With more than 78 Norwalk trails covering 490 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Walkway Over The Hudson or Norwalk River Valley Trail. Bluff Point's roads crisscross through a state park that has a location hard to beat. In Connecticut, opportunities abound to connect with the natural world on a hike. David Hardy is a regional field assistant for Vermont's Green Mountain Club. There are many trails within this 974-acre natural wonder – for example, the Steep Rock Loop (4 miles) takes in many of the preserve’s features and Green Circle Trail (3 miles) follows the curves of the Shepaug River. Get the facts at ct.gov/coronavirus. It’s one of those delightful places where you are totally enveloped into the natural world.” And the very cool caves still await! The Best Walk in Newport. The descent brings you to a level walk along the lake before closing the loop. Get the app Eastern Connecticut. Within minutes on the trail, however, the sounds of the outside world begin to fade, replaced by the babbling of the Mad River. All of our hiking trails actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.You deserve only the best! With a smaller crowd than most of its competitors, this walk is likely a little quieter. The trail is an easy one, but you can also see the falls from the roadside if you don’t feel like making the short walk. Silver Sands State Park (Milford) James S./Yelp. You make your way into the woods from busy Route 219 and embark on “a magical romp,” according to Peter Marteka of The Hartford Courant. The... Castle Craig. As a reminder, be sure to check Connecticut DEEP’s twitter channel and website before venturing out for the most up-to-date safety guidelines for outdoor recreation and information about park closures. In addition to being home to rivers, valleys and mountains, the state also has numerous lakes to enjoy. #6 - Nepaug Reservoir Trail. There are some hills to walk up, but they are gentle and wide. Bloomfield Greenway Multi-Use Trail. Looking for other ways to get a nice walk in? Located just north of Norwich, Mohegan Park is a lovely and well-kept park with a variety of... Godfrey Pond Loop. Here is a list of the 15 best lakes in Connecticut. 12. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: This extra wide boardwalk also includes covered benches to help you escape the heat. Don’t delay; start planning your trip today and experience the five best hiking trails in … Squantz Pond; Fairfield County Source: CarbonNYC [in SF!] Connecticut's Top 10 Hiking Trails, Connecticut today is crisscrossed by hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Feel free to cast a line from there, or just stick to a light stroll. This 300-acre park is just a portion of the greater valley preservation effort that encompasses 758 acres in the towns of Easton and Weston. The walk-in park is accessible from north of the gate at Bradley Road in Weston and can be explored by following its dirt roads or cross country through valleys and over rugged hills. Mianus River Park Greenwich/Stamford. These 10 Hiking Spots In Connecticut Are Completely Out Of This World. 6. 1. Sitting on a peninsula on Long Island Sound is a great walking, biking, and salt water fishing location. One of Connecticut’s most beautiful land trust properties is deep within Litchfield County at Steep Rock Preserve in Washington. Social distancing has everyone itching to get outside, but crowding the same handful of state parks can go against best practices. Mattatuck Trail, Wolcott. 2. For the more outdoorsy types, Milford has large, peaceful green spaces, including the second largest green in New England, and many idyllic beaches and seafront walks. Rt. Since 2001. If I were you, I’d spend a day on each one and really get familiar with the paths. The round trip is somewhere between 6 and 7 miles, featuring many water views, awesome rock formations and all the sights and sounds of nature in Connecticut. From auto racing to, Temperatures are dropping, snow is falling — it’s winter in Connecticut. 10 Top Hikes in Connecticut Mohegan Park Loop. Boardwalks are essentially paths made of wooden planks, but not necessarily at a beach. As for hiking, the trail lengths don’t amount to much, but you’ll like the places they take you. At half-a-mile long, this is great for a short walking date, especially if you stop at the cafe. This one extends from the parking lot to the beach. Tunxis Trail, Barkhamsted. Every boardwalk is unique! History, culture, technology, art – they’re all on display within the fabulous museums throughout the Litchfield Hills. Explore nature like never before on the best hiking trails in Connecticut! This town definitely loves its boardwalks! In Litchfield, the 4,000-acre White Memorial Conservation Center has long held the flag high for nature and environmental awareness. Horse Guard State Park, Avon This little-known state park is home to one of the best views in Connecticut. Mainly used as a dog walking area, the park also features a nice beach ... but you'll have to walk there. Like a scene from Brothers Grimm or a dark romance, this walk through the grasslands features black woods, no rails, and who knows where that curve leads. From up there, visitors will see a stunning view of the surrounding Farmington River Valley and surrounding CT. Burlington Falls. While hiking, visitors are surrounded by greenery and will encounter numerous springs and streams. Article and Map Here It's covered with restaurants and shops! Here’s The Deal: "The two-mile stretch of the beautiful Mianus River which flows through the park is a major attraction to visitors. Add Your Trails. COVID-19: Connecticut residents are urged to continue taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Canton Center, Long before tourists discovered Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, deer and Native Americans and, later, fishermen made their way along the tight path above the bay as they navigated from one place to another. Snowy egrets feed in the marshland and share the tidal wetlands and rocky shore with a wide variety of ducks, gulls and the occasional blue heron.”