This trail has a rugged and challenging western portion and a more mellow eastern half. South Central … Macedonia Brook State Park offers a trail system with a combination of rugged and technical terrain and easier, mellow hiking for those not looking for a summit adventure. 184 Trails. REI member since 2018. This viewpoint offers stunning views of the Catskills and Taconics. The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining brighter, and enjoying Washington’s trails is a must-do as we start to get a glimpse of spring! Pack a snack or lunch for a picnic at the viewpoint before retracing your steps to the trailhead. Perfect access points to these trails also happen to be nestled within some of the state's most charming towns. Hike Bear Mountain Bear Mountain, located in the northwest corner of Connecticut, is the highest peak in the state. Photo credit: @katalystk9. The rocky promontories of the Hanging Hills, a range of ridges that are part of the longer Metacomet Ridge, give hikers unobstructed vantages of the surrounding area. Reset zoom. Hop on and hike any section you'd like. 1. This is the most popular section of the loop, so you may encounter more foot traffic. A large parking area can be found at the southeastern corner of the loop at the end of Great Quarter Road. Last weekend I took the kids to Steep Rock Preserve in Washington, CT. We had never been there before, and I’m still kind of new to hiking, so I wasn’t sure exactly where I was going or what I was doing. The trail then skirts around the east side of Godfrey Pond, a mill pond created in the 1700s. 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. 4. 24. The hike to Castle Craig and East Peak starts from the trailhead for the White Trail near Mirror Lake. A short detour on the Green Trail to Judges Cave makes for a fun side trip. Map. Once past the lake, the trail continues south on gently rolling and wooded terrain. Located in Paugussett State Forest, the blue-blazed Zoar Trail offers a slightly more remote and secluded experience than some of the more well-known Connecticut public parks. The trails in the area wind up and down rolling hills, and there are trickling streams and creeks to cross in addition to some small lakes and marshy areas. The trail winds through the disc-golf course and crosses the dam, which provides a scenic view of the lake. This scenic area along the Housatonic River offers a pleasant combination of rolling hills, wooded terrain and open meadows, where you will have expansive views of the area. Click here to read our full article. After savoring the view, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead. The rocky promontories of the Hanging Hills, a range of ridges that are part of the longer Metacomet Ridge, give hikers unobstructed vantages of the surrounding area. The recreation area provides a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking or playing a round of disc golf. Mine Hill is the site of a 19th-century iron mine, granite quarries and furnace complex, an operation that burned hot for a short time, even resulting in the founding of a “boom town” named … You can relax on the lake shores or you can explore the woods where you may catch a sight of deer. Fairfield County. There are hilly paths” more. 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. This is among the top hiking spots in Connecticut as you will get to see everything from an ancient cave to scenic streams that define this area. Older, more adventurous kids can try the hike up, but for families with younger children, driving to the summit parking area of the tower is also an option. Black Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the western highlands of Connecticut. Pack a post-hike picnic lunch to enjoy at the nearby pavilion. United States ; Connecticut (CT) Things to Do in Connecticut ; Hiking Trails in Connecticut; Hiking Trails in Connecticut‎ When are you traveling? This challenging trail is only for the experienced hikers who are physically fit. 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. You can climb an interior metal stairway to reach the top of this observation tower, which gives you a memorable vantage point of the greater Meriden area, including Sleeping Giant Mountain to the south and the Berkshire Mountains to the north. Although a trek up Bear Mountain won’t allow you to reach the highest point in the state, this popular climb is still well worth the trip. Litchfield Hills. The trail winds up the side of the ridge, gaining a little more than 100 feet in about a half a mile. This narrow trail passes some impressive rock formations and interesting marshy areas before you turn onto the. This section of the loop winds through the wooded western edge of Paugussett State Forest. As with any wooded hike in the state, be sure to check for ticks after your outing—especially if hiking with dogs and/or small children. 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. The park’s rocky, wooded ridges are also ideal for hikers who seek a bit of elevation gain. : Georgetown, CT, in Devil’s Den Preserve, 19 miles northeast of Stamford, : A beginner-friendly loop with some historic sightseeing, offers options for both beginner and experienced hikers. Elevation: … For those continuing on, the Macedonia Ridge Trail heads north, climbing several other peaks and offering more open views interspersed with strenuous climbs. As you continue your loop around the pond, keep an eye open for the remains of an old sawmill and other stone structures. If you are looking for an excursion along the Appalachian Trail, this out-and-back hike provides a challenging route to a splendid view. REI and the REI co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. West Rock Ridge State Park (Photo Credit: HP Contributor, : Norwich, CT, in Mohegan Park, 40 miles southeast of Hartford, : A family-friendly loop on wide and well-maintained trails, is a lovely and well-kept park with a variety of activities that the entire family can enjoy. 