{"id":40878,"date":"2018-11-28T09:32:16","date_gmt":"2018-11-28T17:32:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=40878"},"modified":"2023-11-28T16:31:06","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T00:31:06","slug":"best-hiking-connecticut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-hiking-connecticut","title":{"rendered":"10 Top Hikes in Connecticut"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite its small size, Connecticut offers both local and visiting hikers a variety of trail systems to explore. The parks and forests scattered throughout the state have hundreds of miles of trail, and you can enjoy everything from easily accessible and well-kept suburban strolls to more rugged and technical backcountry hikes through secluded woods and hills. In the spring and summer, you&#8217;ll hike through lush greenery, and the autumn is particularly stunning with the multicolored blaze of the changing leaves. Grab your snowshoes or cross-country skis in the winter for a peaceful experience on the snow-covered trails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Mohegan Park Loop <\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Norwich, CT, in Mohegan Park, 40 miles southeast of Hartford<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 1.9-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Easy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A family-friendly loop on wide and well-maintained trails<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located just north of Norwich, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/norwichct.org\/Facilities\/Facility\/Details\/122\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mohegan Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a lovely and well-kept park with a variety of activities that the entire family can enjoy. The flat trails offer a pleasant way to explore the park on foot. If you\u2019re looking for other activities pre- or post-hike, pack a lunch and enjoy it at the pavilion or picnic area or, in the summer, swing by the swimming beach located on the east side of Spaulding Pond. Visitors can also fish in the pond, and families with younger children can visit one of the two playgrounds by the lake. In the summer, you can also stop by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/norwichct.org\/Facilities\/Facility\/Details\/97\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterans Memorial Rose Garden<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which features nearly 2,500 rose bushes\u2014June is the recommended time to see the roses at their peak bloom. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mohegan Park Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0is easy-to-follow, yet feels far away from civilization. The trails are wide and well-used, and the loop can be done year-round, even in the winter, as the trails are marked with colored blazes. If hiking the loop counterclockwise from the Mohegan Park Center Lot off Mohegan Park Road, start on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> heading south. This forested trail crosses a wooden footbridge over a small creek and passes some rock formations on the left. At its southern end, the trail comes to a junction with the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the Lower Pond\u2014this is an especially scenic spot in the fall. Continue on the Green Trail along an earthen dam before heading back into the woods. You will cross a red plank bridge and eventually connect to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> briefly before finishing your hike on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inner Paved Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> around the shores of Spaulding Pond. The pond has several conveniently located benches where you can rest your legs and soak up the scenery before heading home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Godfrey Pond Loop<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Georgetown, CT, in Devil&#8217;s Den Preserve, 19 miles northeast of Stamford<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 1.3-mile lollipop loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Easy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A beginner-friendly loop with some historic sightseeing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A trip to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.org\/en-us\/get-involved\/how-to-help\/places-we-protect\/lucius-pond-ordwaydevils-den-preserve\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Devil&#8217;s Den Preserve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers options for both beginner and experienced hikers. The 1,756-acre preserve is the largest continuous preserve managed by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.org\/en-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nature Conservancy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the state of Connecticut. As such, it offers an oasis from the bustle of some of the other suburban parks and preserves in the area. The preserve features many miles of forested trails, ranging from the popular and well-used southern trails to the more challenging and rugged trails in the interior of the park. Paper maps are usually available at the trailhead, and it is recommended that you take one on your hike<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as the trail system can be a bit confusing in places. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The loop around Godfrey Pond is one of the easier and more accessible hikes in the preserve. At just over one mile in length, this flat loop is an ideal outing for families or beginner hikers. For more experienced hikers, this can serve as a warm-up loop for a longer exploration of the park. From the trailhead, the loop starts on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laurel Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a wooded trail that winds east and north toward Godfrey Pond. The trail then skirts around the east side of Godfrey Pond, a mill pond created in the 1700s. Godfrey Pond is a picturesque spot, and you may find yourself lingering in the area to take in the scenery. There is a bench at one end of the pond where you can stop for a photo or a snack. As you continue your loop around the pond, keep an eye open for the remains of an old sawmill and other stone structures. The loop concludes on a short section of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Godfrey Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to connect to the Laurel Trail which you follow back to the trailhead. <\/span><!