90% Upvoted. The eastern portion of the loop has some hills but nothing as long or steep as what you’ve already tackled. Sort: Recommended. Godfrey Pond is a picturesque spot, and you may find yourself lingering in the area to take in the scenery. 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. As you continue your loop around the pond, keep an eye open for the remains of an old sawmill and other stone structures. You will cross a red plank bridge and eventually connect to the Red Trail briefly before finishing your hike on the Inner Paved Loop around the shores of Spaulding Pond. 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. : Canaan, CT, near Great Falls Reservoir, 45 miles northwest of Hartford and 41 miles northeast of Poughkeepsie, NY, : A hike to one of the beautiful vistas along the Appalachian Trail, If you are looking for an excursion along the, , this out-and-back hike provides a challenging route to a splendid view. Hartford County 18 … At just over one mile in length, this flat loop is an ideal outing for families or beginner hikers. Search. The Best 10 Hiking in Hartford, CT. 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. 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. Rand’s View (Photo Credit: HP Contributor Lou Poulas). Zoom in to see updated info. It is one of the best places to hike in Connecticut as it covers everything from the rocky patches and through the forested land. 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 … While the Mattabesett Trail itself is 50 miles long, this hike up Mount Higby is less than 10 miles out and back. and rustic cabins. As the trail climbs to Mount Prospect, be aware that there are a few rocky ledges that can be slippery when wet or when covered by leaves or ice. Hiking in Connecticut July 26, 2020 by rcmcwill. Accurately marked and dog-friendly, no doubt this trail in Salisbury makes for one of the best hikes in Connecticut. This trail has a rugged and challenging western portion and a more mellow eastern half. As such, it offers an oasis from the bustle of some of the other suburban parks and preserves in the area. 2. Do not forget to carry a map as marking at some places are easy to miss. For those continuing on, the Macedonia Ridge Trail heads north, climbing several other peaks and offering more open views interspersed with strenuous climbs. Your filters are still active. It's huge, so take a picture of the map...I've gotten lost here before and it was scary cuz it was sunset! Location: Copake Falls, NY. You can relax on the lake shores or you can explore the woods where you may catch a sight of deer. If you're looking for great Connecticut state park trails, check out Mount Riga State Park. The loop starts on the Regicides Trail (Blue Trail), where you’ll encounter some of the more challenging terrain in the park. best. As you reach the westernmost portion of the loop, there is one final steep hill before an easy hike back to the trailhead. 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. Fairfield County. 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. 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. Near the 7.5-mile mark, the Red Trail turns west and climbs very steeply. If you're looking for the best trails around Hamden, Manchester or Guilford, we've got you covered. The trail can be a bit faint in spots, so keep an eye open for orange blazes to help you find your way. With only some challenging parts and mostly easy terrain, this loop trail is popular amongst hikers. West Hartford Reservoir #6. . The Zoar Trail forms the outer loop of the trail system, and there are other connecting trails throughout. The Connecticut hiking trails climb steeply and cross the ridgeline with some rock scrambling thrown in for fun. 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. The western side of the loop heads north from the trailhead, climbing steadily and steeply toward Cobble Mountain. 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. Here are a couple of our favorite spots that are within a short drive from the city. They also serve as blissful and relaxing getaway from the stressors of daily life. The Macedonia Brook Campground offers reservable campsites and rustic cabins. The remnants of the bridge are an ideal spot for a snack or lunch break. You can climb around the smooth rocks and tight crevices of this small cave, which is marked by a historic plaque. In the warmer months, the lake is popular for boating, kayaking, fishing, tubing and waterskiing. 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. Satellite. Continue south on the Red Trail along the eastern shore of Lake Wintergreen. This trail has a rugged and challenging western portion and a more mellow eastern half. Connecticut today is crisscrossed by hundreds of miles of hiking trails. The hike starts in Mount Riga State Park from a large dirt parking lot at the eastern edge of the park. 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. 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. So this was a hike I wanted to finish by noon at the latest. You will cross a red plank bridge and eventually connect to the, briefly before finishing your hike on the. 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? Starting from the Lake Windwing parking area, hike past the iron gate on to the, which starts as a wide path. 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. Elevation gain - from 260 feet to 2316 feet. save. From up there, visitors will see a stunning view of the surrounding Farmington River Valley and surrounding CT. The pond has several conveniently located benches where you can rest your legs and soak up the scenery before heading home. 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. Shoreline Trail (Photo Credit: HP Contributor Carol H). 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. You have options. When it comes to exploring the traprock mountain in Sleeping Giant, this trail takes you through its taxing terrain. share. A large parking area can be found at the southeastern corner of the loop at the end of Great Quarter Road. Reset zoom. The recreation area provides a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking or playing a round of disc golf. 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. The hike to Castle Craig and East Peak starts from the trailhead for the, near Mirror Lake. The West Thompson Lake Campground offers 24 sites to choose from if you would like to extend your stay. When it comes to places to go hiking in Connecticut, this trail in the town of Berlin can rank on the top. From here, head south along the Shoreline Trail. 12. Share Your Local Tips! Air Line State Park Trail, Multi-Town Algonquin State Forest, Colebrook American Legion State Forest, Barkhamsted Bennett's Pond State Park, Ridgefield Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union Black Rock State Park, Watertown Bluff Point State Park, Groton Bolton Notch State Park, Bolton … 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. You can hike the loop in either direction; hiking it clockwise will allow you to tackle the tough terrain first. This is the most popular section of the loop, so you may encounter more foot traffic. 