18 Best Hikes In Connecticut: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2024
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
How does spending time in the great outdoors and taking a trek along one of the best hiking trails in Connecticut sound to you? Whether you’re down for a strenuous hike that takes hours to complete or a short and sweet trail, here are some of the best hikes in Connecticut. These are the top-rated trails to visit in 2023. Ready to hit the trails?
Best Hikes in Connecticut
The word “best” is such a relative term. However, the following are some of the best places to hike in Connecticut. Check them out and see if you agree!
1. Sleeping Giant Tower Trail
Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
- Location: Hamden
- Mileage 3.1-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Trail is open year-round. Leashed dogs are allowed. Sleeping Giant State Park charges an entry fee for cars with out-of-state plates between April 1 and October 31. Fees range from $6-$15 depending on what day of the week and arrival time.
A great beginner's hike that also happens to be incredibly scenic, the Sleeping Giant Tower Trail at Sleeping Giant State Park leads to the summit of Mount Carmel. From the summit, you will encounter a four-story fairytale-like observation tower made of stone.
2. Ragged Mountain Blue and Red Blazed Loop
Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve, Ragged Mountain Rd, Berlin, CT 06037, USA
- Location: Berlin
- Mileage 5.6-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This hike at Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve will take nearly 2.5 hours to complete. Feel free to bring your dog but it must remain on a leash. The trail is a bit rocky so wear appropriate footwear.
From the Blue and Red Blazed Loop at Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve, you'll have gorgeous views of Wassel Reservoir. Along the way, you'll encounter rock formations, a cliff, vernal pools, and a waterfall. As this isn't a busy trail, you may have it to yourself! It's perfect if you're looking for a bit of solitude.
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3. Bear Mountain Trail
Mount Riga State Park, Undermountain Trailhead Parking Area, Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
- Location: Taconic
- Mileage 6.1-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Located in Mount Riga State Park, this trail has an elevation gain of 1,683 feet and will take over 3.5 hours to complete. The trail is steep and rocky in some sections. March through November are the best months to hike this popular trail. Dogs are allowed off-leash in some areas.
If you're looking for views from the top, the Bear Mountain Trail is for you! Bear Mountain happens to. be the highest peak in Connecticut. And while the trek to the top can be strenuous, it's absolutely worth it for the views.
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Best Short & Easy Hikes in Connecticut
Not all hiking in Connecticut is hard. In fact, there are some pretty amazing trails that are short and easy, ones that most people from children to the elderly can do. Check out some of the best short and easy hikes in Connecticut.
4. Southford Falls Red Trail
175 Quaker Farms Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, USA
- Location: Southbury
- Mileage 1.7-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Located at Southford Falls State Park, this easy trail is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly. It's best to visit between April and October. The trail can be muddy at times and also rocky so plan accordingly.
A hike along the Southford Falls Red Trail is perfectly family-friendly. Between the flora and fauna, the waterfall, the river, and the lake, it's both scenic and fun.
5. Bee Brook Loop
198 Bee Brook Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
- Location: Washington Depot
- Mileage 2.1-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This easy trail will take less than an hour to complete and there's an elevation gain of 275 feet. The best months to visit are May through November and it's open from sunrise until sunset. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
Bee Brook Loop is an easy trail located in Hidden Valley Preserve that leads hikers to the Shepaug River. There are also picturesque bridges to cross on this scenic trail.
6. Lake Wintergreen Trail
1134 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, USA
- Location: Hamden
- Mileage 1.5-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This popular trail takes about a half hour to complete. The best time to visit this trail is between May and October. Leashed dogs are allowed.
West Rock Ridge State Park is a bit of a hidden gem. This Connecticut state park is home to a large imposing ridge that ranges between 400-700 feet. Take the Lake Wintergreen Trail for a quick walk with views.
Hardest Hikes in Connecticut
If you’re the type who’s up for a challenge and physically able to take on a strenuous hike, then you must check out a few of the hardest hikes in Connecticut. Just make sure you are prepared. Take a backpack with plenty of water, snacks, a first aid kit, and anything else you think you may need.
7. Appalachian Trail: Salisbury to Jug End Road
Mount Riga State Park, Undermountain Trailhead Parking Area, Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
- Location: Salisbury
- Mileage 16.1-mile point-to-point trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: This challenging Mount Riga State Park trail will take nearly 9 hours to complete and there's an elevation gain of 4,038 feet. The best months to visit this trail are April through September. Leashed dogs are allowed. This point-to-point part of the Appalachian Trail starts in Salisbury and ends over the Massachusetts border. There are shelters and campsites along the way.
This difficult hike starts at Mount Riga State Park and eventually crosses over the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line. Along the way, you'll cross over the following summits: Lion's Head, Bear Mountain, Mount Race, Mount Everett, Mount Bushnell, and Jug End.
8. Appalachian Trail: Falls Village to West Cornwall Road
- Location: Cornwall
- Mileage 18.3-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: The best times to hike this trail are between March and October. While some are able to do this hike in a day, it's best to break it up over the course of two or more days and camp along the way. The elevation gain is 3,389 feet. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Located in Cornwall, Connecticut, this epic hike along the Appalachian Trail will require plenty of preparation if you intend to complete it. Be certain to bring enough supplies with you. While difficult, this trail is also rewarding with plenty of views along the way.
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9. Bear Mountain and Mount Frissell Trail
Mount Riga State Park, Undermountain Trailhead Parking Area, Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
- Location: Salisbury
- Mileage 10.5-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Set aside at least 6.5 hours to complete the entire hike. It's a popular trail for hikers and backpackers. The last half-mile of the trail is the most challenging. This trail has an elevation gain of 3,300 feet.