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ctvisit.com\/listings\/hubbard-park-castle-craig\"><b>Castle Craig<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Meriden, CT, in Hubbard Park, 24 miles southwest of Hartford<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 2.8-mile round-trip out-and-back<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Easy\/intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An adventurous excursion to a castle tower with a view<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leashed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conveniently located near downtown Meriden, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridenct.gov\/city-services\/parks-and-recreation\/hubbard-park\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hubbard Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers a unique landscape mixed with history, making it an engaging spot to hike and explore. Whether you are looking for a quick afternoon outing to enjoy the views, or a longer excursion to explore a section of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7015056\/metacomet-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metacomet Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Hubbard Park has a variety of options. The rocky promontories of the Hanging Hills, a range of ridges that are part of the longer Metacomet Ridge, give hikers unobstructed vantages of the surrounding area. The park\u2019s rocky, wooded ridges are also ideal for hikers who seek a bit of elevation gain. Older, more adventurous kids can try the hike up, but for families with younger children, driving to the summit parking area of the tower is also an option. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hike to Castle Craig and East Peak starts from the trailhead for the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> near Mirror Lake. There is also a large overflow parking lot near the lake if you don&#8217;t arrive at the trailhead early enough to secure one of the spots at the small trailhead lot. Start the hike on the White Trail, crossing Interstate 691 on a pedestrian bridge about half a mile into the hike. From here, you begin the climb up to East Peak. When the leaves are off the trees, you can catch a glimpse of the stone tower along the climb. The uphill is steep in places and a bit rocky in others, but the rewarding view from the ridge is worth the effort. Follow the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White Spur Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the top of East Peak where you&#8217;ll find the 32-foot-tall stone tower of Castle Craig. You can climb an interior metal stairway to reach the top of this observation tower, which gives you a memorable vantage point of the greater Meriden area, including Sleeping Giant Mountain to the south and the Berkshire Mountains to the north. In the fall, the foliage provides a stunning backdrop and, on a clear day, you may even be able to spot New Haven and the waters of Long Island Sound. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><b>Hemlock Hills<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Ridgefield, CT, 7 miles southwest of Danbury and 25 miles north of Stamford<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 2.3-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Easy\/intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An easygoing hike with a backcountry feel<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leashed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hemlock Hills is a lovely trail system on a small tract of open space maintained by the town of Ridgefield. Located adjacent to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pine Mountain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wooster Mountain State Park<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seth Low Pierrepont State Park<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bennett&#8217;s Pond State Park<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the trails offer extensive acreage to explore. The Hemlock Hills trail system offers a little bit of everything, including several slightly more rugged, narrow trails that feel more remote than they actually are. The trails in the area wind up and down rolling hills, and there are trickling streams and creeks to cross in addition to some small lakes and marshy areas. In the spring and summer, keep an eye open for poison ivy and, after returning home, be sure to perform a thorough check for ticks. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This loop hike offers an introduction to the rocky and wooded trails that can be found in the area. Starting from the Lake Windwing parking area, hike past the iron gate on to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which starts as a wide path. From here, you will use a short connector to hop on the\u00a0mostly flat and wide\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orange Access Trail &#8211; West<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Turn right onto the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellow Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is one of the highlights of the loop. This narrow trail passes some impressive rock formations and interesting marshy areas before you turn onto the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue Connector<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to access the Red Trail. This section of the Red Trail is gently undulating, and heads over and through large granite outcrops before descending alongside the stream that connects Rainbow Lake and Lake Windwing. From here, the trail widens and follows along the northern shore of Lake Windwing to finish the loop. