A Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Connecticut’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes And More!
Abundant in lakes, waterfalls, river valleys, and sandy shores, Connecticut is a nature enthusiast’s paradise. Spend any amount of time in this state and you’ll quickly realize just how many outdoor activities there are to enjoy. Whether you’re someone who appreciates a rugged hike in the mountains or a peaceful stroll on the beach, you’ll find that Connecticut simply has no shortage of beautiful landscapes. Consider this to be your guide to locating the very best of Connecticut’s natural attractions.
The Best Little Known Park In Connecticut
Bluff Point State Park and Natural Preserve is one of the crown jewels of Groton. Characterized by bluffs, rocky shorelines, and endless horizon, it makes for the perfect picnic destination. (There are even picnic benches set up). And the best part of all is that admission to this little-known park in Connecticut is completely free. And just wait until you see the views of the New London Ledge Lighthouse!
The Most Pristine Beach In Connecticut
No time in Connecticut is complete without a trip to the beach. And if it's beautiful blue water and white sandy shores you enjoy, you can't do much better than Walnut Beach. The beach is located at the edge of Long Island Sound and is famous for its clear, warm water. While many beaches in the region are rockier, this one features soft sand that your bare feet will love. Plus, Walnut Beach boasts some of the best sunrise and sunset views in the state.
The Most Jaw Dropping Lake In Connecticut
There's something about lakes that offer a sense of peace and serenity. You'll find loads of both if you visit Candlewood Lake, the most jaw dropping lake in Connecticut. It's also the state's largest, measuring 8.4 square miles. In addition to beautiful scenery, the lake offers countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors, from boating to fishing and even swimming if the weather allows. Learn more about what makes Candlewood Lake such a picture-perfect weekend destination.
The Most Beautiful Island In Connecticut
Most may not associate islands with Connecticut's landscape, but there's actually an entire archipelago of small islands located near the harbor of Stony Creek. Known as the Thimble Islands, this small community is as serene as it is tiny. Only a small fraction of the islands are inhabited by humans, and some are made up of just rocks. Yet what's fascinating is that the ecology of these islands is different than that of mainland Connecticut. This is because many of the plants are carried over to the island by birds. Would you ever take a trip to explore the Thimble Islands in Connecticut?
The Best Trail To Hike In Connecticut
Located within Kent Falls State Park, the Red Trail is a short-and-sweet hike that leads to a waterfall. What this trail may lack in length, it more than makes up for in scenery. You'll be positively amazed by the spectacle of Kent Falls, a 250-foot waterfall that's the namesake of this picturesque state park in the southern Berkshires. It's no wonder that Kent Falls is considered to be one of the best natural wonders in Connecticut.
The Most Beautiful River In Connecticut
It's hard to imagine Connecticut without its meandering rivers and the wildlife they support. One of the most breathtaking is the Housatonic River. Measuring 149 miles in length, this body of water is shared by both Massachusetts and Connecticut and flows southeast. As you can imagine from the photograph above, this river is one of the most beautiful places for a canoe trip. For more adventure, you can take a trip to Housatonic Meadows State Park.
The Most Scenic Mountain In Connecticut
The tallest and most scenic mountain in Connecticut is Bear Mountain, measuring 2,323 feet above sea level. Part of the Taconic Mountains, this peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. If you're looking for an epic hike, you might consider trekking to the top via a 5-mile loop. Making your way to the top of this landmark, you'll pass through beautiful hardwood forests. Learn more about why the hike to Bear Mountain is considered one of the best trails in Connecticut.
The Most Unique Garden In Connecticut
Like something from a fairy tale, the Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is positively spellbinding. Established in 1904, it also happens to be the first and oldest public rose garden in the U.S. The rose bloom archway is one of the many highlights of visiting the park. In addition to an assortment of roses, the garden also features over 100 additional kinds of flowers to admire. Can you imagine a more perfect place to spend an afternoon?
