Connecticut boasts over 800 miles of public hiking trails. If you’re a hiking enthusiast and new to the area, you’ll likely need some help figuring out where to start.
Connecticut’s huge range of elevated mountain paths and meandering lakeside walks offer abundant opportunities to get out in nature, stay fit, and relax during your time off.
To help you find a starting point, here’s a snapshot of the best hiking spots in Connecticut as approved by those in the know.
Mountain Hiking Spots in Connecticut
Talcott Mountain State Park’s one of the best places to enjoy some of Connecticut’s best-hiking views.
There are four hiking options to choose from when visiting the park, namely:
- Route 44 Reservoir to Heublin Tower -7.2 miles
- King Phillip Cave via Metacomet Trail – 8.6 miles
- Talcott Mountain Trail -2.5 miles
- Talcott Mountain State Park Loop Trail – 5.2 miles
These trails are all moderate in difficulty and are some of the best hiking trails in eastern Connecticut for spotting wildlife. You can bring your dog along, provided you keep it on a leash at all times.
Bigelow Hollow State Park
Connecticut’s one of the New England states famed for its beautiful displays of color during the fall. About 30 minutes from Hartford, Bigelow Hollow Park offers some of the best fall hiking in Connecticut. It boasts several trails that wind among these beautiful scenes.
The highlight of hiking in this lovely area is the 5-mile loop trail at Mashapaug Pond. This path follows the banks of the 300-acre pond past islands and peninsulas offering stunning vistas of the autumn leaves reflected in the water.
Another top trail in this area takes in a part of the Niptuck Forest and Breakneck Pond, where you’ll revel in nature and lovely views over the water and interesting rock formations.
Other activities within Bigelow Hollow State Park include fishing, hunting, snow skiing, and scuba diving.
White Memorial Conservation Center Trails
White Memorial Conservation Center near Litchfield offers various exciting trails and activities and less than an hour from Hartford, CT.
There are 35 miles of hiking trails demarcated within the 4,000-acre park, including interpretative trails, braille trails, and a boardwalk trail providing views of the natural wetland. There are unique trails for orienteering, horseback riding, and biking too.
The challenging Mattatuck Trail also winds through this park for six miles.
You can also relax in the picnic area, go boating, and see how many different types of birds you can spot. Wildlife is abundant in this protected area, with eastern coyotes, red foxes, and whitetail deer in residence.
Making the Most of the Great Outdoors
Hiking spots in Connecticut are among the many outdoor activities you can enjoy while living in the Constitution State. Connecticut offers a wealth of boating, biking, and high-adrenalin activities to keep you busy during your free time.
If you’re moving to Connecticut soon and looking for more information on things to do and see in the area, browse our news items for more information, or get in touch for help orchestrating an effortless relocation.
