For anyone who loves cross-country skiing, Connecticut is a fabulous destination for this dynamic winter sport. Known for lush forests and state parks, the state gets plenty of snow and offers groomed trails with magnificent scenery.
Cross-country skiing in Connecticut is a real treat, for both beginners and experienced skiers alike. If you’ve recently moved to Hartford and are looking for places to hit the trails for cross-country skiing in CT, here’s a list of destinations you should definitely check out.
Cross-Country Ski Trails Near Hartford
Whether you’re visiting friends and family or you now live in the area, there is plenty of cross-country skiing in CT. Check out these trails near Hartford.
Northwest Park and Nature Preserve, Windsor, CT
Grab your skis and head to Northwest Park and Nature Preserve. This park features 500 acres of pristine land with 12 miles of trails and is open from dawn to dusk.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing begins in early January and continues through March (snow permitting). Venture through snow-covered forests and fields throughout the park. Cross-country skis and snowshoe rentals are available from the Warming Shed on the weekends.
The park also hosts frequent concerts and other events geared toward families, giving them the opportunity to learn about ecosystems and wildlife in a gorgeous setting.
Housatonic Valley Railbed Trail, Monroe, CT
This 20-mile trail is mostly flat and ungroomed, making it ideal for skiers of every skill level. Ski from Monroe to the neighboring towns of Trumbull or Newtown, through parks and along scenic rivers that will take your breath away while experiencing this winter wonderland.
Woodbury Ski Area, Woodbury, CT
This ski area is one of the first to open and the last to close at the end of the ski season. Along with world-class cross-country trails, Woodbury offers downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Widely known as one of the best locations in the state for early or late season skiing, it’s also the perfect destination for families, with something fun to offer every age group.
Waveny Park, New Canaan, CT
Featuring three miles of ungroomed, marked trails that cross fields and pass through woods, this is one of the most scenic ski destinations in Connecticut.
The town’s municipal building, known locally as The Waveny House, is located at the center of the park and is beautiful both inside and out. There is a sign at the front of the Waveny House featuring a detailed map of nearby trails.
Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth, CT
Chatfield Hollow State Park boasts numerous cross-country trails that vary from one mile to 10 miles in length. Keep in mind that unlike other state parks in Connecticut, Chatfield Hollow doesn’t have ski rental services on-site, so you’ll need to bring your own gear.
Cross-Country Skiing Paradise
Cross-country skiing in CT is something that should be on every snow skiers bucket list. Connecticut is a state with something for everyone during the winter. The powder is plentiful, and the scenery is made for postcards.
Skiing in CT is the stuff dreams are made of. So, pack your gear, load up the family, and come to experience the joy and beauty of cross-country skiing in Connecticut for yourself!
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