Connecticut
Nature|Hiking

Hike The Abandoned Miniature Railroad Trail At Gillette Castle State Park In Connecticut

Gillette Castle State Park in Connecticut offers scenic views, a historic castle, and a unique hiking trail along an abandoned miniature railroad.

Published Sep 8, 2019

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

Gillette Castle State Park is one of the jewels of the Connecticut park system. Its perch above the Connecticut River offers breathtaking scenery while a real stone castle beckons visitors to explore. While it's easy to get wrapped up in the history, architecture, and stunning views, the park also has a lesser-known attraction to offer its visitors. An abandoned miniature railroad trail winds through the woods and is the perfect spot to take a hike.

Straddling the towns of East Haddam and Lyme is one of Connecticut's most popular state parks. William Gillette, an American actor, who portrayed Sherlock Holmes on stage, built a 24-room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle in the early 1900s.

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The estate became a state park in 1943 after William Gillette's death. During his lifetime, the actor loved entertaining guests at his castle and giving them rides on his miniature train around the property.

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The narrow-gauge railroad ran three miles throughout the property. Today, the tracks have been pulled up and replaced by a delightful hiking trail.

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The miniature railroad trail winds through the woodland setting. Some of the guests who once rode the train on this same route include Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein.

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One of the highlights of the trail is the tiny abandoned train tunnel. Still intact, this tunnel is an unexpected surprise in the forest!

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You can walk through the tunnel if you wish. Imagine the miniature train rumbling through back in the day.

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The three-mile trail also crosses charming footbridges along the way. This hike is as full of enchantment as the castle itself.

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Finish your journey off at the former train station. This whimsical stone structure has now been turned into a picnic pavilion.

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The grounds of Gillette Castle State Park are open from 8 a.m. to sunset year-round. The Castle is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and then Friday through Sunday through Columbus weekend. For more information visit the Connecticut DEEP website.Address: 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423

For more opportunities to do some easy hiking in Connecticut, check out these scenic rail trails.

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Nature|Forests

The Breathtaking Small-Town Park in Connecticut That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Trout Book Valley Reserve is a charming small-town park that offers the best hiking near Weston, CT.

Published Sep 3, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

There's certainly no shortage of green space here in the Nutmeg State. Despite our small size, we're blessed with acres of parks and forests to explore, and you can find a huge variety of landscapes just waiting to be enjoyed by nature enthusiasts, whether you love meadows, mountains, beaches, or woods. One of our favorite spots for hiking in Weston, CT is the beautiful Trout Brook Valley Reserve. This 730-acre park is maintained by the Aspetuck Land Trust and offers up miles of hiking trails that have some pretty stellar views. If you're looking to immerse yourself in a natural wonderland that looks straight out of a story book, this is just the spot for you.

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The land that is now Trout Brook Valley Preserve was once on the brink of being developed into a golf course and collection of luxury homes. In 1999, the property was purchased by the Aspetuck Land Trust. It's now a preserve that serves as a largely untouched natural area where people can enjoy recreation and wildlife is allowed to thrive in undeveloped conditions.

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The park features more than 14 miles of winding trails, with a variety of scenery sure to please any hiker. Both easy and difficult hikes are present, providing opportunities for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of skill level.

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Much of the surrounding acreage is also protected land. Crow Hill Preserve and Jump Hill Preserve are right next to Trout Brook Valley Preserve. In all, the area offers more than 1,000 acres to explore.

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The scenery here is stunning, and you'll enjoy views of the woods, blueberry orchards, and the Saugatuck Reservoir. The trails are open for year-round public use, and parking is available in five locations in both Easton and Weston.

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Note that all the shade means this area can get quite buggy during the warm months, so if you're visiting in the summertime, you'll want to apply plenty of insect repellent before hitting the trails.

For more information about this great park near Weston, CT, check out the Aspetuck Land Trust website. You can also learn more about the hiking opportunities here from our friends at AllTrails. Are you an avid fan of hiking in the Nutmeg State? Consider a free trial of AllTrails+. With benefits like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions, you'll never have to worry about getting lost in the woods again!

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Nature|Hiking

This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Connecticut Is The Most Unique Hike Around

The Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point offers a scenic boardwalk hike with diverse wildlife and beautiful views.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

You've gotta love a good boardwalk hike. It's a chance to get outdoors and take in some views without getting your feet muddy. On our shoreline, we are lucky enough to have a beautiful boardwalk trail that offers stunning scenery and a whole lot more. Let's take a look at this treasured path on the Connecticut coast that is truly one of the most unique hikes in Connecticut. 

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The Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point is home to an incredible boardwalk trail.

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The Coastal Center is located on an 8.4-acre barrier beach. Right next door is the 840-acre Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh and Wildlife Management Area.

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The short boardwalk hike leads across the marsh and down to the sandy beach. There are also several observation platforms that offer panoramic views.

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You'll have an excellent opportunity to view the local wildlife.

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More than 300 different types of birds have been spotted at the Coastal Center.

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Even the rare snowy owl makes an appearance here in the winter months.

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During warm weather, the tidal marshes are fields of bright green in the coastal waters.

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The white sandy beach along the Long Island Sound is also a wonderful place to continue your stroll.

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Splash around on the sandbars and feel the sand between your toes.

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You'll also want to explore the coastal tidal pools.

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There is all kind of wildlife hanging out at the Coastal Center and kids and adults alike will love seeing the birds, crabs, fish, and other neat creatures.

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This is one boardwalk hike that you will come back to again and again. The landscape and wildlife is always changing.

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The Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point is located at 1 Milford Point Rd.,

Milford, Connecticut.

For more information, be sure to check out The Connecticut Audubon Society website, as well as the The Connecticut Audubon Society Facebook page.

Have you ever taken this short boardwalk hike? What did you enjoy the most? Where do you like to go hiking in CT? Would you agree that this is among the most unique hikes in Connecticut? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For more hiking opportunities, you'll also want to take a look at these 8 stunning boardwalks in Connecticut that you won't find at the beach.

Thinking about taking a Connecticut vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.

If you’re still in the mood for more Nutmeg State adventures, take a look at this video:

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