. 0.2 mi 0.4 km #1 Day Pond Brook Spur Trail. Steep Rock, Washington. From the parking area, take a left onto the blue loop trail toward the Donkey Trail. It is one of the best places to hike in Connecticut as it covers everything from the rocky patches and through the forested land. This park extends 2,300 acres and crosses over mountains and peaks, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy various levels of hiking and trekking. As of this past May, there are no dogs allowed and Bradley Road parking area is closed on weekends and parking is limited during the week. Have You Started Your CT Winter Bucket List? An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. The steady climb leads to a spectacular view of the Farmington River Valley, with the 360-degree views from the … Just beside the train station, this walk follows the curve of the shoreline and forms the edge of the beach. While the air is cooling down, seasonal fun is. You'll have to visit to find out! Offers fine forest lands, vernal pools, varied wildlife and miles of rolling trails for walking and other recreational activities. A nature reserve on the Greenwich/Stamford border, Mianus River … This short walk to the beach is also the spot for many a wedding. Trailforks ranks trails with a combination of user ratings and raw trail usage data from rides. These 10 hikes run through high land and low, across difficult and easy terrain, and they offer unique insight into the geology, flora and fauna of the state. Explore the best trails in Norwalk, Connecticut on TrailLink. Connecticut Walking Trails and Maps. $19.95. Distance: Three miles round-trip Rating: Easy to moderate About: While Talcott Mountain State Park has plenty of trails for all skill levels, the Yellow Trail is one of the most popular paths up to the 165-foot Heublein Tower. Ansonia, CT. Branford, CT. Bridgeport, CT. Bristol, CT. Cheshire, CT. Clinton, CT. Colchester, CT. Coventry, CT. Air Line State Park Trail. Best Photos. Trail Guide Best Trails & Photos. This 6.5-mile trail crosses Cobble Mountain (elevation 1,380 feet) and provides breathtaking views of Catskill and Taconic mountains. This board walk also has a railed observation area, perfect for looking out over the ocean. Stroller-Friendly Trails in Fairfield County Branford Trolley Trail. This large property offers nature … The compact state is veined with hiking trails: Some are well known, like the blue-blazed Metacomet, Mohawk, and Mattabesett Trails and the Appalachian Trail, which travels 51 miles through Connecticut's northwest corner, and others are hiding and worth seeking.More than 137 non-profit land trust … Nepaug Reservoir Trail. Litchfield Hills is an ideal destination for outdoor winter sports activities such as downhill cross-country skiing. 33 Pent Road, Weston, CT 06883. Caves are a surprisingly regular feature along Connecticut’s trails, although they are apt to be recesses in jumbles of boulders or old mines rather than the elaborate cave systems you might find elsewhere. As the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection states: “Despite its size, the park’s diversity is remarkable. 250 Merriebrook Lane, Stamford, CT 06902 Directions. 15 Connecticut trails to hike in 2021. Connecticut Walk Book: The Complete Guide to Connecticut’s Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails ... AMC's Best Day Hikes in Connecticut: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails from the Highlands to the Coast Rene Laubach. A trip to Devil’s Den Preserve offers options for both beginner and experienced hikers. 53 and Valley Forge Road Weston . The trail then becomes more strenuous and horses are no longer allowed. It just has that fairy tale look about it, complete with panoramic views of the beach and swaying grass. A half-mile trail takes visitors through a huge white pine grove and up to the top of a rocky outcropping with views south to the Hanging Hills of Meriden. One of the more urban trails on this list, the Charter Oak Greenway is the name of the portion of the East Coast Greenway that runs from East Hartford to Bolton. Most of Connecticut’s state parks along Long Island Sound are big, but that is not so with Farm River State Park in East Haven. Learn More. Newport Cliff Walk | Newport, RI. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Follow her at taylorellisblogger.com. The best & most popular mountain biking trails in Connecticut. The maps not only serve to keep everyone safe, but also as your permit to walk the trails. The main sanctuary has seven miles of trails for guests to enjoy that venture through hardwood forests, old fields, lakes, streams, and vernal pools. Mattabesett Trail, Central Connecticut. When you reach the top of the mountain, you’ll find the “Heublein Tower,”, a historical home built in 1914 which now serves as a museum. Connecticut's parks, nature centers, arboretums offer great walking trails Historic Wethersfield. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Check out these hikes under 5 miles! Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. This extra wide boardwalk also includes covered benches to help you escape the heat. He goes on: “After reaching an old woods road, a small staircase brings visitors into a deep evergreen forest, a peaceful oasis within the hardwood forest. You may want to stay awhile, but if you stick with the trail for another 5 miles, crossing a couple of roads and even passing through a residential neighborhood, you’ll come eventually to Buttermilk Falls in Plymouth, one of Connecticut’s great secrets in the woods. There is camping here, as well as boating, picnicking, excellent birding and 35 miles of hiking trails, including interpretive nature trails, a boardwalk trail that circles above a wetland habitat and a good chunk of the Mattatuck Trail. At half-a-mile long, this is great for a short walking date, especially if you stop at the cafe. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Here the wind only sways the tops of the trees high above as pine needles float down like snowflakes. Previous Next 1/8. Devil’s Den- Weston At 1,756 acres, Devil's Den is the Conservancy's largest preserve in Connecticut allowing you plenty of opportunities to view nature at its finest. This is our pick for the best hike in Connecticut. This paved surface is about ten miles long and runs through the state’s capital, college campuses, parks, commercial areas, and riverfront. Talcott Mountain Yellow Trail | Bloomfield, CT. Love Connecticut? Ocean Beach Park (New London) Ocean Beach Park/Facebook. History, culture, technology, art – they’re all on display within the fabulous museums throughout Fairfield County. Formerly the place of an amusement park, this walk comes with plenty of beaches and places to eat. Hiking to the top of Talcott Mountain State Park takes about 30 to 40 minutes on average. Thank you! If you’re looking to shop and stroll near the water, State Street in downtown Westport is a fantastic spot for a day trip. Travel through the wetlands on this easy boardwalk trail. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to get the latest ideas, deals, and getaways. There’s a bit of a scramble to get up to elevation, but once there you’re walking along a ridge from which you can see Hartford to the north, almost to New Haven to the south, and seemingly unlimited views to the west. 33 Things to Do in Connecticut This February, 8 Winter Experiences You Just Can't Have in the City, Stories > Bluff Point – 55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340 Drawing our journey to an end is Bluff Point. Look for wildlife, wetlands and watercourses. Whether you’re a hiker or a stroller, Wethersfield has a trail or tour for you You’ll have your... Bartlett Arboretum. Andrew DaRosa, Staff Reports ... From easy trails to arduous hikes, we've compiled some of the best hiking trails you go on in … If you don’t mind a bit of scrambling, the Mattabesett Trail in central Connecticut offers marvelous views from atop the state’s famous traprock ridges. The trail begins in a former rail bed, which follows the river for approximately 1.0 mile. It's So Good to Support Connecticut Businesses, At-Home Beer, Wine, Spirits & More: Connecticut Libations, Takeout and Delivery Restaurants in Connecticut. The wilds of Northeast Connecticut are on ample display in Union’s Bigelow Hollow State Park, which in turn is located within Nipmuck State Forest. When it comes to exploring the traprock mountain in Sleeping Giant, this trail takes you through its taxing terrain. Aspetuck Falls has a 20-foot drop that plunges from the top of Aspetuck River to the bottom. For this 5.7-mile hike, you’ll have to park one car at the beginning and another at the end. He lives in Moscow, Vermont. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Here, trails head off in every direction, but hardy hikers will be interested in the portion of the Nipmuck Trail that runs from the park entrance, out and around Breakneck Pond, and then back again. City Trails and Maps in Connecticut. The best water flow is during April and the rainy months. One of the great vistas comes after a climb up from Meriden’s Giufridda Park to Chauncey Peak and Lamentation Mountain. Active kids can have a blast jumping, climbing, History in Mystic Country runs deep. Watching the grassland fade into the sand is mesmerizing. Steep Rock Preservation's Yellow Circle trail (so called because the blaze is a yellow circle) is a trail that generally follows the banks of the Shepaug River in Washington Depot, CT. The centre of the old town has many historical buildings and walks, as well as quaint cafés, boutiques, and booksellers, perfect for browsing and relaxing. Stretch your legs as you explore its multiple mom-and-pop shops, unique restaurants, galleries and landmarks. 1. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Raised in Connecticut, he leads hikes and performs trail maintenance across New England. Connecticut's Top 10 Hiking Trails Last Updated 8/20. This is a smallish (62 acres) park that seems unpromising at first but that at length serves as a nice immersion into salt marshes and seaside sights and sounds. They also serve as blissful and relaxing getaway from the stressors of daily life.Â. 4.9 out of 5 stars 23. 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For example, a hike along the Tunxis Trail in Barkhamsted (4.4 miles out and back) will take you to the Indian Council Caves. Tractor trailer travel ban: Due to the winter storm, a travel ban on certain tractor trailers remains … Quinnipiac Trail in Hamden is ideal for all types of hikers. Soon you will find yourself in a sort of natural amphitheater, or movie set, with towering hemlocks, filtered sunlight, tumbling and splashing water, and an understory of moss-covered boulders, ferns and mountain laurel. When it comes to hiking, there are all types of trails. This one lets you explore the rolling plains while capturing incredible photos of birds. There’s nothing like walking through the woods and reconnecting with yourself, with only the sound of the birds in your ear. Although technically Connecticut does not lie along the ocean, its entire south border sits on the Long Island Sound. 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