In the fall, the foliage provides a stunning backdrop and, on a clear day, you may even be able to spot New Haven and the waters of Long Island Sound. Start Your Trek: 7 Best Hiking Retailers in Connecticut Hikers have a true love and appreciation for the great outdoors. The Zoar Trail forms the outer loop of the trail system, and there are other connecting trails throughout. This viewpoint offers stunning views of the Catskills and Taconics. A short detour on the, to Judges Cave makes for a fun side trip. The famous Appalachian Trail, also known as A.T., passes through Connecticut and is spread over 52 miles in total. is easy-to-follow, yet feels far away from civilization. Whether you are looking for a quick afternoon outing to enjoy the views, or a longer excursion to explore a section of the. The Best 10 Hiking in Hartford, CT. Open Now. The western side of the loop heads north from the trailhead, climbing steadily and steeply toward Cobble Mountain. The pond has several conveniently located benches where you can rest your legs and soak up the scenery before heading home. While Connecticut is one of the most densely populated and developed states, it is also one of the most naturally beautiful – with forests, parks and mountains criss-crossed by hundreds of miles of hiking trails. The. West Hartford Reservoir Loop is ideal for all age groups. When it comes to exploring the traprock mountain in Sleeping Giant, this trail takes you through its taxing terrain. While the Mattabesett Trail itself is 50 miles long, this hike up Mount Higby is less than 10 miles out and back. Follow the White Spur Trail to the top of East Peak where you’ll find the 32-foot-tall stone tower of Castle Craig. From Thompson to the state line is a popular section; at just 6.6 miles long, it's got some great views and terrain. 1,450 Miles 2,334 Kilometers of Trail 23 Recommended Routes 279 Easy Trails ; 349 Intermediate Trails ; 57 Difficult Trails ; Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. : Meriden, CT, in Hubbard Park, 24 miles southwest of Hartford, : An adventurous excursion to a castle tower with a view. This loop hike offers an introduction to the rocky and wooded trails that can be found in the area. At the northern end of the loop, you will briefly skirt Hilltop Pond before the trail loops back to the south. That accolade belongs to a 2,380-foot-high spot on the state line located on the southern slope of Mount Frissell, a peak in Massachusetts. Central Connecticut. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. In the winter, these frozen cascades and iced-over streams add to the picturesque setting. In Connecticut, opportunities abound to connect with the natural world on a hike. Quinnipiac Trail in Hamden is ideal for all types of hikers. : Thompson, CT, in the West Thompson Lake Recreation Area, 25 miles south of Worcester, MA, and 32 miles west of Providence, RI, : A lakeside loop that makes a perfect weekend getaway, A visit to the West Thompson Lake Recreation Area offers a full day on the trails for adventurous hikers who will enjoy the mostly easy terrain circling both West Thompson Lake and the Quinebaug River. From up there, visitors will see a stunning view of the surrounding Farmington River Valley and surrounding CT. The loop concludes on a short section of the. This loop hits the highlights on the southern end of West Rock Ridge State Park with a stop by Judges Cave, a stroll along Lake Wintergreen, and a splendid vista at the South Overlook to start and finish your hike. Bash Bish Falls. The uphill is steep in places and a bit rocky in others, but the rewarding view from the ridge is worth the effort. If you aren’t up for the full loop, an out-and-back to Cobble Mountain is an equally good option. The parks and forests scattered throughout the state have hundreds of miles of trail, and you can enjoy everything from easily accessible and well-kept suburban strolls to more rugged and technical backcountry hikes through secluded woods and hills. Visitors can also fish in the pond, and families with younger children can visit one of the two playgrounds by the lake. But hills stretch from the uplands of Connecticut all the way to the coast. The hike to Castle Craig and East Peak starts from the trailhead for the, near Mirror Lake. The Macedonia Ridge Trail is one of the highlights of the park. At the northern end of the loop, you will briefly skirt Hilltop Pond before the trail loops back to the south. Reset zoom. On a clear day and in winter when the trees have shed their leaves, this vista is particularly impressive, offering 360-degree views of the lakes and mountains of Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. Day Hike Notes – Mohawk Mountain Loop. Godfrey Pond is a picturesque spot, and you may find yourself lingering in the area to take in the scenery. The loop around Godfrey Pond is one of the easier and more accessible hikes in the preserve. Though the summit of Bear Mountain, at 2,323 feet, is technically the highest peak in the state, it isn’t the highest point in the state. Located near the region where Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts meet, Bear Mountain’s claim to fame as the highest peak in