This Short Hike In Connecticut Is The Perfect Way To Get Outside On A Winter Day

During the winter, cabin fever can set in and that means it's time to get outside! While you may not be ready to spend a whole afternoon out in the cold weather, short winter hikes can be just what you need to get revitalized. This walk around a national wildlife refuge is a great way to stretch your legs and set your sights on some new scenery in Connecticut. It is, hands down, one of the best winter hikes in Connecticut.

The short winter hike featured here is at the Salt Meadow Unit of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Westbrook.

The address of the refuge is 733 Old Clinton Rd., Westbrook, CT 06498.

You will first come across two stone buildings that are the refuge headquarters.

The buildings used to be the personal residence of Esther Lape who donated the property.

The trail covers a distance of 1.1 miles and is estimated to take under one hour to hike.

The trails at the refuge are very well maintained which makes it a perfect place for a short winter hike.

You will pass through some beautiful woodland that offers opportunities to spot many different types of birds.

The refuge is located in the Atlantic Flyway, where many birds stop to rest, nest and breed.

One of the highlights of this hike is the observation platform that offers expansive views of the salt marsh.

Here you can stop and take a break and maybe take a few pictures.

The unspoiled beauty offers something unique during each season of the year.

Keep your eyes open for the animals that call this place their home.

During the winter, you might catch sight of a snowy owl hanging out around the edge of the marsh.

The male snowy owls are white and easy to see; the females are brown in color.

The snowy trails are edged by many different kinds of plant life.

During the winter, you will often see bright red berries dotting the expanse of brown branches.

But don't forget to look down and see who might have walked the path before you.

You will likely see several types of animal tracks while you take this short winter hike. And the footprints are much easier to see in the snow.

Don't worry, this guy is more afraid of you than you are of him!

The refuge encompasses a large area that has many places for the wildlife to live undisturbed.

This quaint restored log cabin is the last place you will pass as you finish the loop trail.

If you take this walk in the winter, you won't have to worry about the mosquitoes that call the refuge their home during the warmer months.

What do you think are the best winter hikes in Connecticut? Do you have a great place to share in the comments section below? If you're looking for more things to do in CT during the winter, try taking this winter road trip for a fun-filled weekend!