Are you ready for your next hiking adventure in Connecticut? If yes, then you have come to the right place. It boasts a variety of topography, from the coastal marshes in the southeast to the Berkshire Hills in the northwest.

A Peak Into Connecticut

Connecticut is the third smallest state in the US and covers an area of 5,543sq miles. However, it has many fun and easily accessible hiking trails. Do not be fooled by its small size because Connecticut has no less than 139 forests and state parks! If that was not enough, the state also boasts a list of city parks that is quite long. 

You will also find several public beaches and boardwalks along Connecticut’s 9 to 6 miles of coastline. Its quaint coastal towns are perfect if you are hoping for a romantic stroll along the shoreline as the sun sets. But if you are a hiking kind of guy or gal, you can find a lot of variety in this state.

Top Hikes In Connecticut You Must Try

Whether you like strolls along the coastline or scenic hikes, Connecticut has something in store for everyone. Below are some fun and challenging trails that you should check out!

Mt. Tom Tower Loop

Mt. Tom State Park is one of the oldest parks in the state. Located near Litchfield, Connecticut in the picturesque hills of Litchfield County. If you want to have a great hiking experience, be sure to try out the most popular trail in the park, which is the tower loop.

It is a moderately difficult path of 1.5 miles and has an elevation gain of around 400ft. The trail will start a little on the steep side, but you will soon arrive near a swamp, which is level. Here you can hike towards a lookout, following a short spur trail.

The best part about this trail is that the tower is 34ft tall, which allows you to enjoy the views of Long Island Sound and Catskills.

Little Laurel Lime Park

Little Laurel Lime Park is a part of the well-known Seymour Land Trust. It is also close to Litchfield, so you should not have trouble getting there. The area offers several hiking routes to take and explore your surroundings.

However, given that the three primary routes are less than 2 miles, you can walk them all! Do not forget to visit the most beautiful part of the Laurel Lime, its marble caves. But these are not caverns that you can walk through. They are simply giant holes in the rock, an awesome geological feature to marvel at. 

In addition, the Laurel Lime also has a boundary loop trail, which will lead you toward a couple of rocky outcroppings. This place offers excellent views of the gorgeous Housatonic River Valley, and you will enjoy every second of it. 

Kent Falls State Park

Kent Falls is one of Connecticut’s most popular parks, and you will know why when you visit. It grants a super easy and scenic hike you can take with your kids. This trail is a beautiful idea, especially if you are short on time, with its 0.7 miles leading up to the falls. 

Kent Falls State Park is super popular during Fall Foliage Season. It is well-regarded as one of the most beautiful places for color in all of New England.

The impressive cascade of Kent Falls tumbles below at least 250ft and joins various tiers. If walking along the stunning waterfall is not enough for you, feel free to take a short side trail towards the primary viewpoint. 

Bear Mountain

Visiting Bear Mountain will serve you well if you live for the thrill of challenging hikes. It is known for being the highest point in the state and is as rewarding as it is difficult. The trail is around 6 miles and gains almost 1,550ft as you move toward the peak.

On your way to the top, you will see gorgeous surrounding Appalachians and Berkshires, along with views of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. 

Mount Frissell

Mount Frissell is located a few minutes from Bear Mountain and is another high point in Connecticut. If you visit Bear Mountain, you may kill two birds with one stone. 

This trail is a 5-mile round trip with a moderate elevation of around 850 feet. Once you start the gradual ascent, do not forget to enjoy every minute. It is perfect for a secluded nature hike.

Pachaug State Forest

You can choose from numerous excellent hiking trails if you visit Pachaug State Forest. Try to pick the paths that lead through the Rhododendron Sanctuary so you can take a pleasant little walk. You will be in awe of the vastness and beauty of this forest. This is one of the more isolated hikes in Connecticut.

Mine Hill Reserve

It is a 360-acre reserve listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is well-known in history for being the site of a granite quarry and iron-making operation. It also offers 6 miles of hiking trails for you to have an adventure on!

Cobble Mountain Loop

The Cobble Mountain Loop is a 3.7-mile loop located close to Kent. It is bound to give you a run for your money when it takes you at an elevation of 850ft within its short span. Since this is a challenging getaway, you will also find that not many people hike this trail. So, you will be free to enjoy a quiet getaway.

Prepare yourself for some fantastic picturesque views of several streams and lookout points. It includes the summit, which will offer a complete look at the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains. 

If the trail is not enough to satiate the adventurer in you, you can also continue past Cobble Mountain and lengthen the loop by double. 

Bluff Point Coastal Reserve Trail

If you are looking for some leisure hiking, you do not need to look any further than the Bluff Point Coastal Reserve. It is a 12-minute drive from Mystic, Connecticut, and allows you to walk on a 3.6-mile loop to enjoy various terrains.

The walk will take you up 164ft and offers several resting points to take breaks. But be sure to stop at the edge of the waves along the coastline. 

 

Harkness Memorial State Park Loop

A short but enjoyable trail, the Harkness Memorial State Park loop is a total of 1.3 miles. It runs along coastal marshes, shorelines, and other marshes. It is a wonderful hike if you take your entire family out or search for scenic shots of nature in the area.

Do not forget to explore the famous Eolia too while you are there. It is a mansion with 42 rooms and beautiful gardens for you to take pictures in!

Talcott Mountain Trail

The Talcott Mountain State Park is located right beside the West Hartford Reservoir. You can take in some of the wonderful views of the area only if you head up the tower trail of 2.5 miles. The walk-up can become steep, but there are plenty of benches along the way for you to catch your breath. 

Where do you want to hike in Connecticut?

With so many easily accessible Connecticut hikes, there is no reason for you not to go out there and try one of these today. You could visit with your family or just go for a short getaway and enjoy the wonderful views. Think about which one of these you would like to see the most. 

There are so many things to do in Connecticut, combine your hike with other activities to make a whole day of fun!

 

If you want more information about incredible adventures and beautiful locations, feel free to head over to CrowdsourcedExplorer.com and explore more!

 

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