If you’re looking for the best running retreats in New England, you’ll have your pick of stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and some great trails.
New England is celebrated for its incredible fall foliage, its colonial past, and its ideal placement right on the Atlantic Coast. It’s also gaining popularity as a trail running destination for its natural beauty, serene settings, and challenging mountain settings.
From the Freedom Trail to trail running, New England holds its own as one of the best running regions in the U.S. Though Boston has been celebrated for years for the Boston Marathon, the rest of the region has plenty to explore, too.
Want an excuse to spend a few days getting in some great run training in New England? The region, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, could very well be worth your time.
To help you make the decision, we’ve gathered all of the currently operating running retreats in New England and grouped them by state.
(To be honest, though, once you see how gorgeous each one is, making that decision might not be so easy!)
Running Retreats In Maine
When you’re looking for running retreats in Maine, know this: you’ll have plenty of choice in the Pine Tree State. With retreats in the spring and fall, you’ll have the perfect weather to explore.
Acadia Running Retreat
Move Free Design’s 4-day run retreat uses the College of the Atlantic’s campus as its home base. Over the Friday through Monday retreat, you’ll have the chance to run the Shore Path, summit local mountains, take on the West Side, and eat your share of s’mores by the campfire.
Daily mileage ranges from three to 22 miles, with elevation gains of up to 3,000′ on Saturday and Sunday. More than just the mileage, there are also opportunities for yoga, hikes, swimming, and more ways to enjoy summertime in Maine.
Where: Bar Harbor, Maine
When: June 16 – 19, 2023
Link: Move Free Designs – Acadia Running Retreat
Adventures in Wellness Maine – Acadia
This 4-day run adventure uses downtown Bar Harbor as a launching point for runs through Acadia National Park, one of the most visited in the country. From Penobscot Bay views and glassy ponds to the serenity of single-track trails through quiet woods and alongside mountains, you’ll have plenty of new environments to run through.
Daily runs range from 5-10 miles, with the potential for a long run of up to 20 miles, while runners will also enjoy a few workshops, yoga and breathwork exercises, and meals prepared by a professional chef.
Where: Acadia, Maine
When: Wednesday, Oct. 26th – Sunday, Oct. 30th
Link: Adventures in Wellness Maine – Acadia
Adventures in Wellness Maine – Camden Hills Retreats 2023
Ever considered running the Megunticook 50K? Or just looking for a Camden Hills Running Retreat? This Adventure in Wellness Maine trip is offered twice a year. With base camp in a home on the ocean, you’ll be well-rested and recharged for daily runs into Camden Hills State Park.
Daily mileage ranges from 5-10 miles, depending on preference, with the change for a long run of 15-20 miles on the final day. Hot tub soaks, morning yoga sessions, and professionally cooked meals are just some of the delights that accompany this running retreat in Maine.
Where: Camden Hills, Maine
When: May 2023, Fall 2023
Link: Adventures in Wellness Maine – Camden Hills Retreats 2023
Adventures in Wellness Maine – 100 Mile Wilderness
While details are still sparse on this Maine running retreat, what we do know is that it takes runners along portions of the Appalachian Mountain Club 100 mile wilderness. This 100-mile section of the Appalachian Trail runs between Baxter State Park and Monson, and is considered by some to be the wildest section of the trail.
Got your attention? Then click the link below to get in on the waitlist for 2023.
Where: Appalachian Mountain Club 100 Mile Wilderness Conservation Area
When: September 2023
Link: Adventures in Wellness Maine – 100 Mile Wilderness
Rise Run Retreat – Fall Retreat in Wells, Maine
For all of Maine’s forests and mountains, it’s easy to forget its oceanfront running is just as impressive. Fortunately, Rise Run Retreat’s fall running retreat in Wells, Maine puts you front and center to the beauty with oceanside runs and marsh trails.
This three-night running retreat in Maine features daily trail runs, yoga and workshops, and a wine & cheese welcome. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time for restorative moments, whether you choose to go for a chilly Atlantic swim, take a solo beach walk, or do some early morning sun salutations.
Where: Wells, Maine
When: Thursday, Oct. 13th, 2022 – Sunday, Oct. 16th, 2022
Link: Rise Run Retreat – Fall Retreat – Wells, Maine
Running Retreats In Massachusetts
A running retreat in Massachusetts has plenty of advantages: access to incredible nature, like the 16,000+ acres of October Mountain State Forest; the living history of the American Revolution at every turn, and the home of one of America’s premier running events.
RunnersConnect – Boston Running Retreat
From runners looking to for their Boston Marathon PRs to New England runners who just want to get to know their area a little better, this RunnersConnect Boston Running Retreat is a delight.
Based on the actual Boston Marathon course, you’ll get hands-on (or should we say, shoes-on) experience at different parts of the course, along with great instructional moments like dynamic warm-ups, optional track workouts, strength training and drills.
