Posted in Connecticut Hiking, Nature March 02, 2022 by

10 Amazing Connecticut Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love

Not every trail is miles long. Thankfully, there are some pretty quick ones, like these hikes under 3 miles. They’re perfect for a quick escape and many of them can be traversed with children, so feel free to bring the whole family! Become fully immersed in nature, catch some great views and explore your favorite state. These are some of the best hikes in Connecticut that are under three miles.

1. Millington Trail
Jay McAnally/Flickr
This loop trail is 2.7 miles and though it requires navigating some rocky pathway, this hike is pretty flat. Plus there's a lake and a waterfall for a waterfront hangout.

Learn more about the Millington Trail Loop! Head over to 366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT 06423, and begin your journey!
366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
2. Chauncey Peak Trail
Lisa Jacobs/Flickr
So, this trail is on the hilly side, but who can resist this view? At 2.1 miles, this hike is popular for pet owners because you can bring them along.

You'll find the Chauncey Peak Trail at 800 Westfield Road, Meriden, CT 06450.
800 Westfield Rd, Meriden, CT 06450, USA
3. Shoreline Greenway Trail
Michele Colavolpe Antisdel/Facebook
This trail is 1.2 miles there and back with a picnic area at the parking lot, so complete the trail and then reward yourself with a little picnic. Every trail at this park is under 3 miles, so try them all.

Explore the Shoreline Greenway Trail at Mansfield Grove Road, East Haven, CT 06512
4. Little Pond Trail
Jonathan S/TripAdvisor
This elevated trail comes in at 1.2 miles and the whole thing is completed on this charming wooden boardwalk. It's definitely the coolest way to explore marshlands.

The Little Pond Trail is located at 80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield, CT 06759.
80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA
5. Giant Steps Trail
Chris Lewis/Flickr
This trail is actually just a set of stairs carved in to the side of a traprock ridge. It only takes about twenty minutes to complete, but once you get to the top you'll find amazing views of New Haven.

Explore the Little Pond Trail at 41 Cold Spring Street, New Haven, CT 06511.
41 Cold Spring St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
6. Hancock Brook Trail
Wikimedia Commons
Look down upon a flowing brook and walk beside a quarry on this awesome 2.8 mile adventure. There's also the remnants of an old bridge and plenty of nature to explore in this remote spot.

You'll love venturing through the Hancock Brook Trail. The trailhead is located at 293 Sheffield Street, Waterbury, CT 06704.
293 Sheffield St, Waterbury, CT 06704, USA
7. Talcott Mountain Trail
Patrick/Flickr
Bring your dogs (on a leash) for this 2.6 mile loop trail. Heublein Tower, which sits across this mountain, is a magical sight to behold and the panoramic views are unforgettable.

Traverse the Talcott Mountain Trail at 560 Simsbury Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002.
560 Simsbury Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002, USA
8. Castle Craig and East Slope
John Cudworth/Flickr
Featuring a lake and an interesting stone observation tower, this 2.8 mile journey is mostly uphill but the terrain is easy. Leashed dogs are allowed but there's not as much of a tree canopy here so bring extra water and sunscreen.

You must visit Castle Craig at leat once! Head over to 999 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451, and start your journey!
999 W Main St, Meriden, CT 06451, USA
9. Crescent Lake Trail
Charley C./Yelp
This lakefront trail is perfect for all ages and comes in at only 2.4 miles. This destination is a little more popular than the others so you're likely to see more people here but there's plenty of room for everyone on this trail.

There's nothing quite as peaceful as the Crescent Lake Trail. You'll find it at 699 Shuttle Meadow Road, Southington, CT 06489.
699 Shuttle Meadow Rd, Southington, CT 06489, USA
10. Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area Trail, Burlington
Wikimedia Commons
This 2.6 mile trail is perfect for all types of adventures, including hiking, mountain biking and nature exploration. This place takes you miles away from your busy life and makes you feel like you're in a different state altogether.

Visit the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area Trail at 418 Stone Road, Burlington CT 06013.
418 Stone Rd, Burlington, CT 06013, USA

Have you explored any of the best hikes in Connecticut? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

But wait — there’s more! For more outdoor adventure, check out these beautiful hiking trails in Connecticut.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Connecticut

March 07, 2022
Elisa Regulski

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut?

Even if your little ones can’t traverse long distances yet, you don’t have to leave them at home! There are so many kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut that are short and sweet. Stratton Brook State Park is full of them! Head over to the town of Simsbury and meander through the beautiful scenery. Make sure to walk through the covered bridge! It’s the perfect photo opportunity. For more fun, hike around Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. Here, you’ll find lovely waterfalls, babbling brooks, and woodland landscapes. These views will really wash away your worries! If you need more ideas, check out our full list of the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Connecticut?

There are so many fun ways to enjoy nature in Connecticut. Everyone loves the views at Bluff Point State Park, and it’s easy to see why. This quiet peninsula on the Long Island Sound has 800 acres of untouched beauty. Whether you like to hike, fish, or picnic, you’ll have a blast at this wonderful destination. If you loved this, you should also explore the Thimble Islands near Branford. This archipelago consists of about 100 small islands, and only a few people live there. Cruise around the islands and keep your eyes out for wildlife. It’s one of the best ways to explore Connecticut!