We’ve got so many beautiful outdoor spots in Connecticut. We may be a small state, but we’ve got as many state parks and state forests as some states that are much larger. We’ve planned out a two day outdoors road trip in Connecticut that will take you to some of the best spots for hiking, camping, and sight-seeing. Check it out:
The entire trip will require about 2.5 hours of driving time and you’ll definitely want to take multiple days to explore all these great spots. Don’t fret, though - we’ve got places for you to sleep built into the itinerary.
Google Maps
- Mount Riga State Park: Salisbury, CT 06068
Christopher John/Alltrails You’ll start this outdoors road trip in Connecticut off with a visit to an underrated park in the northwest corner of the state. Mount Riga State Park is undeveloped, so it doesn’t have some of the amenities you’ll find at other parks, but one thing you will find here is great hiking. The Bear Mountain Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Connecticut. If you visit in spring or early summer, the trail will be covered in colorful wildflowers, but honestly, it’s gorgeous all year. Mount Riga State Park, Undermountain Trailhead Parking Area, Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
- Mohawk Mountain: Cornwall, CT 06759
Matt Bradshaw/Alltrails The Mohawk Mountain area is famous for winter skiing, but it also just so happens to be home to one of the best overlooks in the state. The out-and-back hike there is nearly six miles, but trust us, it’s definitely worth the effort. The peaceful solitude at the peak is absolute bliss. Mohawk Mountain, Cornwall, CT 06759, USA
- Winvian: 155 Alain White Rd, Morris, CT 06763
Winvian Farm Your next stop on the road trip may be a bit controversial to outdoor enthusiasts since it’s more glamping than camping, but we absolutely love Winvian Farm. This amazing glampground features themed cottages and over 100 acres of land to explore. It’s one of the best spots for luxury camping in Connecticut and will give you a restful night’s sleep before hitting the road again. Winvian, 155 Alain White Rd, Morris, CT 06763, USA
- Sleeping Giant State Park: Hamden, CT 06518
Marcy Coach/Alltrails Your first stop on the next morning is both scenic and easy. The Sleeping Giant Tower Trail is 3.2 miles round trip and will take you to the top of Mount Carmel. The four-story observation tower will let you see for miles! Mount Carmel, Mt Carmel, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
- Wadsworth Falls State Park: Middlefield, CT 06481
Sayem Fazal/Alltrails Wadsworth Falls State Park is a great park with several wonderful trails. The 3.6-mile Wadsworth Falls Trail is fairly easy and will take you to two waterfalls. This is one of the best waterfall hikes in Connecticut. The larger of the two falls is a stunning 52 feet wide! Wadsworth Falls, Middlefield, CT 06481, USA
- Hammonasset Beach State Park: Madison, CT 06443
Chris Amelung/Flickr You’ll end your trip right on the shoreline. Hamonasset Beach in Madison has the longest shore in Connecticut, at just over two miles. Play in the surf all day and then head to the grassy campground for the night. It’s the perfect spot to rest and recharge before your morning drive home. Hammonasset Beach, Madison, CT 06443, USA
How many of the spots on this great outdoors road trip in Connecticut have you visited? Are there any you recommend to add to the trip? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Google Maps
Christopher John/Alltrails
You’ll start this outdoors road trip in Connecticut off with a visit to an underrated park in the northwest corner of the state. Mount Riga State Park is undeveloped, so it doesn’t have some of the amenities you’ll find at other parks, but one thing you will find here is great hiking. The Bear Mountain Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Connecticut. If you visit in spring or early summer, the trail will be covered in colorful wildflowers, but honestly, it’s gorgeous all year.
Mount Riga State Park, Undermountain Trailhead Parking Area, Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
Matt Bradshaw/Alltrails
The Mohawk Mountain area is famous for winter skiing, but it also just so happens to be home to one of the best overlooks in the state. The out-and-back hike there is nearly six miles, but trust us, it’s definitely worth the effort. The peaceful solitude at the peak is absolute bliss.
Mohawk Mountain, Cornwall, CT 06759, USA
Winvian Farm
Your next stop on the road trip may be a bit controversial to outdoor enthusiasts since it’s more glamping than camping, but we absolutely love Winvian Farm. This amazing glampground features themed cottages and over 100 acres of land to explore. It’s one of the best spots for luxury camping in Connecticut and will give you a restful night’s sleep before hitting the road again.
Winvian, 155 Alain White Rd, Morris, CT 06763, USA
Marcy Coach/Alltrails
Your first stop on the next morning is both scenic and easy. The Sleeping Giant Tower Trail is 3.2 miles round trip and will take you to the top of Mount Carmel. The four-story observation tower will let you see for miles!
Mount Carmel, Mt Carmel, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
Sayem Fazal/Alltrails
Wadsworth Falls State Park is a great park with several wonderful trails. The 3.6-mile Wadsworth Falls Trail is fairly easy and will take you to two waterfalls. This is one of the best waterfall hikes in Connecticut. The larger of the two falls is a stunning 52 feet wide!
Wadsworth Falls, Middlefield, CT 06481, USA
Chris Amelung/Flickr
You’ll end your trip right on the shoreline. Hamonasset Beach in Madison has the longest shore in Connecticut, at just over two miles. Play in the surf all day and then head to the grassy campground for the night. It’s the perfect spot to rest and recharge before your morning drive home.
Hammonasset Beach, Madison, CT 06443, USA
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