There’s A State Forest Hiding On The Very Edge Of Connecticut And It’s Such A Peaceful Escape

One of the things we love most about Connecticut is how much pristine land there is. Sure, we're among the most densely-populated states, but we still have a massive percentage of land devoted to state parks and state forests. It can feel like there are so many state forests in Connecticut that you could never find time to explore them all! One that's hiding right at the state's northern border is Tunxis State Forest in Connecticut. In fact, it borders the Granville State Forest in Massachusetts. This preserve spans more than 5,000 acres and miles of hiking trails, plus opportunities for fishing, mountain biking, skiing, and hunting. Check it out:

The forest contains several ponds and also borders the Barkhamstead Reservoir. There are also several streams within the forest, giving you a chance to enjoy a babbling brook as a soundtrack to your hikes.

Explore the Falls Brook Trail to see Falls Brook Falls, a magnificent two-part waterfall within the forest.

The land here is heavily-forested and a perfect place for a calm hike.

It's beautiful to explore in any season, and tends to be fairly secluded. There's nothing like a day out in nature to soothe the mind.

You'll see some interesting rock formations along the trails here.

The cute little foot bridges look straight out of a fairy tale surrounded by the forest's bright greenery.

Some of the scenery along the trails is quite breathtaking, and we love what a variety of landscapes the forests contain.

You might even spot some critters: moose live here, and many hikers report seeing deer.

If you're looking for a peaceful afternoon walk out in the woods, it doesn't get much better than the trails at Tunxis State Forest.

Tunxis State Forest is in the towns of Granby, Barkhamsted, and Hartland. You can check out maps of the forest's trails at the Connecticut state government website.

Don't forget to prepare before heading out on a hike! REI has all the gear you need to safely explore Tunxis or any other state forest, from insect repellent to sunscreen.