Posted in Connecticut Hiking, Nature February 26, 2022 by

6 Easy Mountain Hikes In Connecticut That Even The Kids Will Love

We all know that hiking with kids can have its challenges. The hike has to be easy enough for them to handle but interesting enough to keep them engaged. Well, pack your granola bars and get ready because these are the best hikes in Connecticut for the whole family. The children will love climbing one of Connecticut’s mountains or at least a huge hill that feels like a mountain! Imagine their joy when they reach the top and get to look out over the world! What an accomplishment for kids big and small.

1. Mount Tom, Litchfield
Google Images/Yael
Mount Tom Road, Mount Tom Rd, Washington, CT 06777, USA
Google Images/David Simonelli
You'll have no trouble keeping the kids on track with this short one-mile hike to the summit of Mount Tom. A stone observation tower looks like a miniature castle and is the perfect pay off for kids of all ages. Take in the memorable views and head back down the trail to enjoy a picnic or a swim at the state park. Learn more about Mount Tom in our featured article!
2. Jones Mountain Preserve, New Hartford
Adi Weiss-Hochberg/AllTrails
Jones Mountain Preserve, 161 Steele Rd, New Hartford, CT 06057, USA
Allynda Deloy/AllTrails
Old carriage trails, stone bridges, and flowering woodland paths create a sense of enchantment for the kids at Jones Mountain Preserve. The short hike to the summit is easy on little legs and there is plenty to see along the way. Explore the remains of an old mill that will make you feel like a dwarf in the closed canopy forest. Learn more about Jones Mountain Preserve in our featured article.
3. Mount Misery, Voluntown
AllTrails/Jim Wheeler
Mount Misery, Mt Misery, Voluntown, CT 06384, USA
Connecticut Office of Toursim
A one-mile loop takes you to the 441-foot summit of Mount Misery. Unlike this peak's ominous name, the trail is a joy to walk. Our favorite part of the journey is the short side trail that takes you through the Rhododendron Sanctuary where during the summer you'll be surrounded with bright blooms. Learn more about Mount Misery Trail in our featured article.
4. Gillette Castle, East Haddam
TripAdvisor/Vagabond01453
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
TripAdvisor/Eugene D
A visit to Gillette Castle is always full of magic for the kids. The massive stone castle creates images of knights in shining armor and fire-spitting dragons. But if you take to the trails, you'll find even more enchantment. Follow the railroad trail where Gillette's miniature train once ran around the property and you'll come across a miniature train tunnel that's perfect for pint-sized explorers. Kids will love this surprise tucked away in the woods. Head back to the castle and enjoy a picnic in the old stone train station pavilion. Learn more about Gillette Castle in our featured article.
5. Lantern Hill, Ledyard
AllTrails/june ranfone
Lantern Hill Road, Lantern Hill Rd, Ledyard, CT, USA
AllTrails/Hayley Proctor
Climbing to the top of Lantern Hill requires completing a three-mile loop. Older kids will love the challenge but smaller children might find this hike too difficult. Explore the ancient rocks along the way and you might feel as if you've traveled back in time to when Native Americans made their homes here. The view from the summit stretches as far as Rhode Island with the casino towers in full view. Learn more about Lantern Hill in our featured article.
6. East Rock, New Haven
Wikimedia Commons/Rebecca Turcio
East Rock, New Haven, CT, USA
Flickr/Chris Lewis
If you're heading to the top of East Rock, the Giant Steps Trail is the way to go. With over 200 stairs carved into the ridge, energetic kids will enjoy the challenge. The top affords sweeping views of the Elm City and beyond. Afterward, head back to the bottom and enjoy some time at the park playground. Learn more about the Giant Steps Trail in our featured article.

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

If you love feeling like you’re on top of the world, head out onto one of these tower trails for panoramic scenery that stretches on for miles.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Connecticut

March 01, 2022
Elisa Regulski

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut?

Take the kiddos to the Ice House Ruins Trail in Litchfield. Full of fascinating ruins and verdant scenery, this hike astounds visitors of all ages. And best of all -- it’s one of the greatest kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut! The Red Trail, located inside Kent Falls State Park, is another great option. This journey is only about a mile long, but the lovely views will completely relax you. Bring a picnic and stay a while! This is one destination you’ll never want to leave.

Which state parks should I visit in Connecticut?

Chatfield Hollow State Park, located in Killingworth, is one of the best state parks to visit in Connecticut. This destination is gorgeous year-round, but it glistens during autumn. When the trees turn shades of red, yellow, and orange, the entire area takes on a whole new glow. Kent Falls State Park is another must-visit place. The majestic waterfall will make you fall in love with Connecticut all over again.

What hikes in Connecticut are short and sweet?

The Michael Donnelly Preserve Trail, located in South Windsor, is one of the best easy and scenic hikes in Connecticut. This 2.5-mile boardwalk trail isn’t very steep, so you’ll hardly work up a sweat. You’ll love soaking up the gorgeous wetland views. For more adventure, visit Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton. This destination is home to some fascinating sights, and the hikes are short and simple. Kiddos love exploring this attraction! To learn more about these destinations, check out our article about the best easy hikes in Connecticut.