Where: Boston, MA
When: Thursday, July 15th – Sunday, July 18th
Link: RunnersConnect – Boston Running Retreat
Running Retreats In New Hampshire
As a state known for its independent past and its endless nature, it only makes sense that you might be thinking about running retreats in New Hampshire. For long days of quiet reflection on the trails and warm nights among friends, check out a few of these retreats.
RunnersConnect – Lake Winnipesaukee
Just as the fall foliage hits its most brilliant hues, you’ll be lacing up your shoes in New Hampshire at this Lake Winnipesaukee running retreat. While exploring rural roads, the lakeside rail trail, and more, you’ll be in the perfect environment to take a moment for yourself while also getting a jump on your fall run training.
This four-day running retreat weekend in Lake Winnipesaukee, NH is typical of a RunnersConnect retreat, featuring iconic running spots, coaching, and fun. After all, you’ll be staying at the Oldest Summer Resort in America with direct access to a pickleball court!
Where: Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
When: Thursday, Sept. 22nd, 2022 – Sunday, Sept. 25th, 2022
Link: RunnersConnect – Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Rise Run Retreat
Wolfeboro, which is just along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, makes for the home base of this gorgeous spring running retreat in New Hampshire. From runs along the lakeside rail trail to a morning hike on the last day to a local summit, this is all about some much needed natural immersion.
More than just a great few days of running, you’ll also have the chance to connect with your fellow runners at this all-women running retreat through workshops, restorative yoga, and other unique moments.
Where: Wolfeboro, NH
When: April 29th, 2022 – May 1st, 2022
Link: Rise Run Retreat – Spring Retreat – Wolfboro, NH
Running Retreats In Vermont
If you want all-you-can-eat Ben and Jerry’s, you’re going to have to get your runs in first. Besides the chance to indulge in this legendary Vermont ice cream, you’ll find all the running motivation you need in Vermont’s breathtaking natural settings at these Vermont running retreats.
Craftsbury Women’s Running Camp
For a running retreat that takes athletics as seriously as it does its impact on the environment, Craftsbury Outdoor Center is a great destination. Given that one of the charms of running retreats is a connection between the runner and nature, knowing the organization prioritizes that connection makes the training that much more special.
Where: Craftsbury, VT
When: Thursday, Sept. 5th, 2022 – Sunday, Sept. 18th, 2022
Link: Craftsbury Women’s Running Camps
Run Wild Retreats – Vermont Trail Running + Wellness Retreat
While many people might be content just to drive and look at fall foliage, runners have the chance to go deeper into nature. Combine those natural fireworks with Run Wild Retreats’ Vermont Trail Running + Wellness Retreat means adding on yoga, mindful run-walks, and a luxury resort to the mix.
Add onto that gourmet dinners, hot tub access, and a gondola ride, and you’ll have one beautiful weekend.
Where: Stowe, VT
When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 – Tuesday, Sept. 27th, 2022
Link: Run Wild Retreats Vermont Trail Running + Wellness Retreat
Run Wild Retreats – Vermont Trail Running + Culinary Retreat
Some states have a culinary reputation that precedes them. When those states combine that delicious food with a state with as much natural beauty as Vermont, spending time there is a no-brainer.
The glories of this Vermont Trail Running and Culinary Retreat by Run Wild Retreats are just that: taking advantage of the natural delights and then ending the days with the culinary ones, from cooking classes to professionally prepared meals.
Where: Essex, VT
When: Sunday, Sept. 17th, 2023 – Wednesday, Sept. 20th, 2023
Link: Run Wild Retreats – Vermont Trail Running + Culinary Retreat
Vermont Adventure Retreat
For many runners, running is just one of a number of adventurous activities they enjoy. If that sounds like you, the Vermont Adventure Retreat by Women’s Quest is calling your name. Hiking, biking, canoeing, yoga, and trail running are just the beginning of your adventurous Vermont stay.
Where: Stowe, VT
When: Sunday, Sept. 10th, 2023 – Friday, Sept. 15th, 2023
Link: Vermont Adventure Retreat by Women’s Quest
For a more in-depth look at running retreats in Vermont, check out our dedicated post here.
Running Retreats In Connecticut
We looked and looked but could not find any established running retreats in Connecticut. Maybe all you Connecticut runners are heading up to Vermont and Maine for maple syrup-fueled long runs?
There is still plenty to enjoy about running in Connecticut, so if you’re planning a long weekend there, why not see if one of these Connecticut road races lines up with your schedule?
Or if you’ve got a mind to get some trail running in, the Blue-Blazed Trail Running Series is a unique way to take advantage of Connecticut’s Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails.
Running Retreats In Rhode Island
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find any running retreats in Rhode Island. Still, that shouldn’t stop you from planning a nice running weekend in Providence!
For upcoming running events in Rhode Island, keep an eye on local favorite shop the Rhode Runner and local running events company Rhode Races.
