A new year is a perfect time to start on improving yourself. Do you want to lose weight or get in better shape? Or are you just trying to get out and do all there is to do in Connecticut? One great way to do all of the above is by exploring some of the fantastic scenic trails in Connecticut. Here are a few of our very favorite spots for hiking. Looking for a challenge? Try exploring one a month!
- Bear Mountain Trail at Mount Riga State Park: Undermountain Trailhead Parking Area, Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068
DH Callahan/Alltrails This 6.8-mile loop trail will take you through some of the prettiest scenery in Mount Riga State Park. Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut and provides some really incredible views! If you hike it during the spring, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of colorful wildflowers. The area can get rocky and a bit slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear. Find out more about this delightful Connecticut hiking trail by reading our previous article. Mount Riga, Mt Riga, Salisbury, CT 06039, USA
- Wadsworth Falls Trail at Wadsworth Falls State Park: 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457
Novlette Paige/Alltrails Easy trails don’t have to be boring. For a great example, check out this 3.6-mile loop trail near Middletown. There’s not much elevation gain, and it’s a fairly easy path with decent traction throughout. It provides lovely views of the falls! (There are two waterfalls and a river.) Get a peek at the scenic beauty that awaits on this waterfall trail in Connecticut. Wadsworth Falls State Park, 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
- Tower Trail at Sleeping Giant State Park: 200 Mount Carmel Ave. Hamden, CT 06518
John Jackson/Alltrails This 3.1-mile out-and-back trail is one of the most popular hikes in Connecticut. It can get a little crowded at times, but the view from the four-story observation tower is more than worth any hassle. If you stick to the path, most of the trail is paved in gravel. Once you’ve finished the hike, consider exploring more of this popular Connecticut state park. Mount Carmel, Mt Carmel, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
- Roxbury Mines at Mine Hill Preserve: Roxbury, CT
Cynthia Geremia/Alltrails If you love abandoned places in Connecticut, you won’t want to miss the Roxbury Mines Trail. The 3.6-mile trek is the blue trail at the Roxbury Land Trust, and it’s fairly easy in most spots. You’ll get to see remnants of the mine that once stood in this spot, and there are plenty of informational placards to provide more history. Mine Hill Preserve, Roxbury, CT 06783, USA
- Mianus Maze Trail at Mianus River Park: Merriebrook Ln, Stamford, CT 06902
Michael Moore/Alltrails This aptly-named trail weaves all about and is popular with mountain bikers. The loop is around five or six miles, depending on what route you take. It’s a peaceful and shaded loop that’s got a great mix of terrain. Mianus River Trail, Stamford, CT, USA
- Yellow Loop at Steep Rock Preserve: 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794
Levi Haag/Alltrails Steep Rock Preserve is one of the prettiest places in Connecticut. The yellow loop is a 3.7-mile trek that’s a great option for those looking to see some of the most scenic areas of the park. You’ll have great views of the Shepaug River. After you’ve hiked this pretty path, consider following other trails that lead to an abandoned train tunnel in Connecticut. Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
- Bee Brook Loop at Hidden Valley Preserve: 198 Bee Brook Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794
Celeste Echlin/Alltrails The easy 2.1-mile Bee Brook Loop is a fantastic choice if you’re hiking with kids or dogs. There are some ups and downs in the elevation, but overall it’s a fairly simple trail that’s good for novice hikers. The views of the river are gorgeous, and you’ll cross a suspension bridge. Don’t forget your camera for your trek along one of the best hikes in Connecticut. Hidden Valley Preserve, 198 Bee Brook Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
- Salmon River Trail Loop at Day Pond State Park: Day Pond Road, Colchester, CT 06415
Kylie Beth/Alltrails At 6.5 miles, this one’s a little more of a hike than many of the shorter trails on our list, but we promise it’s worth it! The Salmon River Trail Loop is a great mix of woods and water views. Bring a sack lunch and have a picnic by the river. Read more about this underrated trail in Connecticut in our previous article. Day Pond State Park, Day Pond Road, Colchester, CT 06415, USA
- Tobys Rock Mountain Outer Loop at Naugatuck State Forest: 297 Hunters Mountain Rd, Naugatuck, CT 06770
Alex Weber/Alltrails This 2.6-mile loop follows a stream and features several gorgeous overlooks and waterfalls. The water flow varies throughout the year depending on the weather, so the beauty of the falls may vary. However, the babbling stream is stunning at any time of year and provides a glorious soundtrack to your hike. Discover why this stunning trail is considered one of the best hikes in Connecticut. Naugatuck State Forest, Bethany, CT 06524, USA
- Ross’s Cliff Trail Loop at Old Furnace State Park: Danielson, CT 06239
Dave Sparozic/Alltrails Here’s a 2.8-mile loop trail that will take you all around Old Furnace State Park. You’ll get to go around a pond and also get some stellar views from Half Hill. The cliffs and outlooks here are lovely! Plan your visit to this historic state park in Connecticut by reading our previous article. Old Furnace State Park, Danielson, CT 06239, USA
- Red and Yellow Loop Trail at Kent Falls State Park: 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757
Daphne Walsh/Alltrails We get it; sometimes the longer hikes can be a drag when you’re already tired. This .7-mile hike is a good option if you are feeling worn out. There are some roots and muddy areas, so as always, wear appropriate footwear! Plan your journey along this waterfall trail in Connecticut by checking out our previous article. Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
- Beaver Pond Trail at Session Woods Wildlife Management Area: 341 Milford St, Burlington, CT 06013
Nicholas Isaac/Alltrails This 2.6-mile loop trail is another good choice for novice hikers. The nature center has lots of information about native Connecticut wildlife species. It’s a really good hike for kids, and there are plenty of side trails if you want to make it a little more challenging. Learn more about this Connecticut hiking trail by reading our previous article. Sessions Woods Wildlife Management, 341 Milford St, Burlington, CT 06013, USA
Did we miss your favorite trail in Connecticut? What do you think are the most scenic trails in Connecticut? Share more suggestions in the comments!
