Posted in Connecticut Hiking, Nature February 24, 2022 by

If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Connecticut, Make Them These

One of the best ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature is to go hiking. And Connecticut has some of the most beautiful trails. We can’t imagine only hiking five of Connecticut’s trails…but if you’re going to choose just a handful, these are at the top of our list for best hikes in Connecticut.

1. Rattlesnake Mountain, Farmington
Mari K./Yelp
The hike to Rattlesnake Mountain is short, but it's steep and strenuous. The views from the top are well worth the effort, though! Don't miss Will Warren's Den along the way.

Click here to read our full article. It's one of the most scenic hikes in Connecticut. So plan your visit today.
Rattlesnake Mountain, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
2. Airline State Park Trail
kenneth casper/flickr
This rails-to-trails trail is not short - it's 50 miles through Connecticut. Hop on and hike any section you'd like. From Thompson to the state line is a popular section; at just 6.6 miles long, it's got some great views and terrain.

Click here to read our full article. If you've ever asked, "are there any hiking trails near me?," then with Airline State Park Trail, the answer is likely yes!
Airline Trail, East Hampton, CT, USA
3. The Red Trail, Kent Falls State Park
WalkingGeek/flickr
This short, easy trail at Kent Falls State Park is appropriate for hikers of all ages. It's just a .8-mile loop, and it takes you to this stunning waterfall - one of the most beautiful in the state.

Click here to read our full article. Being a flat, short trail, it's one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Connecticut. Bring the whole family and walk it today.
Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
4. Heublein Tower Trail, Talcott Mountain State Park
Patrick/flickr
Visit Talcott Mountain State Park for some history and gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. The 1.25 mile hike takes you to Heublein Tower, which was built to withstand 100 mph winds.

Click here to read our full article. It's not only one of the best easy hikes in Connecticut, it's simply one of the best hikes in Connecticut.
Talcott Mountain State Park, Summit Ridge Dr, Simsbury, CT 06070, USA
5. Giant Steps Trail, East Rock Park
Chris Lewis/flickr
You can see where this trail got its name...it's literally some giant steps carved right into the side of the mountain. A short, 20 minute hike takes you to the The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and the views from the top are incredible.

Click here to read our full article.
East Rock Park, 41 Cold Spring St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA

You can see why these are considered some of the best hikes in Connecticut. Some are strenuous and long, some are short and easy. But all are beautiful and get you outside and surrounded by nature. If you were going to make a list of your favorite five hiking trails in Connecticut, which trails would you include?

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Connecticut

March 01, 2022
Jessica Bohl

What are some scenic hikes in Connecticut?

There are so many beautiful hikes to try in Connecticut. A few standouts include the 10.3 wilderness trail through Larking State Park in Middlebury. This hike follows the old New York and New England bed across four different towns in Connecticut. You’ll go through various types of landscapes and feel transported to a whole new world. Aspetuck Land Trust in Easton is another otherworldly escape. You can explore over 45 miles of hiking trails in the land trust and there are some gorgeous forest scenes, rocky terrain, and mossy paths. It’s truly a special place. The Housatonic Range Trail in New Milford is a 6.2 mile hike that has some cool bridges, scenic forests, and dense woods. Check it out today, and check out this great article on 11 unforgettable Connecticut trails.

What are some easy hikes in Connecticut?

If you’re looking for an easy hike, there are some great options in Connecticut. Wheels in the Woods Trail in Stamford offers a fully accessible boardwalk trail through the Stamford Nature Center. You can also visit an animal farm, otter pond, and nature center while you’re here. It’s an easy hike great for hikers of all ages and abilities. Boardwalk Trail in Milford is another great boardwalk hike, but this time at the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center. The trail takes you across a marsh to the beach. The scenery is stunning, but the hike is easy. Be sure to visit one of these trails and also check out this great article on simple hikes in Connecticut.