Hundreds of miles of hiking trails criss-cross the New England state of Connecticut. Many of these take you through stunning state parks and National Historical Parks. Two National Scenic Trails also cut through the state. The tracks and trails range from easy to hard, long and short, and urban and rural, so whatever your walking style and mood, you’ll find a route perfect for you. These routes are a great way to see the geology, flora and fauna of the region. So, if you are into hardcore hiking or leisurely strolling, you are in for a treat when you visit The Constitution State. Ready to explore the inspiring scenery? If so, here are some of the best walks in Connecticut.
Scenic Walks in Connecticut
1. Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden
Sleeping Giant – also known as the Blue Hills and Mount Carmel – is a rugged traprock mountain. It has a high point of 739 feet (225 metres) and is located eight miles (13km) north of New Haven. The Sleeping Giant takes its name from its resemblance to a slumbering human figure. From the top, there are expansive clifftop views. The mountain has over 30 miles (48km) of hiking trails. One of the most popular is the 5-mile (8km) section of the Quinnipiac Trail.
2. Coltsville National Historical Park, Hartford
The Coltsville National Historial Park encompasses and preserves sites of importance linked to Samuel Colt. One of America’s early innovators in precision manufacturing and firearm production, Colt started his Hartford factory on the banks of the Connecticut River in 1847. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the park and visit eleven different sites that tell the history and stories of Samuel Colt and his wife, Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt.
3. New England National Scenic Trail, Central Connecticut
Some 110 miles (177km) of the New England Trail crosses Connecticut taking you through many scenic places, such as Chittenden Park, Timberland Preserve, and Penwood State Park. As you hike, you’ll cross long ridges, and summit mountains and enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful natural and cultural landscape of New England. The trail starts at Long Island Sound in CT.
4. Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, Stamford
The Bartlett Arboretum has many marked walking trails. You can take a guided walk or go it alone and tackle the trails at your own pace. On a guided walk, you’ll visit the cottage, perennial and sundial gardens; red maple wetlands and wildflower meadow; fall wildflower and tree identification; and champion and notable tree collection.
5. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Some 52 miles (84km) of the Appalachian Trail crosses Connecticut. Here, the trail follows the ridges west of the Housatonic River Valley and east of the Taconic Mountains. In Connecticut, there are lots of interesting places to visit along the trail, for instance, Ten Mile Hill, Great Falls, Lions Head and Bear Mountain.
6. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route – National Historic Trail
The 680-mile (1,090km) Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route commemorates the Continental Army’s journey in 1781. Connecticut makes up one-fifth of the route, more than any other state. Along the route in Connecticut, you can visit Lebanon Green which provided winter quarters for some of the hussars of Lauzun’s Legion from November 1780 until June 1781. This is a great route for those who like their hikes with a side order of history.
7. Weir Farm National Historical Park, Ridgefield and Wilton
Weir Farm is the home and studio of American impressionist painter Julian Alden Weir. Nestled amongst painterly woods, fields, and waterways of Ridgefield and Wilton, when you visit, you’ll understand why Weir described it as a “Great Good Place.” Pack a picnic and plan to spend a few hours here just basking in the tranquillity and bucolic beauty of the place.