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. Remember that the best time to explore Sleeping Giant is usually from March to October. The trail can be a bit faint in spots, so keep an eye open for orange blazes to help you find your way. The recreation area provides a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking or playing a round of disc golf. The hike starts in Mount Riga State Park from a large dirt parking lot at the eastern edge of the park. : Oxford, CT, in Paugussett State Forest, 19 miles northwest of New Haven, : A rugged loop for hikers looking for a more technical challenge, Located in Paugussett State Forest, the blue-blazed Zoar Trail offers a slightly more remote and secluded experience than some of the more well-known Connecticut public parks. 35 comments. The lake is most scenic in the summer and fall when the trees reflect in the still water of the lake. The trails in the area wind up and down rolling hills, and there are trickling streams and creeks to cross in addition to some small lakes and marshy areas. With a little help from Trails.com and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, we've highlighted five of what we think are some of the best hikes in Connecticut, so lace up, and let's go.. Farmington Canal State Park Trail The … In the spring and summer, keep an eye open for poison ivy and, after returning home, be sure to perform a thorough check for ticks. You’ll come to an area where a bridge used to connect to the opposite shore. From here, the trail widens and follows along the northern shore of Lake Windwing to finish the loop. Quinnipiac Trail in Hamden is ideal for all types of hikers. This trail has a rugged and challenging western portion and a more mellow eastern half. This area also lies along the Appalachian Trail, which extends 2,184 miles between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. A stop off at. She is also known for being a bookworm and owning more running shoes than most people would consider socially acceptable. Selleck’s Woods. There is a bench at one end of the pond where you can stop for a photo or a snack. report. From here, head south along the, . What better way to explore Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests than by following a trail on foot! There is also a large overflow parking lot near the lake if you don’t arrive at the trailhead early enough to secure one of the spots at the small trailhead lot. The preserve features many miles of forested trails, ranging from the popular and well-used southern trails to the more challenging and rugged trails in the interior of the park. 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. Price. 5 Trumbull Ln “ safe it is, but if it doesn't crap out on you it's a nice little adrenaline rush if you … As you continue your loop around the pond, keep an eye open for the remains of an old sawmill and other stone structures. As you reach the westernmost portion of the loop, there is one final steep hill before an easy hike back to the trailhead. Start your hike on the Under Mountain Trail which climbs about 1,000 feet in just under 2 miles. Sort: Recommended. 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. There are several trails to … You can take a nature trip or also go for mountain biking. It perfectly blends the land filled with bare rocks with mountains and hills that are densely forested. Continue south on the Red Trail along the eastern shore of Lake Wintergreen. 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. On a clear day, the views are absolutely stunning, and in the fall, the landscape is ablaze with the changing leaves—don’t forget to bring your camera. The western side of the loop heads north from the trailhead, climbing steadily and steeply toward Cobble Mountain. If you're looking for great Connecticut state park trails, check out Mount Riga State Park. loop starts from the boat launch parking area off Reardon Road. There is a bench at one end of the pond where you can stop for a photo or a snack. Climb this stone pyramid for some well-earned views! 1. At the northern end of the loop, you will briefly skirt Hilltop Pond before the trail loops back to the south. As such, it offers an oasis from the bustle of some of the other suburban parks and preserves in the area. Located adjacent to. It would be better for you to use this trail from March to October when the weather is mostly clear. The shaded campground located close to the dam overlook promises a respite from the summer heat and waterfront views that are impressive at sunset. The Appalachian Trail is clearly marked with signs and blue blazes. 