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. 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. If you do not have enough time in your hands, you can opt for the basic 9-mile out and back trail. The beauty of the western edge of West Hartford marks the trail perfectly. The hike to Castle Craig and East Peak starts from the trailhead for the, near Mirror Lake. In the warmer months, the lake is popular for boating, kayaking, fishing, tubing and waterskiing. level 1. Best Hikes Near Hartford. The uphill is steep in places and a bit rocky in others, but the rewarding view from the ridge is worth the effort. 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 has some steep inclines as well as flat areas making it a family-friendly trail in Connecticut. The loop around Godfrey Pond is one of the easier and more accessible hikes in the preserve. There are no pins in your … 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. The trail winds through the disc-golf course and crosses the dam, which provides a scenic view of the lake. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Stay updated on the latest news, deals, & more. 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. Litchfield Hills. 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 Best Hikes in Washington March 10, 2020. This forested trail crosses a wooden footbridge over a small creek and passes some rock formations on the left. . Amongst the most notable designations is the New England … You can climb around the smooth rocks and tight crevices of this small cave, which is marked by a historic plaque. The Mohegan Park Loop is easy-to-follow, yet feels far away from civilization. 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. 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. Hiking in Connecticut. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors can fish in the streams throughout the park. The flat trails offer a pleasant way to explore the park on foot. 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. Location: New Milford, CT. Elevation: 518 ft. 2. Case Mountain. Quinnipiac Trail in Hamden is ideal for all types of hikers. The pullout is not very large so you will want to arrive early during the busy summer months. The loop around Godfrey Pond is one of the easier and more accessible hikes in the preserve. Near the 7.5-mile mark, the Red Trail turns west and climbs very steeply. You can climb around the smooth rocks and tight crevices of this small cave, which is marked by a historic plaque. 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. If you take an appointment, you will get to tour the mansion. 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). The trail winds up the side of the ridge, gaining a little more than 100 feet in about a half a mile. For more experienced hikers, this can serve as a warm-up loop for a longer exploration of the park. 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. 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. 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. For more experienced hikers, this can serve as a warm-up loop for a longer exploration 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. Connecticut Hiking. The lake is most scenic in the summer and fall when the trees reflect in the still water of the lake. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. This is an intermediate hike that starts out with a gradual climb on the Under Mountain Trail, rising about 1,000 feet. The start of the hike is located near Great Falls Dam; taking some time to learn about the. West Hartford Reservoir Loop is ideal for all age groups. From here, you begin the climb up to East Peak. Follow the White Spur Trail to the top of East Peak where you’ll find the 32-foot-tall stone tower of Castle Craig. So whether it’s easy and well-maintained or more rugged and technical you’re after, here are the best trails to visit. What better way to explore Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests than by following a trail on foot! We gathered these favorite hiking trails and we hope that you will join us in exploring our beautiful outdoors. 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. Elevation: … If you aren’t up for the full loop, an out-and-back to Cobble Mountain is an equally good option. Best Hiking in Stamford, CT. It is one of the best places to hike in Connecticut as it covers everything from the rocky patches and through the forested land. The remnants of the bridge are an ideal spot for a snack or lunch break. Once past the high point of the loop, the trail descends—at times steeply—and you’ll want to watch your footing on the rocks. Photo credit: @katalystk9. 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. Located just north of Norwich, Mohegan Park is a lovely and well-kept park with a variety of activities that the entire family can enjoy. A stop off at. This narrow trail passes some impressive rock formations and interesting marshy areas before you turn onto the Blue Connector to access the Red Trail. will even give you a tiny introduction to some basic spelunking for an interesting addition to your hike. Although the trails are blazed and most of the junctions are marked, you may want to bring a map, as there are a few confusing intersections where a map will offer peace of mind that you are on the right track. The park also has a 51-site campground in a more rustic setting for visitors looking for a long weekend. The southern trailhead to access this hike is located off Macedonia Brook Road. Once you reach the summit of Mount Prospect, you will descend about 250 feet over about a mile before reaching a short trail that branches off to the open vista of Rand’s View. Connecticut offers hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and walking trails, including 52 miles of the Appalachian Trail. 