These 11 Trails In Connecticut Will Lead You To Unforgettable Places
These trails in Connecticut may vary in length and difficulty, but they all offer amazing views of the state’s untouched natural beauty. Our round up of the best hiking trails in Connecticut will take you all over to experience the amazing beauty you can see around our awesome state. Earlier we featured the incredible hike up Talcott Mountain, but now you can see even more of Connecticut’s beauty. With many of these trails fun to experience all year long, any time is the perfect time to get out there and explore!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
This 10.3-mile wilderness trail cuts through various types of nature and a number of Connecticut towns. You'll feel like you've entered Narnia! It actually follows the old New York and New England railroad bed across four different towns. Download the trail map to know exactly where you are all along the route!
As the state's top rail trail, this tree canopy covered walk also includes a walk through Bolton Notch Tunnel. This popular trail is just over 20 miles long, but you can stop when you need to turn back around.
This blazed trail is full of history as a former railroad line. This trail can be as long or as short as you want since it connects to two state parks. There are so many sights to see along the way, so make sure you read about the history of this stunning area before you head out!
This 2.8-mile trail is a real hidden gem! You'll pass a roaring brook, the ruins of a bridge, and a quarry on this easy walk. It’s on private property, so make sure to be respectful. But this gorgeous hike is one of the best hikes to do in Connecticut!
The view from Cobble Mountain's summit is unbelievable! But any path through this park will include wide walkways and sweeping views. After your hike, if you want to spend the night, you can camp right at the state park! Make your reservations and spend a whole weekend enjoying this beautiful spot.
This is premiere wilderness hiking at its finest. Located within the Trout Brook Valley Preserve, the sights here are pretty exotic. As one of the most scenic hikes in Connecticut, you can explore over 45 miles of hiking trails all over the land trust. There’s so much to see, and 30,000 annual visitors will agree with you!
You will love how this 6.2-mile walk through the woods and over a brook makes you feel like a real explorer. There’s tons of fun features to find on this scenic trail through the woods. We think this is one of the best things to do outdoors in Connecticut! The first couple hundred yards are right off the woods, and cut through some backyards, but keep going. The views you’ll get at the end are one of a kind!
The Yellow Circle Trail is best when walked at sunrise or sunset. The light coming through the trees is like something out of a fairy tale. Plus you can bring your dog! If you’re headed out onto the trails, take this interactive trail map with you!
This section of the New England National Scenic Trail extends south to Chittenden Park. You'll pass through historic areas, museums, and catch a view overlooking the Guilford Harbor. This trail is full of history across native lands, and its named after the first inhabitants of this area. It’s a beautiful, easy trail across rolling terrain that the whole family will love.
The natural beauty and color on this trail is absolutely magical. Just a short way from Lake Zoar, the views of Housatonic Valley are also impressive. This trail guide is a great reference to check out before you head out on your hike.
This quick walk is only half a mile long, but you'll get great views of the marshland as you cross a footbridge along what used to be a trolley line. You can check out some great photos of the hike before you head out, but it’s definitely better to see in person!
These are some of the best hiking trails in Connecticut that we could find. Are we missing any? Is there on that you love that’s no on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more walks and hikes? Try these hikes under 5 miles for an easy, scenic adventure!
Address: Larkin State Park Trail, Southbury, CT, USA
Address: Hop River State Park Trail, Columbia, CT, USA
Address: Quinnipiac River, Connecticut, USA
Address: 22 Green Acre Ln, Westport, CT 06880, USA
Address: Hancock Brook, Waterbury, CT 06704, USA
Address: 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
Address: Housatonic State Forest, Cornwall, CT 06796, USA
Address: Guilford, CT, USA
Address: Pomperaug Trail, Southbury, CT 06488, USA
Address: Branford Trolley Trail, Branford, CT 06405, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking Trails In Connecticut
February 17, 2021
Megan McDonald
What are the most scenic places in Connecticut?
The state of Connecticut may be tiny, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t home to some of the prettiest places on Earth. Some are natural wonders and some are man-made places, but each one is uniquely beautiful. Here are 13 unimaginably beautiful places in Connecticut. You can pick your favorite from the list, but we’re especially partial to Thimble Islands, a cluster of tiny islands out in the Long Island Sound.
Does Connecticut have any waterfall hikes?
Connecticut may be a small state but we are brimming over with natural beauty, especially waterfalls… if you know where to look. And luckily you don’t have to search very long or hard to encounter some of our most spectacular natural wonders. These short waterfall hikes will lead you straight to tranquil pockets of beauty. The best part? These aren’t all day excursions, each hike can be completed in less than an hour.
Are there any easy hikes in Connecticut for beginners?
In addition to the short waterfall hikes listed above, these eight simple hikes are for all ages and offer some truly remarkable views. The Red Trail at Kent Falls State Park is under one mile, and it leads to one of the most scenic spots in the state.
Address: Larkin State Park Trail, Southbury, CT, USA
Address: Hop River State Park Trail, Columbia, CT, USA
Address: Quinnipiac River, Connecticut, USA
Address: 22 Green Acre Ln, Westport, CT 06880, USA
Address: Hancock Brook, Waterbury, CT 06704, USA
Address: 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
Address: Housatonic State Forest, Cornwall, CT 06796, USA
Address: Guilford, CT, USA
Address: Pomperaug Trail, Southbury, CT 06488, USA
Address: Branford Trolley Trail, Branford, CT 06405, USA
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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
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