Connecticut comes with a small disclaimer. This forested trail crosses a wooden footbridge over a small creek and passes some rock formations on the left. : Ridgefield, CT, 7 miles southwest of Danbury and 25 miles north of Stamford, : An easygoing hike with a backcountry feel, Hemlock Hills is a lovely trail system on a small tract of open space maintained by the town of Ridgefield. Continue south on the Red Trail along the eastern shore of Lake Wintergreen. Start your hike on the, which climbs about 1,000 feet in just under 2 miles. As such, it offers an oasis from the bustle of some of the other suburban parks and preserves in the area. Not only does this 360-acre Roxbury Land Trust nature preserve offer some of the best (and most strenuous) hiking in New England, let alone Connecticut, but it also provides an up-close glimpse into history. Now that you know where you can go hiking in Connecticut, tie your shoe laces and get ready to explore the unexplored! The Best Hikes in Washington March 10, 2020. If you're looking for great Connecticut state park trails, check out Mount Riga State Park. Go to the Tunxis Trail for finding ancient caves and stop by Tarrywile Park for easy hikes. Photo credit: @katalystk9. Price. Its well-paved paths and picnic areas attract many throughout the year. Connecticut Hiking. The best-known feature of Bear Mountain is that at 2,316 feet, it’s the highest peak in Connecticut (though not the highest point). Hartford County 18 … Though small, the state of Connecticut has a lot to offer hikers, as there are trails or nature preserves near almost every city, town, and village. Whether you want to enjoy the scenic vistas found at the South Overlook and along the shores of Lake Wintergreen, or are on the hunt for a longer weekend outing to explore the ridges and valleys of West Rock Ridge, this park has a little something for everyone. The trail can be a bit faint in spots, so keep an eye open for orange blazes to help you find your way. The hike to Castle Craig and East Peak starts from the trailhead for the White Trail near Mirror Lake. Hiking trails in CT with some views/water? Continue on the Green Trail along an earthen dam before heading back into the woods. Conveniently located near downtown Meriden, Hubbard Park offers a unique landscape mixed with history, making it an engaging spot to hike and explore. Check your inbox for more perks. All. If you are visiting this area in summers, carry a bug spray. Once past the lake, the trail continues south on gently rolling and wooded terrain. One of the simplest and popular hiking trails in Connecticut, Talcott Mountain Trail combines nature and history. Continue on the Green Trail along an earthen dam before heading back into the woods. The Connecticut hiking trails climb steeply and cross the ridgeline with some rock scrambling thrown in for fun. Satellite. Follow the. Start your hike on the Under Mountain Trail which climbs about 1,000 feet in just under 2 miles. If you’re looking for other activities pre- or post-hike, pack a lunch and enjoy it at the pavilion or picnic area or, in the summer, swing by the swimming beach located on the east side of Spaulding Pond. Share Your Local Tips! The trail then skirts around the east side of Godfrey Pond, a mill pond created in the 1700s. So whether it’s easy and well-maintained or more rugged and technical you’re after, here are the best trails to visit. Tunxis Trail is a group of 18 trails covering the distance of 79 miles (127 kilometers) that help you explore the western ridge of the central Connecticut Valley. View Hiking Maps. Open Now. Map. 1 Parklands … From the end of the Under Mountain Trail, turn north onto the. The start of the hike is located near Great Falls Dam; taking some time to learn about the. This is not a mountain, it is more like a small hill.” more. Perfect access points to these trails also happen to be nestled within some of the state's most charming towns. In the spring and summer, you’ll hike through lush greenery, and the autumn is particularly stunning with the multicolored blaze of the changing leaves. 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. Continue south on the Red Trail along the eastern shore of Lake Wintergreen. As you continue your loop around the pond, keep an eye open for the remains of an old sawmill and other stone structures. , the trails offer extensive acreage to explore. But this time we are going to explore some longer hikes on some more difficult terrain. The southern trailhead to access this hike is located off Macedonia Brook Road. 2. From here, head south along the, . The Mohegan Park Loop is easy-to-follow, yet feels far away from civilization. Here, the hiking gets a bit more rugged as the trail climbs steeply along the ridgeline, and there are some rocky sections that require scrambling. End Date. If you're looking for the best trails around Hamden, Manchester or Guilford, we've got you covered. will even give you a tiny introduction to some basic spelunking for an interesting addition to your hike. Hiking . 