Connecticut state park with fall foliage.

5 Top State Parks to Visit in Connecticut

Connecticut may be ranked 48 in land-mass size, but The Nutmeg State also ranks in the top 10 for its number of state parks. So, if you love exploring natural environments and unique terrain, CT is the state to appreciate it. 

If you are moving to CT, check out these five top state parks you won’t want to miss.

1. Sleeping Giant State Park

Sleeping Giant State Park is a place you want to take advantage of if you enjoy scenic vistas and nature-surrounded picnicking. The “Sleeping Giant” is actually Mount Carmel—a 739-foot mountain just a few miles outside New Haven, CT. Take the scenic trail to the observation tower situated on the mountain’s peak for some of the most impressive views of the surrounding landscape. Also, if you enjoy fishing, the park is named a Trout Management Area by the state. There are great spots for stream fishing.

2. Talcott Mountain State Park

Talcott Mountain State Park connects Bloomfield, Simsbury, and Avon. The prized Tower Trail up the mountain is just over a mile long, but the trek to the top brings you to the Heublein Tower. This mountaintop tower takes you 165 feet above the terrain for captivating views in every direction. You can see Mount Monadnock, 80 miles away in New Hampshire. In addition to the mountaintop views, the surrounding park offers over 500 acres of nature to explore.

3. Bluff Point State Park

In the town of Groton, CT, if you want to get outdoors, there is no better place to go than Bluff Point State Park. This nature preserve area is situated on a peninsula of undeveloped land that runs between Mumford Cove and the Poquonnock River. From mountain biking to hiking along the shoreline, Bluff Point has the potential for lots of outdoor enjoyment. So, grab a permit and do some shell fishing, visit Sunset Rock, or take the old farm road for a casual hike.

4. Mount Riga State Park

Located in Salisbury, CT, Mount Riga State Park takes up residence in the far northeastern corner of the state. The Undermountain Trail within the park connects one of the most northern points of the Appalachian Trail. With more than 270 acres to explore, no parking fees, and tons of natural beauty, you could spend days exploring the area and taking in the sights. Keep in mind Mount Riga is a popular destination for archery hunters for deer and turkey during certain times of the year.

5. Fort Trumball State Park

Fort Trumball State Park rests on the New London, CT, coast. This state park boasts one of the historic fortresses erected in the mid-1800s to protect the coastlines of the United States. While visiting the park, you can get a guided tour of the fort, check out the on-site historical museum, or grab a fishing pole and head to the pier to fish the Thames River.

Making Your Way to Connecticut?

If you plan to move to CT, you will find a lot of natural beauty to explore and appreciate once you get settled in. Leave the packing and transportation to our team of professional movers during your relocation, so you have more time to explore. Contact us today.