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. : Salisbury, CT, in Mount Riga State Park, 51 miles northwest of Hartford, : Summiting the highest peak in Connecticut, 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. There are hilly paths” more. But hills stretch from the uplands of Connecticut all the way to the coast. The 1,756-acre preserve is the largest continuous preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy in the state of Connecticut. Hiking is one of the best forms of exercise, and its great because it doesn't even feel like exercise. Remember that the best time to explore Sleeping Giant is usually from March to October. If you aren’t up for the full loop, an out-and-back to Cobble Mountain is an equally good option. The loop concludes on a short section of the. Pack a snack or lunch for a picnic at the viewpoint before retracing your steps to the trailhead. 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 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. The lake is most scenic in the summer and fall when the trees reflect in the still water of the lake. 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. You can unsubscribe from REI Co-op emails at any time. Hemlock Hills is a lovely trail system on a small tract of open space maintained by the town of Ridgefield. Rattlesnake Mountain. 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. , which loops around the Quinebaug River. 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. It would be better for you to use this trail from March to October when the weather is mostly clear. When the leaves are off the trees, you can catch a glimpse of the stone tower along the climb. Map. Connecticut Hiking. Follow the. 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. The flat trails offer a pleasant way to explore the park on foot. Bash Bish Falls. Paper maps are usually available at the trailhead, and it is recommended that you take one on your hike. After all, it’s a pastime that can be experienced practically any time of… For the most part, the ascent is steady with a few steeper sections and rocky portions where you will have to watch your footing. The park also has a 51-site campground in a more rustic setting for visitors looking for a long weekend. It perfectly blends the land filled with bare rocks with mountains and hills that are densely forested. Sunday was forecast to be the hottest day of the summer so far, temperatures heading into the 90s by afternoon. 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. 2. From here, you begin the climb up to East Peak. Hiking in Connecticut consists of many individual and networked trails that include over 800 miles of Blue-Blazed Trails maintained and operated by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. Dogs Allowed. is one of the highlights of the park. 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. The pond has several conveniently located benches where you can rest your legs and soak up the scenery before heading home. The Appalachian Trail is clearly marked with signs and blue blazes. 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. I had … You’ll know you have reached the summit when you come to a large, flat-topped rock pyramid that marks the peak. It has some steep inclines as well as flat areas making it a family-friendly trail in Connecticut. 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. level 1. 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. Despite its small size, Connecticut offers both local and visiting hikers a variety of trail systems to explore. The hike to Castle Craig and East Peak starts from the trailhead for the White Trail near Mirror Lake. 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. Case Mountain. Swampy brook beneath Mohawk Mountain. It will take you to the bare rocky terrain as well as around the woods of Housatonic River valley and southern Taconic mountains. 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. The pullout is not very large so you will want to arrive early during the busy summer months. : 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. This is not a mountain, it is more like a small hill.” more. Continuing on the Regicides Trail, you will eventually turn on to the Purple Trail, a wooded connector leading to the wide and well-kept Red Trail. This section of the loop winds through the wooded western edge of Paugussett State Forest. This forested trail crosses a wooden footbridge over a small creek and passes some rock formations on the left. : Kent, CT, in Macedonia Brook State Park, 30 miles north of Danbury and 32 miles east of Poughkeepsie, NY, : A tough hike to rewarding views from Cobble Mountain, offers a trail system with a combination of rugged and technical terrain and easier, mellow hiking for those not looking for a summit adventure. Click here to read our full article. Hemlock Hills (Photo Credit: HP Contributor Tom Robson). Start Date. 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. The loop around Godfrey Pond is one of the easier and more accessible hikes in the preserve. You can see all around and spot the Housatonic River in the distance that sits on the … 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. At the end of the Shoreline Trail, continue on the. 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 Appalachian Trail is clearly marked with signs and blue blazes. This challenging trail is only for the experienced hikers who are physically fit. We recently climbed Bear Mountain as part of an overnight backpacking trip but it can also easily be summited on a day hike from the CT Route 41 trailhead. If you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid to test some of the shorter ones out, and if you’re a seasoned professional then it’s … After savoring the view, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead. There are no pins in your … Pack a post-hike picnic lunch to enjoy at the nearby pavilion. Hop on and hike any section you'd like. 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! This loop hike offers an introduction to the rocky and wooded trails that can be found in the area. From the trailhead, the loop starts on the, , a wooded trail that winds east and north toward Godfrey Pond. It is open year-round and offers seasonal activities as well. Check your inbox for more perks. You know when you are at the highest level of the Bear Mountain hike as you end up on a large flat rock. The Mattabesett trail itself is 50 miles through Connecticut below, or a Red plank bridge eventually. And soak up the side of the hike on the Blue trail heading south do not have time. Of trails long Island Sound on the Green trail along an earthen dam before home. 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