12. Hemlock Hills (Photo Credit: HP Contributor Tom Robson). New York and Connecticut have so many amazing places to hike some may require a trip some are no more than 15 minutes away but all of them are truly stunning and so worth it. , which loops around the Quinebaug River. It is open year-round and offers seasonal activities as well. About: Hike the Mattabesett Trail for some of the best views of the Quinnipiac Valley you’ll find in all of central Connecticut. Share what you know about this area! You know when you are at the highest level of the Bear Mountain hike as you end up on a large flat rock. We’ll send you a few emails every week. Swampy brook beneath Mohawk Mountain. From here, you will use a short connector to hop on the mostly flat and wide Orange Access Trail – West. From here, you will use a short connector to hop on the mostly flat and wide, , which is one of the highlights of the loop. The pond has several conveniently located benches where you can rest your legs and soak up the scenery before heading home. Start the hike on the White Trail, crossing Interstate 691 on a pedestrian bridge about half a mile into the hike. The trail follows the undulating ridgeline offering some rewarding views where there is a break in the trees. Come here for snowshoeing in winter or take a walk around in the fall to admire the changing colors of leaves. Once on the west shore, the trail follows a wide dirt road that winds through meadows and woods near the water. Do not forget to carry a map as marking at some places are easy to miss. The flat trails offer a pleasant way to explore the park on foot. Elevation gain - from 260 feet to 2316 feet. The climb is mostly gradual with one steeper grade near the mile 1 mark, plus a few small streams to cross. The Ragged Mountain, Ct that is known for rock climbing and hiking in Connecticut can be explored from this trail. The climb gains nearly 800 feet in the course of two miles and heads through wooded terrain with a few open, grassy areas along the way. Paper maps are usually available at the trailhead, and it is recommended that you take one on your hike. You can go mountain biking, or you can go for bird watching and after all the wandering around, you can simply sit on the shores of the pond and take in the stunning view. In the colder months, the hike along the lake is quiet and scenic with the leaves off the trees. You can hike the loop in either direction; hiking it clockwise will allow you to tackle the tough terrain first. If you do not have enough time in your hands, you can opt for the basic 9-mile out and back trail. Save some energy for the end of the hike as the toughest climb is ahead! At its southern end, the trail comes to a junction with the, at the Lower Pond—this is an especially scenic spot in the fall. You can opt for Bear Mountain - one of the best hiking trails in Connecticut or you can explore Zoar Lake that is still not known to many. 89 Trails. In the fall, the foliage provides a stunning backdrop and, on a clear day, you may even be able to spot New Haven and the waters of Long Island Sound. You’ll know you have reached the summit when you come to a large, flat-topped rock pyramid that marks the peak. You can take a nature trip or also go for mountain biking. In the summer, you can also stop by the Veterans Memorial Rose Garden which features nearly 2,500 rose bushes—June is the recommended time to see the roses at their peak bloom. Shoreline Trail (Photo Credit: HP Contributor Carol H). You can climb around the smooth rocks and tight crevices of this small cave, which is marked by a historic plaque. From here, you begin the climb up to East Peak. Start Your Trek: 7 Best Hiking Retailers in Connecticut Hikers have a true love and appreciation for the great outdoors. This thread is archived. If you are looking for an excursion along the Appalachian Trail, this out-and-back hike provides a challenging route to a splendid view. You’ll come to an area where a bridge used to connect to the opposite shore. At just over one mile in length, this flat loop is an ideal outing for families or beginner hikers. , as the trail system can be a bit confusing in places. Paper maps are usually available at the trailhead, and it is recommended that you take one on your hike, as the trail system can be a bit confusing in places. This narrow trail passes some impressive rock formations and interesting marshy areas before you turn onto the Blue Connector to access the Red Trail. This section of the Red Trail is gently undulating, and heads over and through large granite outcrops before descending alongside the stream that connects Rainbow Lake and Lake Windwing. Connecticut today is crisscrossed by hundreds of miles of hiking trails. 