Stories > Peaceful Hikes for Every County
Peaceful Hikes for Every County Last Updated: August 2023
Many people turn to the great outdoors for fresh air, exercise, and the renewing power of nature when looking for a moment of peace. Connecticut’s parks, forests, and trails are a great resource — plus, Connecticut is #1 in the U.S. for hiking!
Planning how to get there? Choose a greener way to travel. See all the transportation options near you with the CTrides transit finder.
Here is updated information on visiting state parks. Below is a list of a few you might consider.
NOTE: This is not a complete list of all available offerings. For a complete list of Connecticut State Parks, click here.
Fairfield County
- Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, Stamford
- Connecticut Audubon Society, Fairfield
- Deer Farm Pond, Sherman
- Hemlock Hills, Ridgefield
- New Canaan Nature Center, New Canaan
- Mianus River State Park, Stamford
Hartford County
- Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, Farmington
- McLean Game Refuge, Granby
- Riverfront Recapture, Hartford
- Wickham Park, Manchester (opens April 4)
- Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury
- Windsor Meadows State Park, Windsor
Litchfield County
- Barkhamsted Reservoir, Barkhamsted
- Hidden Valley Preserve, Washington Depot
- Macedonia Brook State Park, Kent
- White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield
- Burr Pond State Park, Torrington
- Campbell Falls State Park Reserve, Norfolk
Middlesex County
- The Inner Circle Trail at Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown
- Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield
- Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth,
- Cockaponset State Forest, Chester/Haddam
- Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
New Haven County
- Giuffrida Park, Meriden
- West Rock Ridge State Park, Hamden/New Haven
- Farmington Canal State Park Trail, Cheshire/Hamden
- Naugatuck State Forest, Hamden/Naugatuck
- Kettletown State Park, Southbury
- For an on the go guide, discover these trail maps of trails in the New Haven region.
New London County
- Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mystic
- Salmon River State Forest, Colchester
- Mohegan Park Loop, Norwich
- Nehantic State Forest, East Lyme
- Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown
Tolland County
- Fifty-Foot Cliff Trail Head, Storrs
- Gay City State Park, Hebron
- Nipmuck State Forest, Union
- Shenipsit State Park, Stafford/Sommers/Ellington
- Talcottville Ravine Trail, Vernon
Windham County
- West Thompson Lake, Thompson
- Ross Pond State Park, Killingly
- Border Woods, Woodstock
- Old Furnace State Park, Killingly
- Mashomoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret
Additional Hiking Options
Below are some additional articles that offer various hiking opportunities throughout the state. Be sure to visit the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection site for updates on state parks:
- CT DEEP: NOTE - The trails and grounds of Connecticut State Parks and Forests are open for solitary outdoor enjoyment. If you plan to visit a park, it should be for solitary recreation, not group activities. Please plan ahead as many amenities and indoor facilities are closed, and visitors must practice social distancing. COVID-19 Updates CT State Parks and Forests
- To avoid crowds and find less traveled trails, the Connecticut Forest & Park Association provides recommendations on different options throughout the state on their Facebook page.
If you are the manager of an attraction that you think should be on this list, please contact the Connecticut Office of Tourism.