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 West Thompson Lake Campground offers 24 sites to choose from if you would like to extend your stay. The uphill is steep in places and a bit rocky in others, but the rewarding view from the ridge is worth the effort. hide. Connecticut is the U.S. state that is dotted with sleepy towns and vibrant forests making it a paradise for nature-lovers and enthusiastic hikers. View Hiking Maps. Kristen is a native Coloradan and longtime runner who enjoys running on the track, roads and now on the trails. Whether you are looking for a quick afternoon outing to enjoy the views, or a longer excursion to explore a section of the Metacomet Trail, Hubbard Park has a variety of options. 89 Trails. Want to know what will be the best hiking spot for you? You can see all around and spot the Housatonic River in the distance that sits on the … 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. Start Your Trek: 7 Best Hiking Retailers in Connecticut Hikers have a true love and appreciation for the great outdoors. For those continuing on, the Macedonia Ridge Trail heads north, climbing several other peaks and offering more open views interspersed with strenuous climbs. You’ll know you have reached the summit when you come to a large, flat-topped rock pyramid that marks the peak. Clear Dates. : Meriden, CT, in Hubbard Park, 24 miles southwest of Hartford, : An adventurous excursion to a castle tower with a view. 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. A short detour on the Green Trail to Judges Cave makes for a fun side trip. The trail can be a bit faint in spots, so keep an eye open for orange blazes to help you find your way. Swampy brook beneath Mohawk Mountain. With only some challenging parts and mostly easy terrain, this loop trail is popular amongst hikers. is easy-to-follow, yet feels far away from civilization. As you continue your loop around the pond, keep an eye open for the remains of an old sawmill and other stone structures. The trail winds through the disc-golf course and crosses the dam, which provides a scenic view of the lake. 1. : 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. Although located in the central valley in the middle of the state, you can still find great hiking near Hartford CT. Turn right onto the Yellow Trail, which is one of the highlights of the loop. The vista of a couple of lakes and the Housatonic River are worth all the efforts. 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 aren’t up for the full loop, an out-and-back to Cobble Mountain is an equally good option. As you continue your loop around the pond, keep an eye open for the remains of an old sawmill and other stone structures. You know when you are at the highest level of the Bear Mountain hike as you end up on a large flat rock. If you are looking for an excursion along the Appalachian Trail, this out-and-back hike provides a challenging route to a splendid view. Here are a couple of our favorite spots that are within a short drive from the city. Perfect access points to these trails also happen to be nestled within some of the state's most charming towns. If hiking the loop counterclockwise from the Mohegan Park Center Lot off Mohegan Park Road, start on the Blue Trail heading south. Though the summit of Bear Mountain, at 2,323 feet, is technically the highest peak in the state, it isn’t the highest. As you reach the westernmost portion of the loop, there is one final steep hill before an easy hike back to the trailhead. When the leaves are off the trees, you can catch a glimpse of the stone tower along the climb. to connect to the Laurel Trail which you follow back to the trailhead. 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. Come here for snowshoeing in winter or take a walk around in the fall to admire the changing colors of leaves. But this time we are going to explore some longer hikes on some more difficult terrain. Grab your snowshoes or cross-country skis in the winter for a peaceful experience on the snow-covered trails. The Appalachian Trail is clearly marked with signs and blue blazes. This leg-burning climb will reward you as you return to the trailhead with views from the South Overlook where you can spot downtown New Haven, Sleeping Giant State Park, East Rock Park, Long Island and Long Island Sound on a clear day. In the winter, these frozen cascades and iced-over streams add to the picturesque setting. 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. All. Shoreline Trail (Photo Credit: HP Contributor Carol H). 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. best. This narrow trail passes some impressive rock formations and interesting marshy areas before you turn onto the. The western side of the loop heads north from the trailhead, climbing steadily and steeply toward Cobble Mountain. Starting from the Lake Windwing parking area, hike past the iron gate on to the Red Trail which starts as a wide path. 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. 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. This forested trail crosses a wooden footbridge over a small creek and passes some rock formations on the left. 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. After savoring the view, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead. report. Bear Mountain, the tallest peak in Connecticut, is known for the tremendous growth of wildflowers. 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. 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. to access the Red Trail. From the trailhead, the loop starts on the, , a wooded trail that winds east and north toward Godfrey Pond. This loop hike offers an introduction to the rocky and wooded trails that can be found in the area. A short detour on the, to Judges Cave makes for a fun side trip. Hiking, Parks, Mountain Biking (203) 977-4140. Do not forget to carry a map as marking at some places are easy to miss. The Appalachian Trail is clearly marked with signs and blue blazes. From here, the trail widens and follows along the northern shore of Lake Windwing to finish the loop. 1. It would be better for you to use this trail from March to October when the weather is mostly clear. 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