A new year is a perfect time to start on improving yourself. Do you want to lose weight or get in better shape? Or are you just trying to get out and do all there is to do in Connecticut? One great way to do all of the above is by exploring some of the fantastic scenic trails in Connecticut. Here are a few of our very favorite spots for hiking. Looking for a challenge? Try exploring one a month!
A new year is a perfect time to start on improving yourself. Do you want to lose weight or get in better shape? Or are you just trying to get out and do all there is to do in Connecticut? One great way to do all of the above is by exploring some of the fantastic scenic trails in Connecticut. Here are a few of our very favorite spots for hiking. Looking for a challenge? Try exploring one a month!
DH Callahan/Alltrails
This 6.8-mile loop trail will take you through some of the prettiest scenery in Mount Riga State Park. Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut and provides some really incredible views! If you hike it during the spring, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of colorful wildflowers. The area can get rocky and a bit slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear. Find out more about this delightful Connecticut hiking trail by reading our previous article.
Mount Riga, Mt Riga, Salisbury, CT 06039, USA
Novlette Paige/Alltrails
Easy trails don’t have to be boring. For a great example, check out this 3.6-mile loop trail near Middletown. There’s not much elevation gain, and it’s a fairly easy path with decent traction throughout. It provides lovely views of the falls! (There are two waterfalls and a river.) Get a peek at the scenic beauty that awaits on this waterfall trail in Connecticut.
Wadsworth Falls State Park, 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
John Jackson/Alltrails
This 3.1-mile out-and-back trail is one of the most popular hikes in Connecticut. It can get a little crowded at times, but the view from the four-story observation tower is more than worth any hassle. If you stick to the path, most of the trail is paved in gravel. Once you’ve finished the hike, consider exploring more of this popular Connecticut state park.
Mount Carmel, Mt Carmel, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
Cynthia Geremia/Alltrails
If you love abandoned places in Connecticut, you won’t want to miss the Roxbury Mines Trail. The 3.6-mile trek is the blue trail at the Roxbury Land Trust, and it’s fairly easy in most spots. You’ll get to see remnants of the mine that once stood in this spot, and there are plenty of informational placards to provide more history.
Mine Hill Preserve, Roxbury, CT 06783, USA
Michael Moore/Alltrails
This aptly-named trail weaves all about and is popular with mountain bikers. The loop is around five or six miles, depending on what route you take. It’s a peaceful and shaded loop that’s got a great mix of terrain.
Mianus River Trail, Stamford, CT, USA
Levi Haag/Alltrails
Steep Rock Preserve is one of the prettiest places in Connecticut. The yellow loop is a 3.7-mile trek that’s a great option for those looking to see some of the most scenic areas of the park. You’ll have great views of the Shepaug River. After you’ve hiked this pretty path, consider following other trails that lead to an abandoned train tunnel in Connecticut.
Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
Celeste Echlin/Alltrails
The easy 2.1-mile Bee Brook Loop is a fantastic choice if you’re hiking with kids or dogs. There are some ups and downs in the elevation, but overall it’s a fairly simple trail that’s good for novice hikers. The views of the river are gorgeous, and you’ll cross a suspension bridge. Don’t forget your camera for your trek along one of the best hikes in Connecticut.
Hidden Valley Preserve, 198 Bee Brook Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
Kylie Beth/Alltrails
At 6.5 miles, this one’s a little more of a hike than many of the shorter trails on our list, but we promise it’s worth it! The Salmon River Trail Loop is a great mix of woods and water views. Bring a sack lunch and have a picnic by the river. Read more about this underrated trail in Connecticut in our previous article.
