Red Trail Loop (Millers Pond State Park) Hiking Guide

Millers Pond State Park in Durham has no tower or summit, just a long woodland loop that starts beside a clean pond. The 33-acre pond gets most of its water from large springs, and the woods around it back onto Cockaponset State Forest. The red-blazed loop gives you eight miles of rocky ledges and smooth dirt trail, shared with mountain bikers and, in the fall, bowhunters.

no permit neededdog-friendly
Difficulty
hard
Distance
8 mi
Elevation gain
724 ft
Trailhead
Durham
spring-fed 33-acre Millers Pondrock outcrops reaching out into the waterledgy first half and smooth dirt second halfwoods next to Cockaponset State Forest
springsummerfall

Loop Distance and Terrain

Hiking Project maps the Red Trail loop at 8.0 miles with about 724 feet of climbing and rates it difficult, mostly for its length and the rocky first half. The contributor's notes describe many exposed ledges and larger rocks early on, which can turn an ankle if you are not watching your feet. The second half is smooth dirt and goes much faster. If you want a short walk instead, DEEP describes an easy, flat trail around the pond itself that is a little rocky in places.

The Pond and Its History

DEEP says the pond's main water supply is a set of large springs, which keep it clean enough for smallmouth bass and trout. The original dam was built sometime before 1704, and Thomas Miller later added the upper dam to hold water for his gristmill downstream. There is no beach or boat launch; rock outcrops along the shore serve as fishing spots instead.

Hunting Season

Millers Pond is one of the state parks where DEEP allows deer hunting. On state land, archery season runs from mid-September to mid-November and again in the last week of December, and there is no hunting on state land on Sundays. DEEP strongly recommends that everyone on state land wear something fluorescent orange, like a vest or hat, during the season. Sunday is the easiest day to hike here in the fall.

Parking, Rules and Dogs

The park is at 344 Foot Hills Road in Durham and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Parking is free for all vehicles. Hiking Project notes that the lot can fill in summer, so arrive early. Leashed dogs are allowed, and DEEP has banned alcohol in the park. Mountain bikers use the same trails, so listen for riders coming up behind you.

Hiking tips for Red Trail Loop (Millers Pond State Park)

  • Wear blaze orange from mid-September through December.
  • Hike on Sundays in hunting season, when there is no hunting on state land.
  • Take the rocky first half slowly to protect your ankles.
  • Arrive early on hot days; the lot fills.
  • Step aside for mountain bikers on the shared trails.

Nearby trails to explore

  • Castle Craig Trail (Hubbard Park)
  • Ragged Mountain Preserve Loop
  • Tower Trail (Sleeping Giant State Park)

Hike this trail with TrailMates

An eight-mile loop at Millers Pond goes faster with company. Use TrailMates to find hikers for a Sunday loop, agree on blaze orange in the event's group chat if it is hunting season, and meet at the Foot Hills Road lot. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.