Celebrate the coldest months of the year with some stunning sights and tranquil hikes. Just because the temperatures have dipped doesn’t mean you have to spend all season indoors! Bundle up in your coziest coat, gather your winter travel essentials, and explore some of the best winter hikes in Connecticut. These peaceful adventures will help you reflect on the beauty of our amazing state:

1. Sessions Woods Beaver Pond Trail, Burlington
Sessions Woods Wildlife Management, 341 Milford St, Burlington, CT 06013, USA
Nicholas Isaac/AllTrails
Leave your worries behind and explore Connecticut's pristine winter landscapes. The Sessions Woods Beaver Pond Trail is only 2.6 miles long, and it's positively radiant this time of year. After you've walked across the beautiful boardwalk, explore the rest of this fantastic wildlife area. Sessions Woods is home to 771 acres of peaceful nature.

Learn more about this wonderful walk in our feature article here.
2. Salt Meadow Unit at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Westbrook
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Rd, Westbrook, CT 06498, USA
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
This easy 1.1-mile hike is worth bundling up for. This wildlife refuge sits along the Atlantic Flyway, so there are always dozens of beautiful birds flying around. Keep your eye out for snowy owls! The male owls are a pristine white color, and they're usually easy to spot.

Learn more about this enchanting winter hike in our feature article here.
3. Falls Brook Trail in Tunxis State Forest, Hartland
Tunxis State Forest, Hartland, CT 06091, USA
Morrow Long/Flickr
This tranquil trail is only about 2 miles long, but it's packed with astonishing sights. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of Falls Brook Falls when its completely frozen. This magnificent sight is like something out of a fairy tale. Read more on AllTrails!

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4. The White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield
80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA
The White Memorial Conservation Center/Facebook
With 4,000 acres of splendid scenery, The White Memorial Conservation Center is full of adventure. The Ice House Ruins Trail is an excellent spot for winter hiking. This easy, 1-mile hike will lead you to some of the area's most breathtaking views. For something even shorter, stroll through the Trail of the Senses. This breezy pathway is only .3 miles long, and it's equipped with 17 interpretive plaques that include descriptions written in Braille. Click here to learn more.
5. Sleeping Giant Tower Trail, Hamden
Mount Carmel, Mt Carmel, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
Jason Kowalski/AllTrails
No matter when you visit, Sleeping Giant State Park is full of picturesque landscapes. Escape the crowds and explore the popular Tower Trail. This 3-mile journey will lead you somewhere spectacular. Read more about this amazing state park on the official website.
6. Leatherman Cave Trail in Black Rock State Park, Watertown
Black Rock State Park, 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795, USA
cubicprophet User/AllTrails
This 2.1-mile trail sees a lot of visitors in the spring, but it's equally gorgeous during winter. Even your four-legged friends can join you on this hike. Just be sure to keep them on a leash. Learn more on the official website.
7. Chapman Falls Loop in Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Devil's Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
CJ Oliver/Flickr
When temperatures dip below 32 degrees, you may get to see Chapman Falls covered in frozen beauty. A short .4-mile hike will lead you to this breathtaking sight. Learn more here. Don't stay indoors this season! Everyone should experience this exceptional winter hike at least once.

Have you experienced any of these winter hikes? What trails are you excited to explore this year?

If you’re looking for more fun, check out this exciting Connecticut wintertime road trip.

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Best Winter Hikes in Connecticut

Tori Jane | January 19, 2022

Where can I go cold weather hiking in Connecticut?  

Who says winter means you can’t go hiking anymore? Not us. In fact, some of us really, really enjoy cold weather hiking, and Connecticut is an excellent place for doing so. Some of the best places for indulging in this activity are places like the Steep Rock Preserve, which has the Northern Loop Trail (which is short, sweet, and beautiful). East Rock Park is another great one, and honestly, any of our state and National parks will have excellent trails open year-round, which translates into “all the cold weather hiking in Connecticut you could ever hope for”. Speaking of which:  

What are some of the best hiking trails in Connecticut open year-round?  

There are many! Turns out, hiking even during the chilly months can be pretty nice. Some of our favorite places for hiking in Connecticut year-round include Edgewood Park, which is in New Haven and has plenty of other things to do other than simply hiking. You’ll also find that in each of our 139 state parks (you read that right: 139) there are plenty of trails open all year, snow or shine, rain or dry, and each is beautiful and unique. After all, these areas are state parks for a reason, and hiking them is particularly interesting no matter which park you choose. Other hikes that are great for things like the above-mentioned cold weather hiking or fall color spotting or anything in between include Bluff Point, in Groton, and the White Memorial Conservation Center, in Litchfield. We’re also big fans of Mattatuck Trail, in Wolcott, and the Devil’s Hopyard in East Haddam. The possibilities are endless beyond just the ones listed; any time is a good time to enjoy the outdoors in Connecticut. For some more ideas in terms of the best cold weather hiking around here, check this list out.  

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