You have to admit that Connecticut is loaded with natural beauty. From shoreline to inland, there’s much to see and these easy warm-weather hikes will take you to some beautiful, yet lesser-known places across the state. Here are the 11 best hikes in Connecticut to take during the summer. You’ll enjoy exploring these trails all season long.
- Trolley Trail, Branford
AllTrails/David Orrell This little trail is just over a mile long and has an amazing end view of the shoreline. You’ll also cross a river and be treated to views of coastal wildlife. Come see why the Trolley Trail in Branford is one of the best hikes in Connecticut! Explore this short trail at W. Point Rd., Branford, CT 06405. West Point Road, W Point Rd, Branford, CT 06405, USA
- Bailey’s Ravine at Ayer Gap, North Franklin
AllTrails/Bruce Caisse This 2.7-mile loop trail features an incredible waterfall. Enjoy the quiet wooded setting as you travel along this scenic path. You can find Bailey’s Ravine at 291 Pond Rd., North Franklin, CT 06254. 291 Pond Rd, North Franklin, CT 06254, USA
- Shadow Lake, Ridgefield
AllTrails/James Waldo This 3/4-mile loop trail circles a hidden lake with wonderful water views. Stop and enjoy a picnic on the tiny peninsula that juts out into the water. Find Shadow Lake Trail at 176 Shadow Lake Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877. 176 Shadow Lake Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA
- West Hartford Reservoir Trail #6, West Hartford
AllTrails/Brandon S This 3.8-mile loop trail around the reservoir is perfect for a summer day. The flat terrain makes it an easy trip for kids, dogs, strollers, and everyone else. Enjoy the West Hartford Reservoir Trail at 2900 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117. 2900 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
- Natchaug State Forest CCC Loop, Ashford
AllTrails/Jeff Hall You’ll be treated to the gurgling sounds of the river and the picturesque views that go along with it while hiking this trail. The CCC Loop is 3.5 miles round trip through an enchanting forested setting. You can find the Natchaug State Forest on Rte. 198, Eastford, CT 06242. Connecticut 198, CT-198, Eastford, CT 06242, USA
- Quarry Park, Rocky Hill
AllTrails/Shelly West You’ll fall in love with the views on this scenic trail that is just over 2 miles long. The walk is pretty flat so you can enjoy a gentle pace. Quarry Park can be found at 34A Old Main St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. 34A Old Main St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, USA
- Bluff Point State Park, Groton
AllTrails/Jack Needham The Coastal Reserve Trail is a 3.6-mile loop with stunning views of coastal waterways. Experience the shoreline breezes along this serene hike. Enjoy this coastal gem at 55 Depot Rd., Groton, CT 06340. 55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA
- Lake Wintergreen, New Haven
AllTrails/Lawrence Liang This simple trail in West Rock Ridge State Park is literally a walk in the park. Enjoy a scenic stroll around the 1.5-mile loop that skirts around Lake Wintergreen. This sweet trail can be found at 1134 Wintergreen Ave., New Haven, CT 06514. 1134 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, USA
- Hop Brook Lake, Middlebury
AllTrails/Michael Ortiz This easy peasy trail is a 2.7-mile loop that features a beautiful lake. You can stop and take a dip to beat the heat during the summer. You’ll find the Hop Brook Dam Loop at 4 Straits Tpke., Middlebury, CT 06762. 4 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762, USA
- Nonnewaug Falls, Bethlehem
AllTrails/Joseph Aveni This shady trail through the forest has charming stream and waterfall views. The hike is just a little over a mile and you can find it off of Falls Rd., Bethlehem, CT 06751. Don’t skip over the Nonnewaug Falls Trail! Falls Road, Falls Rd, Bethlehem, CT 06751, USA
- Tyler Mill, Wallingford
AllTrails/Stephen Clark The Tyler Mill Run Trail is a charming 2.5-mile loop trail that meanders through the woods. You’ll be treated to the serenade of the local frogs as you journey along. You can find Tyler Mill at 1151 E. Center St., Wallingford, CT 06492. 1151 E Center St, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA
Have you taken any of these easy summer hikes in Connecticut? Do you have a special summer trail that you are willing to share? Let us know in the comments section.
AllTrails/David Orrell
This little trail is just over a mile long and has an amazing end view of the shoreline. You’ll also cross a river and be treated to views of coastal wildlife. Come see why the Trolley Trail in Branford is one of the best hikes in Connecticut! Explore this short trail at W. Point Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
West Point Road, W Point Rd, Branford, CT 06405, USA
AllTrails/Bruce Caisse
This 2.7-mile loop trail features an incredible waterfall. Enjoy the quiet wooded setting as you travel along this scenic path. You can find Bailey’s Ravine at 291 Pond Rd., North Franklin, CT 06254.
291 Pond Rd, North Franklin, CT 06254, USA
AllTrails/James Waldo
This 3/4-mile loop trail circles a hidden lake with wonderful water views. Stop and enjoy a picnic on the tiny peninsula that juts out into the water. Find Shadow Lake Trail at 176 Shadow Lake Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
176 Shadow Lake Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA
AllTrails/Brandon S
This 3.8-mile loop trail around the reservoir is perfect for a summer day. The flat terrain makes it an easy trip for kids, dogs, strollers, and everyone else. Enjoy the West Hartford Reservoir Trail at 2900 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117.
2900 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
AllTrails/Jeff Hall
You’ll be treated to the gurgling sounds of the river and the picturesque views that go along with it while hiking this trail. The CCC Loop is 3.5 miles round trip through an enchanting forested setting. You can find the Natchaug State Forest on Rte. 198, Eastford, CT 06242.