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>West Thompson Lake<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thompson, CT, in the West Thompson Lake Recreation Area, 25 miles south of Worcester, MA, and 32 miles west of Providence, RI<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 7.2-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A lakeside loop that makes a perfect weekend getaway<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leashed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A visit to the West Thompson Lake Recreation Area offers a full day on the trails for adventurous hikers who will enjoy the mostly easy terrain circling both West Thompson Lake and the Quinebaug River. The recreation area provides a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking or playing a round of disc golf. The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">West Thompson Lake <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Campground<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers 24 sites to choose from if you would like to extend your stay. The shaded campground located close to the dam overlook promises a respite from the summer heat and waterfront views that are impressive at sunset.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">West Thompson Lake<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> loop starts from the boat launch parking area off Reardon Road. From here, head south along the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoreline Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The trail winds through the disc-golf course and crosses the dam, which provides a scenic view of the lake. Once on the west shore, the trail follows a wide dirt road that winds through meadows and woods near the water. You&#8217;ll come to an area where a bridge used to connect to the opposite shore. The remnants of the bridge are an ideal spot for a snack or lunch break. At the end of the Shoreline Trail, continue on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quinebaug River Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which loops around the Quinebaug River. The trail can be a bit faint in spots, so keep an eye open for orange blazes to help you find your way. At about 6 miles, you will connect back to the Shoreline Trail which winds along the eastern shore of the lake and returns you to the boat launch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nqta.org\/uploads\/2\/3\/7\/8\/23787536\/10_bear_mnt_sages_ravine_design.pdf\"><b>Bear Mountain<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Salisbury, CT, in Mount Riga State Park, 51 miles northwest of Hartford<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 5.4-mile round-trip out-and-back<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Summiting the highest peak in Connecticut<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leashed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located near the region where Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts meet, Bear Mountain&#8217;s claim to fame as the highest peak in Connecticut comes with a small disclaimer. Though the summit of Bear Mountain, at 2,323 feet, is technically the highest peak in the state, it isn\u2019t the highest <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">point<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the state. That accolade belongs to a 2,380-foot-high spot on the state line located on the southern slope of Mount Frissell, a peak in Massachusetts. Although a trek up Bear Mountain won\u2019t allow you to reach the highest point in the state, this popular climb is still well worth the trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hike starts in Mount Riga State Park from a large dirt parking lot at the eastern edge of the park. Start your hike on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under Mountain Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which climbs about 1,000 feet in just under 2 miles. The climb is mostly gradual with one steeper grade near the mile 1 mark, plus a few small streams to cross. From the end of the Under Mountain Trail, turn north onto the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appalachian Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Here, the hiking gets a bit more rugged as the trail climbs steeply along the ridgeline, and there are some rocky sections that require scrambling. You&#8217;ll know you have reached the summit when you come to a large, flat-topped rock pyramid that marks the peak. Climb this stone pyramid for some well-earned views! On a clear day and in winter when the trees have shed their leaves, this vista is particularly impressive, offering 360-degree views of the lakes and mountains of Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. After savoring the view, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>West Rock Ridge Loop <\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: New Haven, CT in West Rock Ridge State Park, 3 miles northwest of downtown New Haven<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 7.9-mile, round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A loop with equal parts easy trails and more rugged terrain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leashed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located near downtown New Haven, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ct.gov\/deep\/cwp\/view.asp?a=2716&amp;q=325276&amp;deepNav_GID=1650\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rock Ridge State Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offer a unique combination of views, rugged hiking, easy trails and other adventures such as fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding and boating. Whether you want to enjoy the scenic vistas found at the South Overlook and along the shores of Lake Wintergreen, or are on the hunt for a longer weekend outing to explore the ridges and valleys of West Rock Ridge, this park has a little something for everyone. A stop off at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlasobscura.com\/places\/judges-cave\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judges Cave<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will even give you a tiny introduction to some basic spelunking for an interesting addition to your hike. This loop hits the highlights on the southern end of West Rock Ridge State Park with a stop by Judges Cave, a stroll along Lake Wintergreen, and a splendid vista at the South Overlook to start and finish your hike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The loop starts on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regicides Trail (Blue Trail)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you&#8217;ll