Day Pond State Park, Day Pond Road, Colchester, CT 06415, USA
Alex Weber/Alltrails
This 2.6-mile loop follows a stream and features several gorgeous overlooks and waterfalls. The water flow varies throughout the year depending on the weather, so the beauty of the falls may vary. However, the babbling stream is stunning at any time of year and provides a glorious soundtrack to your hike. Discover why this stunning trail is considered one of the best hikes in Connecticut.
Naugatuck State Forest, Bethany, CT 06524, USA
Dave Sparozic/Alltrails
Here’s a 2.8-mile loop trail that will take you all around Old Furnace State Park. You’ll get to go around a pond and also get some stellar views from Half Hill. The cliffs and outlooks here are lovely! Plan your visit to this historic state park in Connecticut by reading our previous article.
Old Furnace State Park, Danielson, CT 06239, USA
Daphne Walsh/Alltrails
We get it; sometimes the longer hikes can be a drag when you’re already tired. This .7-mile hike is a good option if you are feeling worn out. There are some roots and muddy areas, so as always, wear appropriate footwear! Plan your journey along this waterfall trail in Connecticut by checking out our previous article.
Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
Nicholas Isaac/Alltrails
This 2.6-mile loop trail is another good choice for novice hikers. The nature center has lots of information about native Connecticut wildlife species. It’s a really good hike for kids, and there are plenty of side trails if you want to make it a little more challenging. Learn more about this Connecticut hiking trail by reading our previous article.
Sessions Woods Wildlife Management, 341 Milford St, Burlington, CT 06013, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails In Connecticut December 16, 2022 Beth Price-Williams What are the best easy hiking trails in Connecticut? Sometimes we want a laidback day among nature, or maybe we’re new to hiking. Fortunately, there are quite a few easy hiking trails in Connecticut, including:
The Giant Steps Trail in New Haven takes about 20 minutes and boasts stellar views of the third-largest city in Connecticut. Pass a brook and the remains on an old bridge on the 2.8-mile Hancock Brook Trail in Waterbury. Stroll along a boardwalk on the 1.2-mile Little Pond Trail at White Memorial Conservation Center. It’s the perfect kid-friendly hike in Connecticut. Clocking in at just over five miles, the Devil’s Den Trail in Weston is pretty in all seasons. The Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail in South Meriden, which tallies a mile, offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River.
Are there any winter hikes in Connecticut? Winter hiking in Connecticut promises spellbinding views, especially after a recent snowfall. Here are just a few of the best winter hikes in Connecticut:
Any trail at the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield Northern Loop Trail at Steep Rock Preserve in Washington Paugussett Trail in Newtown Bluff Point Trail in Groton Red Trail at Devil’s Hopyard in East Haddam
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails In Connecticut
December 16, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best easy hiking trails in Connecticut? Sometimes we want a laidback day among nature, or maybe we’re new to hiking. Fortunately, there are quite a few easy hiking trails in Connecticut, including:
The Giant Steps Trail in New Haven takes about 20 minutes and boasts stellar views of the third-largest city in Connecticut. Pass a brook and the remains on an old bridge on the 2.8-mile Hancock Brook Trail in Waterbury. Stroll along a boardwalk on the 1.2-mile Little Pond Trail at White Memorial Conservation Center. It’s the perfect kid-friendly hike in Connecticut. Clocking in at just over five miles, the Devil’s Den Trail in Weston is pretty in all seasons. The Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail in South Meriden, which tallies a mile, offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River.
Are there any winter hikes in Connecticut? Winter hiking in Connecticut promises spellbinding views, especially after a recent snowfall. Here are just a few of the best winter hikes in Connecticut:
Any trail at the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield Northern Loop Trail at Steep Rock Preserve in Washington Paugussett Trail in Newtown Bluff Point Trail in Groton Red Trail at Devil’s Hopyard in East Haddam
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Sometimes we want a laidback day among nature, or maybe we’re new to hiking. Fortunately, there are quite a few easy hiking trails in Connecticut, including:
- The Giant Steps Trail in New Haven takes about 20 minutes and boasts stellar views of the third-largest city in Connecticut.
- Pass a brook and the remains on an old bridge on the 2.8-mile Hancock Brook Trail in Waterbury.
- Stroll along a boardwalk on the 1.2-mile Little Pond Trail at White Memorial Conservation Center. It’s the perfect kid-friendly hike in Connecticut.
- Clocking in at just over five miles, the Devil’s Den Trail in Weston is pretty in all seasons.
- The Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail in South Meriden, which tallies a mile, offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River.
Are there any winter hikes in Connecticut?
Winter hiking in Connecticut promises spellbinding views, especially after a recent snowfall. Here are just a few of the best winter hikes in Connecticut:
- Any trail at the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield
- Northern Loop Trail at Steep Rock Preserve in Washington
- Paugussett Trail in Newtown
- Bluff Point Trail in Groton
- Red Trail at Devil’s Hopyard in East Haddam