Connecticut 198, CT-198, Eastford, CT 06242, USA
AllTrails/Shelly West
You’ll fall in love with the views on this scenic trail that is just over 2 miles long. The walk is pretty flat so you can enjoy a gentle pace. Quarry Park can be found at 34A Old Main St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
34A Old Main St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, USA
AllTrails/Jack Needham
The Coastal Reserve Trail is a 3.6-mile loop with stunning views of coastal waterways. Experience the shoreline breezes along this serene hike. Enjoy this coastal gem at 55 Depot Rd., Groton, CT 06340.
55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA
AllTrails/Lawrence Liang
This simple trail in West Rock Ridge State Park is literally a walk in the park. Enjoy a scenic stroll around the 1.5-mile loop that skirts around Lake Wintergreen. This sweet trail can be found at 1134 Wintergreen Ave., New Haven, CT 06514.
1134 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, USA
AllTrails/Michael Ortiz
This easy peasy trail is a 2.7-mile loop that features a beautiful lake. You can stop and take a dip to beat the heat during the summer. You’ll find the Hop Brook Dam Loop at 4 Straits Tpke., Middlebury, CT 06762.
4 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762, USA
AllTrails/Joseph Aveni
This shady trail through the forest has charming stream and waterfall views. The hike is just a little over a mile and you can find it off of Falls Rd., Bethlehem, CT 06751. Don’t skip over the Nonnewaug Falls Trail!
Falls Road, Falls Rd, Bethlehem, CT 06751, USA
AllTrails/Stephen Clark
The Tyler Mill Run Trail is a charming 2.5-mile loop trail that meanders through the woods. You’ll be treated to the serenade of the local frogs as you journey along. You can find Tyler Mill at 1151 E. Center St., Wallingford, CT 06492.
1151 E Center St, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA
For even more easy hikes, try these inland boardwalk trails in Connecticut.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Connecticut March 09, 2022 Elisa Regulski What are the best beaches in Connecticut? There are so many wonderful beach hikes in Connecticut, and each one will blow you away. You’ve got to check out Connecticut’s longest beach, Hammonasset Beach State Park. Located in Madison, this area is home to unrivaled beauty. You’ll love meandering through the winding paths and soaking up the sights. For even more fun, visit Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme. This area is home to some of the best easy hikes in Connecticut, and it’s perfect for the whole family. Check out our list of the best beach hikes in Connecticut for even more travel inspiration. What are the best outdoor adventures in Connecticut? Looking for some fun? Why not visit the Thimble Islands near Branford? This archipelago consists of about 100 small islands, and only a few people live there. Cruise around the islands and keep your eyes out for wildlife. It’s one of the best ways to explore Connecticut! For more fun, head over to Kent Falls State Park. People compare this gorgeous cascade to Niagara Falls, and it’s easy to see why. This place will leave you in awe. What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut? With so many easy hikes in Connecticut, you don’t need to leave the kiddos at home. Everyone loves exploring Stratton Brook State Park. This area is home to some of the most gorgeous views in the state. Don’t pass by the covered bridge! This is perfect for a photo opportunity. For more fun, hike around Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. Here, you’ll find gorgeous waterfalls, babbling brooks, and woodland landscapes. These views will really wash away your worries! If you need more ideas, check out our full list of the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Connecticut
March 09, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What are the best beaches in Connecticut? There are so many wonderful beach hikes in Connecticut, and each one will blow you away. You’ve got to check out Connecticut’s longest beach, Hammonasset Beach State Park. Located in Madison, this area is home to unrivaled beauty. You’ll love meandering through the winding paths and soaking up the sights. For even more fun, visit Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme. This area is home to some of the best easy hikes in Connecticut, and it’s perfect for the whole family. Check out our list of the best beach hikes in Connecticut for even more travel inspiration. What are the best outdoor adventures in Connecticut? Looking for some fun? Why not visit the Thimble Islands near Branford? This archipelago consists of about 100 small islands, and only a few people live there. Cruise around the islands and keep your eyes out for wildlife. It’s one of the best ways to explore Connecticut! For more fun, head over to Kent Falls State Park. People compare this gorgeous cascade to Niagara Falls, and it’s easy to see why. This place will leave you in awe. What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut? With so many easy hikes in Connecticut, you don’t need to leave the kiddos at home. Everyone loves exploring Stratton Brook State Park. This area is home to some of the most gorgeous views in the state. Don’t pass by the covered bridge! This is perfect for a photo opportunity. For more fun, hike around Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. Here, you’ll find gorgeous waterfalls, babbling brooks, and woodland landscapes. These views will really wash away your worries! If you need more ideas, check out our full list of the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many wonderful beach hikes in Connecticut, and each one will blow you away. You’ve got to check out Connecticut’s longest beach, Hammonasset Beach State Park. Located in Madison, this area is home to unrivaled beauty. You’ll love meandering through the winding paths and soaking up the sights. For even more fun, visit Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme. This area is home to some of the best easy hikes in Connecticut, and it’s perfect for the whole family. Check out our list of the best beach hikes in Connecticut for even more travel inspiration.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Connecticut?
Looking for some fun? Why not visit the Thimble Islands near Branford? This archipelago consists of about 100 small islands, and only a few people live there. Cruise around the islands and keep your eyes out for wildlife. It’s one of the best ways to explore Connecticut! For more fun, head over to Kent Falls State Park. People compare this gorgeous cascade to Niagara Falls, and it’s easy to see why. This place will leave you in awe.
What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut?
With so many easy hikes in Connecticut, you don’t need to leave the kiddos at home. Everyone loves exploring Stratton Brook State Park. This area is home to some of the most gorgeous views in the state. Don’t pass by the covered bridge! This is perfect for a photo opportunity. For more fun, hike around Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. Here, you’ll find gorgeous waterfalls, babbling brooks, and woodland landscapes. These views will really wash away your worries! If you need more ideas, check out our full list of the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut.
