Turn left onto Route 161 and follow into Niantic (several miles past the intersection of Routes 161 and 1). At the intersection of Route 156 turn right. This is Main Street Niantic. Niantic Center School is on the right.