encounter some of the more challenging terrain in the park. The trail follows the undulating ridgeline offering some rewarding views where there is a break in the trees. A short detour on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Judges Cave makes for a fun side trip. You can climb around the smooth rocks and tight crevices of this small cave, which is marked by a historic plaque. Continuing on the Regicides Trail, you will eventually turn on to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purple Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a wooded connector leading to the wide and well-kept <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Continue south on the Red Trail along the eastern shore of Lake Wintergreen. The lake is most scenic in the summer and fall when the trees reflect in the still water of the lake. Be prepared to share this popular section of trail with other users on weekends and during peak season. Once past the lake, the trail continues south on gently rolling and wooded terrain. Save some energy for the end of the hike as the toughest climb is ahead! Near the 7.5-mile mark, the Red Trail turns west and climbs very steeply. The trail winds up the side of the ridge, gaining a little more than 100 feet in about a half a mile. This leg-burning climb will reward you as you return to the trailhead with views from the South Overlook where you can spot downtown New Haven, Sleeping Giant State Park, East Rock Park, Long Island and Long Island Sound on a clear day. Pack a post-hike picnic lunch to enjoy at the nearby pavilion.<\/span><!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ctwoodlands.org\/blue-blazed-hiking-trails\/zoar-trail\"><b>Zoar Trail <\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Oxford, CT, in Paugussett State Forest, 19 miles northwest of New Haven<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 6.4-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate\/difficult<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A rugged loop for hikers looking for a more technical challenge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leashed<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located in Paugussett State Forest, the blue-blazed Zoar Trail offers a slightly more remote and secluded experience than some of the more well-known Connecticut public parks. A large parking area can be found at the southeastern corner of the loop at the end of Great Quarter Road. The Zoar Trail forms the outer loop of the trail system, and there are other connecting trails throughout. Although the trails are blazed and most of the junctions are marked, you may want to bring a map, a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s there are a few confusing intersections where a map will offer peace of mind that you are on the right track. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiking the loop clockwise allows you to tackle the steeper hills first, as you climb to the high point of the loop in a little more than 2 miles. For the most part, the ascent is steady with a few steeper sections and rocky portions where you will have to watch your footing. This section of the loop winds through the wooded western edge of Paugussett State Forest. There are a couple of small streams with waterfalls that you will cross. In the winter, these frozen cascades and iced-over streams add to the picturesque setting. Once past the high point of the loop, the trail descends\u2014at times steeply\u2014and you&#8217;ll want to watch your footing on the rocks. At just under four miles, you&#8217;ll navigate a steep downhill to the shore of Lake Zoar, a reservoir formed on the Housatonic River. In the warmer months, the lake is popular for boating, kayaking, fishing, tubing and waterskiing. In the colder months, the hike along the lake is quiet and scenic with the leaves off the trees. The lakeside section is mostly flat with a few small undulations. This is the most popular section of the loop, so you may encounter more foot traffic. As you reach the westernmost portion of the loop, there is one final steep hill before an easy hike back to the trailhead. <\/span><!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/hikethehudsonvalley.com\/hikes\/rands-view\/\"><b>Rand&#8217;s View Out and Back<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Canaan, CT, near Great Falls Reservoir, 45 miles northwest of Hartford and 41 miles northeast of Poughkeepsie, NY<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 5.4-mile round-trip out-and-back<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate\/difficult<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A hike to one of the beautiful vistas along the Appalachian Trail <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leashed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are looking for an excursion along the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appalachian Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this out-and-back hike provides a challenging route to a splendid view. The start of the hike is located near Great Falls Dam; taking some time to learn about the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.webtownhall.com\/canaan\/Resources\/History.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">history of the area<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in addition to stopping by the dam for some photos is an added bonus if you have extra time. This scenic area along the Housatonic River offers a pleasant combination of rolling hills, wooded terrain and open meadows, where you will have expansive views of the area. The Appalachian Trail is clearly marked with signs and blue blazes. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the trailhead, the hike starts with a steady <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/635168\/climbon-lotion-bar-1-oz\">climb on<\/a> the Appalachian Trail. The climb gains nearly 800 feet in the course of two miles and heads through wooded terrain with a few open, grassy areas along the way. There are several steeper sections mixed in that will raise your heart rate and get your legs burning, but all of these climbs are fairly short and are followed by relatively mellow terrain where you can ease the pace and catch your breath. As the trail climbs to Mount Prospect, be aware that there are a few rocky ledges that can be slippery when wet or when covered by leaves or ice. Once you reach the summit of Mount Prospect, you will descend about 250 feet over about a mile before reaching a short trail that branches off to the open vista of Rand&#8217;s View. On a clear day, the views are absolutely stunning, and in the fall, the landscape is ablaze with the changing leaves\u2014don&#8217;t forget to bring your camera. Pack a snack or lunch for a picnic at the viewpoint before retracing your steps to the trailhead. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trailforks.com\/trails\/macedonia-ridge-trail\/\"><b>Macedonia Ridge Trail<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Kent, CT, in Macedonia Brook State Park, 30 miles north of Danbury and 32 miles east of Poughkeepsie, NY<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 6.4-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate\/difficult<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A tough hike to rewarding views from Cobble Mountain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Dogs: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leashed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ct.gov\/deep\/cwp\/view.asp?a=2716&amp;q=325234&amp;deepNav_GID=1650\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macedonia Brook State Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers a trail system with a combination of rugged and technical terrain and easier, mellow hiking for those not looking for a summit adventure. The park also has a 51-site campground in a more rustic setting for visitors looking for a long weekend. The Macedonia Brook Campground offers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ct.gov\/deep\/cwp\/view.asp?a=2716&amp;q=325042&amp;deepNav_GID=1621\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reservable campsites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and rustic cabins. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors can fish in the streams throughout the park. The southern trailhead to access this hike is located off Macedonia Brook Road. The pullout is not very large so you will want to arrive early during the busy summer months. As with any wooded hike in the state, be sure to check for ticks after your outing\u2014especially if hiking with dogs and\/or small children. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macedonia Ridge Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of the highlights of the park. This trail has a rugged and challenging western portion and a more mellow eastern half. You can hike the loop in either direction; hiking it clockwise will allow you to tackle the tough terrain first. The western side of the loop heads north from the trailhead, climbing steadily and steeply toward Cobble Mountain. This viewpoint offers stunning views of the Catskills and Taconics. If you aren&#8217;t up for the full loop, an out-and-back to Cobble Mountain is an equally good option. For those continuing on, the Macedonia Ridge Trail heads north, climbing several other peaks and offering more open views interspersed with strenuous climbs. In the fall, this section of the hike is particularly pleasant as the colorful foliage adds to the beauty of the landscape. At the northern end of the loop, you will briefly skirt Hilltop Pond before the trail loops back to the south. The eastern portion of the loop has some hills but nothing as long or steep as what you&#8217;ve already tackled. Here, you will be hiking in the woods past numerous springs and streams, such as Macedonia Brook, as the trail winds south to return to the trailhead. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite its small size, Connecticut offers both local and visiting hikers a variety of trail systems to explore. The parks and forests scattered throughout the state have hundreds of miles of trail, and you can enjoy everything from easily accessible and well-kept suburban strolls to more rugged and technical backcountry hikes through secluded woods and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":194813,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[387],"tags":[707,1528],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-40878","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hike","tag-hiking","tag-northeast"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-hiking-connecticut","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"10 Top Hikes in Connecticut","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-hiking-connecticut","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-hiking-connecticut"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Bondi_102617_0025.png?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Bondi_102617_0025.png?fit=1100%2C486"},"articleSection":"Hike","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Michelle Flandreau"}],"creator":["Michelle Flandreau"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["hiking","northeast"],"dateCreated":"2018-11-28T17:32:16Z","datePublished":"2018-11-28T17:32:16Z","dateModified":"2023-11-29T00:31:06Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"10 Top Hikes in Connecticut\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/hike\\\/best-hiking-connecticut\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/hike\\\/best-hiking-connecticut\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/11\\\/Bondi_102617_0025.png?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/11\\\/Bondi_102617_0025.png?fit=1100%2C486\"},\"articleSection\":\"Hike\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Michelle Flandreau\"}],\"creator\":[\"Michelle Flandreau\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"hiking\",\"northeast\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2018-11-28T17:32:16Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-11-28T17:32:16Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-11-29T00:31:06Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Bondi_102617_0025.png?fit=1100%2C486","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40878"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":194814,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40878\/revisions\/194814"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/194813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40878"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=40878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}