Connecticut
Nature|Hiking

With Forest And River Views, The Little-Known Mamacoke Hill Trail In Connecticut Is Unexpectedly Magical

Mamacoke Hill Trail in Connecticut offers a scenic and tranquil hiking experience with diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Updated May 23, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

We've got so many great trails in Connecticut that it's easy for some to fall through the cracks. After all, people have limited time and plenty of responsibilities; we can't spend all our free time out hiking, as much as we'd like to! One trail that doesn't get as much attention as it should is the Mamacoke Hill Trail in the Mamacoke Conservation Area at the Connecticut College Arboretum. This hike in Waterford offers up some incredible views, taking you along a river, through a forest, and by some historic structures that look like something from a fairy tale. Lace up and head out!

This trail is located in the Mamacoke Conservation Area near Quaker Hill in southeastern Connecticut.

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Pep Breebo/AllTrails

The conservation area is mostly comprised of Mamacoke Island. The region has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, so you can expect to see plenty of birds here!

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The loop trail measures about 2.5 miles in length and is a fairly easy hike, with little elevation gain.

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You can access the trail throughout the year, and visiting in different seasons will make it feel like a completely different trail each time.

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Some of the areas can get a little marshy, so make sure to wear waterproof footwear.

You'll see rocky beaches, gorgeous marsh, and forested areas.

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And some pretty neat rock formations too!

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For a relatively short trail, this hike has an astounding array of scenery!

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Keep your eyes peeled not just for gorgeous birds, but other wildlife as well, like deer.

Best of all, it's typically quiet and secluded, making it the perfect place for a tranquil walk.

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Scott Jensen/AllTrails

This is a perfect area to just meander along and reflect on life.

For more information about the Mamacoke Conservation Area or this beautiful arboretum trail in Connecticut, check out the Connecticut College website. You'll also need to download their tide chart if you want to safely explore the island.

Have you ever hiked the Mamacoke Hill Trail or visited Mamacoke Island? Share your experiences in the comments!

Of course, this is just one of the many places to go hiking in Connecticut! After you've thoroughly enjoyed and photographed this hidden gem, we've rounded up some of the best hikes in Connecticut for you to enjoy this season as well.

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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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Facebook/Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point

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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