10 Scenic Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Connecticut Should Take
Hikes can be super fun experiences, but not everyone wants to spend their whole day sweating and trekking uphill. If you love the idea of getting out and exploring nature, but don’t necessarily want to sweat through your shirt, then these hikes are for you. With this list, there are no more excuses! Get out there and see the sights on the 10 best 5 mile hikes in Connecticut. They’re some of the best hikes in Connecticut.
Tucked in Devil's Hopyard State Park, this 2.7-mile loop offers stunning views in addition to offering a moderate workout. The gorgeous trail boasts a cascading waterfall that's just as stunning when it's frozen in the winter. Pups are permitted on the trail, as long as they remain on a leash. Read more about Devil's Hopyard State Park.
At just under two miles, this hike is quick but has a lot of ups and downs. The view you'll get of Hartford is a great reward though. If you're up for a lot more hiking, this is just a portion of a much longer trail. The full Mattabesett Trail in Connecticut spans nearly 61 miles and will take you through Guildford, Haddam, Wallingford, and Berlin. Learn more about Guiffrida Park in our previous article.
You'll pass abandoned ruins on this easy trail that clocks in at just under four miles. Drink in the beauty of colorful, blossoming wildflowers in the spring, and listen to the sound of the waterfall tumbling down. Just be forewarned that the trail can get muddy after a rainfall and in the winter months. Learn why this
trail in Connecticut is one for your bucket list.
All of the trails in this park are short, which means they're perfect for beginners and folks who like to see pretty things without working too hard. The Farm River State Park Trail, for example, spans a single mile, but that mile is jam-packed with the beauty - from river views to lush green forest. Discover why this short-but-sweet trail is one of the best hikes in Connecticut.
This 4.8-mile section of the Appalachian Trail is perfect for a lazy Sunday stroll because nearly the entire stretch is flat. If you're a fan of birds, bring along a pair of binoculars as the area is extremely popular with birdwatchers. Much of your hike, which you can begin in Kent or in Cornwall, will follow the river.
Trace the curves of the beautiful Shepaug River for three miles on this beginner's trail. The trail, in fact, leads to an abandoned tunnel that dates back to the mid-20th century. Don't forget your camera, because you'll be treated to stellar views along the trail that predominately follows alongside the river. Head over to the official website of Steep Rock Preserve for more information.
At just under five miles, Indian Council Caves Trail is an out-and-back trail that meanders through Enders State Forest. The trail leads to Indian Caves, local wildlife, and beautiful views. You probably won't want to forget your camera or your smartphone on this trail. Take a peek to learn why this is one of the best short hikes in Connecticut.
This is a unique opportunity because the intersecting trails allow you to dictate how long your hike is. The preserve trail loop comes in at 5.2 miles, but if you switch from one trail to another you could make it as short as a mile. While these trails are absolutely stunning in all four seasons, they're also one of the best winter hikes in Connecticut.
9. Little Pond Trail (White Memorial Conservation Center)
This super easy 1.2-mile walk lets you follow a boardwalk around a lake. Perfect for bringing little ones. You'll cross over the Bantam River at two points. It's one of those trails you really want to experience in each season, Spring, for example, means blossoming wildflowers while fall offers the chance to watch migrating birds. Learn more about this kid-friendly trail in Connecticut.
This land trust trail runs four miles long and is designed to let you explore the natural beauty of the park. Visit the official website of Steep Rock Preserve for more information. (You'll also find a link to the trail map. Just click on it to start planning your adventure.)
What do you say? Is one of these hikes under 5 miles in Connecticut in your future? Or have you already hiked one of them? Let us know in the comments! Do you know what also goes well with a hike? Waterfalls! Here are 10 short (but sweet!) waterfall hikes in Connecticut that will take under an hour.
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Address: Devil's Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
Address: 800 Westfield Rd, Meriden, CT 06450, USA
Address: Mine Hill Rd, Roxbury, CT, USA
Address: Farm River State Park, 121 Mansfield Grove Rd, East Haven, CT 06512, USA
Address: Housatonic River Rd, Canaan, CT, USA
Address: Guilford, CT, USA
Address: Tunxis Trail, Burlington, CT 06013, USA
Address: Devil's Den Preserve, 33 Pent Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Address: White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA
Address: Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hikes Under 5 Miles In Connecticut
February 01, 2021
Beth Price-Williams
Which hikes in Connecticut are short and sweet?
We have so many chances to explore our beautiful state, and one of the best ways to do that is to get outdoors. If you’re looking for easy hikes in Connecticut, you’ll find an abundance of them.
Wheels in the Woods Trail in Stamford meanders through the Stamford Nature Center. You’ll walk through the woods and past a brook on the scenic trail.
Embark on a 2.5-mile boardwalk trail, the Michael Donnelly Preserve Trail in South Windsor. The trail meanders through a beautiful wetland.
Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton and the Boardwalk Trail in Milford are also short, sweet, and bucket list-worthy.
What are the most beautiful hikes in Connecticut?
Everyone hikes for different reasons. Some want to connect with nature; others want to get exercise. If you’re a fan of scenic hiking trails in Connecticut, you’re in luck. If you're looking for a 5 mile hike near me (or shorter), we’ve got a bunch of ‘em; just don’t forget your camera.
Hancock Brook Trail in Waterbury spans 2.8 miles and boasts such pretty scenery as a brook, a quarry, and the ruins of a bridge.
The Bradford Trolley Rail is akin to a short stroll, but you’ll be treated to such beautiful sights as marshland. You’ll even cross over a footbridge that follows a former trolley line.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Connecticut?
Can you think of a better way to spend a day – or a weekend – than chasing waterfalls? (You might even find a 5 mile hike near me that includes a waterfall or two.) One of the best outdoor adventures in Connecticut is, without a doubt, the ultimate waterfalls road trip. Some of the waterfalls you’ll visit require a short hike, so definitely dress for that. Visit such picture-perfect waterfalls as Buttermilk Falls in Plymouth, Roaring Brook Falls in Cheshire, and Chapman Falls in East Haddam. If you’re on the lookout for short waterfall hikes in Connecticut, follow the trails to Falls Brook Falls in Hartland, Enders Falls in Granby, and Kent Falls in Kent.
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Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. She is a social boss who has worked with several major sites and brands. Follow her at taylorellisblogger.com
