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NatureNational & State Parks

Skip the Crowds at This Quiet Connecticut State Park Trail

Updated Jul 18, 2026

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

With nearly 150 state forests and state parks in Connecticut, it's easy for some to fall through the cracks. Places like Kent Falls State Park and Gillette Castle State Park are magnificent and definitely worthy of a visit. There's certainly a reason why they're among the most-visited attractions in Connecticut. Still, with the sheer number of parks to choose from, it makes sense that a few hidden gems wouldn't get quite the attention they deserve. One park that definitely falls into that category is the beautiful Old Furnace State Park near Dayville, CT. This place is full of history and natural beauty, and it's home to one of our favorite trails: the Ross's Cliff Trail Loop. This is a grand adventure perfect for any season.

The Ross's Cliff Trail is a 2.4-mile loop trail that's considered moderately challenging and takes most experienced hikers about an hour to complete.

A wooden bridge leads through a lush, green forest with tall trees and moss-covered ground.
Jessi Dunham/AllTrails

The trail loops around the entire park, giving you a great overview of this pretty preserve, including wonderful views of Furnace Pond.

A serene pond surrounded by lush greenery and tall reeds, reflecting the clear blue sky and sunlight.
Free Mason/AllTrails

Once you reach the top of Half Hill, you'll be rewarded with some gorgeous views.

A scenic view from a rocky overlook, featuring lush green trees and a pond under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Jennifer Shafer/AllTrails

Some of the areas below the cliff can get a bit rocky, but overall, there are no overly difficult sections of the trail for more moderately experienced hikers.

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees, reflecting the landscape on a calm day.
Becky Thorpe/AllTrails

There are quite a few side trails in this park if you'd like to explore different areas of the preserve.

A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery, reflecting the clear blue sky and trees on a calm day.
Free Mason/AllTrails

Keep your eyes peeled, you never know what sort of critters you'll come across here!

A deer stands among trees and greenery in a forest, partially obscured by branches.
Frank Silvia/AllTrails

The park gets its name because an iron furnace operated here for several centuries.

A small stream flows from a stone tunnel, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. Fencing is visible in the background.
Leonard Cote/AllTrails

Today, it's a beautifully preserved area that's ripe for exploration by local nature lovers.

A serene forest scene with a calm, reflective pond surrounded by lush greenery and sunlight filtering through the trees.
Free Mason/AllTrails

For more information about the Ross's Cliff Trail Loop at Old Furnace State Park, check out our friends at AllTrails for some details and amazing pictures.

If you're an avid hiker in Connecticut, you may want to consider a free trial of AllTrails+. It's a wonderful subscription that has all kinds of great benefits, like turn-by-turn directions and location sharing, so you don't have to worry about staying safe when out hiking.

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