2. I had … The hike to Castle Craig and East Peak starts from the trailhead for the, near Mirror Lake. The trails are wide and well-used, and the loop can be done year-round, even in the winter, as the trails are marked with colored blazes. All. The start of the hike is located near Great Falls Dam; taking some time to learn about the history of the area in addition to stopping by the dam for some photos is an added bonus if you have extra time. This thread is archived. The sweeping view of the Farmington River Valley and the tour of 20th-century Heublein Tower are enough to keep you engaged. The eastern portion of the loop has some hills but nothing as long or steep as what you’ve already tackled. They also serve as blissful and relaxing getaway from the stressors of daily life. In Charleston, hiking with some elevation required a 4-hour drive to Greenville and the Upstate, which made it a weekend trip activity at best. Here, you will be hiking in the woods past numerous springs and streams, such as Macedonia Brook, as the trail winds south to return to the trailhead. Dogs Allowed. Hiking, Parks, Mountain Biking (203) 977-4140. The famous Appalachian Trail, also known as A.T., passes through Connecticut and is spread over 52 miles in total. At its southern end, the trail comes to a junction with the Green Trail at the Lower Pond—this is an especially scenic spot in the fall. Quinnipiac Trail in Hamden is ideal for all types of hikers. Castle Craig (Photo Credit: HP Contributor Rachel Vecchitto). Starting from the Lake Windwing parking area, hike past the iron gate on to the, which starts as a wide path. The Hemlock Hills trail system offers a little bit of everything, including several slightly more rugged, narrow trails that feel more remote than they actually are. Once past the lake, the trail continues south on gently rolling and wooded terrain. , Hubbard Park has a variety of options. Total distance - Depends upon the trail you select. 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. The pond has several conveniently located benches where you can rest your legs and soak up the scenery before heading home. 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. You can climb around the smooth rocks and tight crevices of this small cave, which is marked by a historic plaque. Hiking is one of the best forms of exercise, and its great because it doesn't even feel like exercise. , which loops around the Quinebaug River. The remnants of the bridge are an ideal spot for a snack or lunch break. From the trailhead, the hike starts with a steady climb on the Appalachian Trail. The climb is mostly gradual with one steeper grade near the mile 1 mark, plus a few small streams to cross. From here, the trail widens and follows along the northern shore of Lake Windwing to finish the loop. Start Your Trek: 7 Best Hiking Retailers in Connecticut Hikers have a true love and appreciation for the great outdoors. 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. In the summer, you can also stop by the. The trail winds through the disc-golf course and crosses the dam, which provides a scenic view of the lake. In the warmer months, the lake is popular for boating, kayaking, fishing, tubing and waterskiing. From the end of the Under Mountain Trail, turn north onto the Appalachian Trail. 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. 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. Located adjacent to Pine Mountain, Wooster Mountain State Park, Seth Low Pierrepont State Park and Bennett’s Pond State Park, the trails offer extensive acreage to explore. It has some steep inclines as well as flat areas making it a family-friendly trail in Connecticut. 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. Areas Within Connecticut. The weather here in Connecticut officially feels like fall. Hartford County 18 … A stop off at Judges Cave will even give you a tiny introduction to some basic spelunking for an interesting addition to your hike. Lover's Leap . The trail can be a bit faint in spots, so keep an eye open for orange blazes to help you find your way. If you take an appointment, you will get to tour the mansion. Rattlesnake Mountain. Turn right onto the Yellow Trail, which is one of the highlights of the loop. Be it a charm of the lake or ruins of the castle, Bigelow Hollow Pond Trail has it all. 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. 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. Pack a post-hike picnic lunch to enjoy at the nearby pavilion. Continue south on the Red Trail along the eastern shore of Lake Wintergreen. At just over one mile in length, this flat loop is an ideal outing for families or beginner hikers. About: Hike the Mattabesett Trail for some of the best views of the Quinnipiac Valley you’ll find in all of central Connecticut. These 10 Hiking Spots In Connecticut Are Completely Out Of This World. Jan 18, 2015 - Explore Anita Pizzutiello Kelly's board "Hiking in CT" on Pinterest. 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. The Best Hikes in Washington March 10, 2020. The southern trailhead to access this hike is located off Macedonia Brook Road. So whether it’s easy and well-maintained or more rugged and technical you’re after, here are the best trails to visit. Hiking in Connecticut. In the colder months, the hike along the lake is quiet and scenic with the leaves off the trees. 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. Although located in the central valley in the middle of the state, you can still find great hiking near Hartford CT. It can be one of the great day hikes in Connecticut if you are traveling with family and looking forward to spending some quality time together. Continuing on the Regicides Trail, you will eventually turn on to the, , a wooded connector leading to the wide and well-kept. Visitors can also fish in the pond, and families with younger children can visit one of the two playgrounds by the lake. The 1,756-acre preserve is the largest continuous preserve managed by the, in the state of Connecticut. The trails are wide and well-used, and the loop can be done year-round, even in the winter, as the trails are marked with colored blazes. 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