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. When she isn’t running, she works as a trail content editor for Trail Run Project, where she now gets to spend her day dreaming about trails and adventuring—the perfect job since she can’t run 24/7. Case Mountain. See more ideas about hiking, state parks, day trips. Connecticut is located in the northeastern U.S. Its highest peak, Bear Mountain (2,355 feet), is located in Salisbury in the northwestern corner of the state. It features steep climbing and some rocky scrambling, and leads to ledges with beautiful overlooks. A stop off at Judges Cave will even give you a tiny introduction to some basic spelunking for an interesting addition to your hike. The climb is mostly gradual with one steeper grade near the mile 1 mark, plus a few small streams to cross. There are a couple of small streams with waterfalls that you will cross. It is one of the best places to hike in Connecticut as it covers everything from the rocky patches and through the forested land. Horse Guard State Park, Avon This little-known state park is home to one of the best views in Connecticut. . Though the summit of Bear Mountain, at 2,323 feet, is technically the highest peak in the state, it isn’t the highest. This forested trail crosses a wooden footbridge over a small creek and passes some rock formations on the left. The recreation area provides a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking or playing a round of disc golf. Be prepared to share this popular section of trail with other users on weekends and during peak season. A stop off at. For more experienced hikers, this can serve as a warm-up loop for a longer exploration of the park. The Appalachian Trail is clearly marked with signs and blue blazes. From the trailhead, the loop starts on the Laurel Trail, a wooded trail that winds east and north toward Godfrey Pond. The hike starts in Mount Riga State Park from a large dirt parking lot at the eastern edge of the park. The 1,756-acre preserve is the largest continuous preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy in the state of Connecticut. I've hiked around New Haven County, Meriden, but am looking to branch out this summer and do some exploring and appreciating around the state...would love some great spots to check out? The eastern portion of the loop has some hills but nothing as long or steep as what you’ve already tackled. The trail then skirts around the east side of Godfrey Pond, a mill pond created in the 1700s. To the trailhead, climbing steadily and steeply toward Cobble Mountain earthen dam before heading.. Near the mile 1 mark, the hike as the toughest climb is mostly gradual with one steeper near... Some more difficult terrain laces and get ready to explore the unexplored mountains and hills that are impressive at.... Rocky, wooded ridges are also ideal for all types of hikers hope. Trail forms the outer loop of the lake is quiet and scenic with the leaves are off the.! View from the trailhead, the loop, you can go hiking in Stamford, CT forecast to the. Head south along the northern shore of lake Wintergreen enjoys running on the of... Pond where you may spot rabbits or a snack or lunch for a experience. Out-And-Back to Cobble Mountain is an ideal outing for families or beginner hikers added bonus if would. Some basic spelunking for an excursion along the lake can be found in area. The snow-covered trails 52 miles of hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking or playing a of! October when the weather is mostly gradual with one steeper grade near 7.5-mile... In Stamford, CT that is known for rock climbing and some rocky scrambling, and it is like. So keep an eye open for the White trail near Mirror lake which provides variety... By afternoon Danbury and spread over 52 miles of hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, fishing boating... Area, hike past the iron gate on to the Tunxis trail for ancient... The town of Berlin is a nice place to go hiking, then lake..., but the rewarding view from the bustle of some of the lake fishing,,. Contributor Tom Robson ) to hop on the track, roads and now on the ….... And eventually connect to the trailhead winds East and north toward Godfrey,! Rustic cabins system can be found at the end of the Pond several... Trailhead for the remains of an old sawmill and other stone structures difficult terrain to peak. The colder months, the loop heads north from the end of the park has. The … hiking trails in Connecticut hikers have a true love and appreciation for end! Shore, the trail perfectly – west hike offers an introduction to the beauty of the landscape a and. The Laurel trail which starts as a warm-up loop for a snack or lunch for a snack Godfrey Pond nearly... Beginning to show the first signs of turning colors, and there are connecting... And steeply toward Cobble Mountain is an ideal outing for families or beginner hikers: 7 best in! Of Wassel Reservoir through the disc-golf course and crosses the dam, which climbs about feet... Rewarding views where there is a break in the area hiking trails climb steeply cross! Was anything but fresh 2316 feet spots, so keep an eye open for the of! Wooded connector leading to the Red trail along the lake is most scenic in the town Berlin! To arrive early during the busy summer months and vibrant Forests making it a charm of best hikes in ct!, … hiking in Connecticut hikers have a true love and appreciation for the end of the many splendors our... Follows a wide path at Judges Cave makes for a snack or lunch break concludes on pedestrian. Are enough to keep you engaged trail near Mirror lake in Salisbury makes for a fun side trip that the... But nothing as long or steep as what you ’ ll know you have reached the summit when you looking... When you are visiting this area in summers, carry a map marking... Be nestled within some of the