Mount Riga State Park is home to epic outdoor adventures, including the lengthy hike along Mount Frissell Trail. Enjoy views of Bear Mountain as you make the trek.
Best Waterfront Hikes in Connecticut
As a coastal state that also happens to have plenty of lakes, ponds, and rivers, you better believe there are some great hiking trails along the water. Here are some of the best waterfront hikes in Connecticut:
10. Ragged Mountain Blue and Red Blazed Loop
Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve, Ragged Mountain Rd, Berlin, CT 06037, USA
- Location: Berlin
- Mileage 5.6-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This waterfront trail is located at Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve and takes 2.5 hours to complete. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Take the Blue and Red Blazed Trail Loop at Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve for views of the Wassel Reservoir. This trail is beautiful any time of year and will also take you past vernal pools, rock formations, and waterfalls.
11. Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve Trail
Bluff Point State Park, 55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA
- Location: Groton
- Mileage 3.6-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This popular trail is best used between April and October. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. This loop trail is mostly flat with an elevation gain of only 154 feet and takes just over an hour to complete. There is a trail fee of $10 for non-residents during the week and $15 for non-residents during the weekend at Bluff Point State Park.
Once you hike the Coastal Reserve Trail at Bluff Point State Park you'll believe it's one of the best Connecticut hiking trails. With vistas of Long Island Sound, you'll want to come back to this trail again and again!
12. Mirror Lake, Castle Craig, Merimere Reservoir Loop
- Location: Meriden
- Mileage 4.4-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This trail at Hubbard Park will take just over two hours to complete and is best to use between April and October, Dogs are allowed on leash. Parking is found at Mirror Lake off Mirror Lake Drive. The trailhead is found on the south side of Route 691.
Take this hike around Hubbard Park that meanders around Castle Craig, along Peak Drive, and eventually to Merimere Reservoir. While challenging, this trail is absolutely worth the effort!
Best Winter Hikes in Connecticut
Hiking isn’t just for the spring, summer, and fall seasons. It can be done year-round including the winter! If you love quiet and solitude, winter is the perfect time of year to hit the trails. Just make sure you’re wearing the proper footwear, a coat, gloves, etc. Here are some of the best winter hikes in Connecticut:
13. Banningwood Red Loop
06371, Old Lyme, CT 06371, USA
19 Town St, Lyme, CT 06371, USA
- Location: Old Lyme
- Mileage 1.3-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Located in Banningwood Preserve, this easy trail will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The trailhead is located at the parking area.
Take a stroll through Banningwood Preserve's woods to Roaring Brook then onto Diana's Field. It's a nice, quiet trail to hike during the winter.
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14. Coan and Myerhuber Pond via Crooked Hill, Dead Hill, and Lone Pine
4851 Durham Rd, Guilford, CT 06437, USA
- Location: Durham
- Mileage 7.2-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Set aside at least 3 hours for this hike through Braemore Preserve. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash.
You may have this trail at Braemore Preserve all to yourself during the winter months. How's that for a bit of solitude? This 95-acre preserve has a deciduous forest as well as wetlands, a swamp, and a meadow.
15. Brooksvale Red, Blue, and Green Trail Loop
524 Brooksvale Ave, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
- Location: Hamden
- Mileage 3.1-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This easy trail at Brooksvale Recreation Park takes just over an hour to complete.
Brooksvale Recreation Park is a 500-acre park run by the Hamden Parks and Recreation Department. Once farmland, you'll see remnants of the former farm. There's a historic barn with farm animals, a nature center, two ponds, hiking trails, and so much more!
Best Hikes near Hartford
The capital city of Connecticut also has its fair share of hiking areas. So, escape the city and hit the trails! Here are some of the best hiking trails near Hartford.
16. Bushnell Park Loop
- Location: Hartford
- Mileage 1.6-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This loop trail in Bushnell Park is kid-friendly and partially paved. It's popular for both walking and running.
Bushnell Park is a stunning urban park perfect for getting outdoors. Bring the kids, brings the dogs, bring a picnic, and enjoy spending some time at the park!
17. Riverside Park Riverview Trail
20 Leibert Rd, Hartford, CT 06120, USA
- Location: Hartford
- Mileage 5.4-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This scenic trail runs alongside the Connecticut River and is popular for hiking and running. It's also a great trail for dogs -- just make sure they are on leash. The park is open from sunrise until sunset and portions of the trails are paved.
Riverside Park parallels the Connecticut River up until the railroad bridge. It then loops back into the woods. This beautiful trail has plenty of stops along the way including a boathouse, picnic areas, and places to sit by the river to take in the views.
18. Colt Park Trail
Coltsville Historic District, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
- Location: Hartford
- Mileage 1-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This paved city walk is wheelchair and stroller friendly. It's popular for hiking, biking, and running and is located within the Coltsville Historic District at Colt Park.
Located within the Coltsville Historic District, the 114-acre Colt Park is a wonderful urban park to spend a couple of hours. Take a hike on its paved trail, check out the pool and the splash pad on a hot day, and check out the historic buildings surrounding the park.
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More to Explore
Best Hikes in Connecticut
Does Connecticut have good hiking trails?
Yes, Connecticut has good hiking trails. Aside from the ones listed above, here are several more you need to check out:
- Soapstone Mountain Trail at Shenipsit State Forest
- Kent Falls Trail at Kent Falls State Park
- Case Mountain Trail at Case Mountain Park
- Judges Cave at West Rock Ridge State Park
- Mount Tom Trail at Mount Tom State Park
Check out these incredible Connecticut hikes.
What are the best months to hike in Connecticut?
While hiking around the state can be done throughout the year, your chances for the best weather are between April and October. Spring and summer bring the wildflowers and there's nothing quite like hiking in the fall to see all the gorgeous fall foliage!