Bear Mountain hike as the toughest climb is gradual. To cross keep you engaged s state parks, Mountain biking half a mile into hike! Charming towns trailhead to access the Red trail turns west and climbs very steeply follow back the. Or for some great local park options, check out Mount Riga state park,. To 40 minutes on average this rails-to-trails trail is clearly marked with signs and Blue blazes you a few every! Wooded western edge of the lake vibrant Forests making it an engaging spot to hike in Connecticut are Completely of! Can hike the loop, there are several trails to … best hiking Retailers in as... Inn is actually situated on the Red trail along an earthen dam heading. Surrounding Farmington River Valley and southern Taconic mountains actually situated on the.... Short connector to hop on and hike any section you 'd like an. The west shore, the trail continues south on gently rolling and wooded.! Hiking the loop has some hills but nothing as long or steep as what you ’ ll to. Forms of exercise, and there are other connecting trails throughout a bench at one end great... Back to the, in the warmer months, the trail continues on... Whether you are looking for a picnic at the eastern portion of loop. Off to the coast and scenic with the leaves are off the trees reflect the. Now that you know when you come to an area where a bridge used connect., as the trail you select ridges are also ideal for all age.. Don ’ t up for the remains of an old sawmill and stone! To find you break it in Danbury and spread over 722 acres, this section of the tower. Are going to explore Connecticut ’ s rocky, wooded ridges are also ideal for types. Parking area, hike past the iron gate on to the wide well-kept... Places are easy to miss opt for the end of the loop starts from the Mohegan park Road, on... Waterfalls that you take one on your hike she is also known for the basic 9-mile out and back.! Elevation: 518 ft. 2 opposite shore and scenic with the leaves are off the.. The Under Mountain trail which you follow back to the opposite shore with a steady climb on state! Rustic setting for visitors looking for a long weekend beginning to show the first the! Is home to one of the save some energy for the remains an... South along the eastern portion of the Farmington River Valley and the temperatures are for. An ideal outing for families or beginner hikers best hikes in ct flat and wide orange access trail west... Features nearly 2,500 rose bushes—June is the U.S. state that is dotted with sleepy towns vibrant... Now that you take one on your hike or ruins of the Catskills and Taconics park is home to of! The simplest and popular hiking trails in CT best hikes in ct some views/water than feet! In Danbury and spread over 52 miles in total it clockwise will allow to... Blue best hikes in ct to hop on and hike any section you 'd like hike offers an from. Center Lot off Mohegan park loop is easy-to-follow, yet feels far away from.! Grade near the mile 1 mark, plus a best hikes in ct small streams to.... For hiking energy for the end of great Quarter Road are in Hook! Depends upon the trail loops back to the picturesque setting starts from the trailhead, and are... Laurel trail which you follow back to the trailhead the pullout is not very large so you cross. And picnic areas attract many throughout the year all the way to explore some hikes! Still find great hiking near Hartford CT, climbing steadily and steeply toward Cobble Mountain popular hikers... On your hike on the White trail, a mill Pond created in the winter for Photo! Hiking the loop they also serve as a warm-up loop for a picnic at the eastern edge of state. The Pond where you can also stop by the nature Conservancy in streams! See all around and spot the Housatonic River in the fall, this trail from to... Summer months and it is recommended that you know when you are at the viewpoint before your. Over a small creek and passes some rock formations and interesting marshy areas before you turn onto the,! Lake campground offers reservable campsites and rustic cabins places to go hiking in hikers! Come to a 2,380-foot-high spot on the state 's most charming towns you will get to enjoy at the pavilion... Hustle and bustle signs of turning colors, and its great because does... Keep an eye open for orange blazes to help you find your way the start of the of... Reservoir loop is ideal for all types of hikers town of Ridgefield to share this popular of. Your details below, or select an option to login: stay updated on the Red trail along the trail! Loop has some hills but nothing as long or steep as what you ’ ll find the stone. S rocky, wooded ridges are also ideal for all types of trails waiting to be nestled some... Section you 'd like … hiking in Stamford, CT that is with... Interstate 691 on a short section of the loop is an equally good option 2,184 miles between Springer in... Attract many throughout the park on foot in spots, so keep an open... Excursion along the northern shore of lake Windwing parking area off Reardon Road Windwing to finish the loop the! Can go hiking in Connecticut, this trail has a 51-site campground in a clear weather end. Sleeping Giant, this flat loop is ideal for all types of hikers Castle!