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Connecticut

Looking for the best hiking in Connecticut? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Connecticut. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Connecticut

  • Granby, Connecticut

    Hiking Enders Falls

    4.0
    Enders State Forest sprawls over approximately 2000 acres, and is found within the towns of Granby and Barkhamsted in Connecticut.  Enders has a good sized parking lot directly on Route 219.  From the junction of Route 219 and Route 20, visitors will proceed west on Route 219 for 1.2 miles and tu...
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  • Glastonbury, Connecticut

    Hike to Blackledge Falls

    3.8
    1.5 mi
    Although the park contains hiking trails, a pond and a streambelt, the primary draw of this parcel of land is the 25 foot waterfall. The falls flow varies depending on the volume of precipitation, from a trickle in the dry months to a three-pronged vertical drop after some consistent snow melt or...
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  • Simsbury, Connecticut

    Hike to the Heublein Tower on Talcott Mountain

    4.3
    2.54 mi / 404 ft gain
    The Heublien Tower Trail, located just inside the Talcott Mountain State Park entrance off of Route 185 in Simsbury CT, is a short 1.25 miles. While the hike isn't long, the first 1/3 of a mile is a steep incline that will get your heart pumping. The trail itself it very well kept, and although ...
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  • East Haddam, Connecticut

    Explore Chapman Falls in Devil's Hopyard SP

    4.0
    If you map to Chapman Falls in East Haddam, CT, you will be brought to a parking lot opposite from the waterfall in Devil's Hopyard, a beautiful Connecticut state park. Once there, it's only a few minute walk down a very clear trail to the base of the 60 foot falls. There's plenty of room to set ...
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  • Hamden, Connecticut

    Hike the Tower Trail to the Blue Trail at Sleeping Giant SP

    5.0
    3 mi / 518 ft gain
    Sleeping Giant State Park is a place very close to my heart. I spent 4 years right across the street at Quinnipiac University and have hiked “The Giant” more times then I can count and at all different hours. There are a few different trails you can explore but my favorite one is up to the cliffs...
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  • Norfolk, Connecticut

    Hike to Campbell Falls

    4.0
    1.4 mi / 187 ft gain
    Campbell Falls, one of the most beautiful parks in CT. Don't let the size of the park fool you, that's what adds to the beauty. With it's strong pine and fresh flower scented woods you slowly forget that you're even in Connecticut. The trails aren't labeled the greatest but still can be made out....
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  • Kent, Connecticut

    Explore Kent Falls

    5.0
    0.75 mi / 250 ft gain
    Every now and then you need a day to rest those sore muscle from all your recent adventures. The only issue is, you don't want to sit around inside, you want to be outside. Insert a trip to Kent Fall State Park. The perfect rest adventure day.Located 1 hour and 45 minutes north of New York City i...
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  • Middletown, Connecticut

    Explore Wadsworth Falls

    5.0
    0.25 mi
    When it comes to exploring Wadsworth Falls its ease of access couldn't be better. As soon as you pull into the parking lot you hear the falls roaring. Take the quick walk to see the picturesque scenery.Facts about Wadsworth Falls:Height: 25ft tall and doubled in width Rock: Hampden Basalt -the ro...
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  • Berlin, Connecticut

    Hike the Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve

    4.5
    5.5 mi / 560 ft gain
    Ragged Mountain main loop is approximately 5.5 miles long, and is known for its expansive bare-rock vistas, vertical cliff faces, and scenic views overlooking cliff-side reservoirs and ponds.  The trail is rated moderate, with some flat stretches among the trees, mixed with some uneven rocky foot...
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  • Salisbury, Connecticut

    Bear Mountain Loop

    4.5
    6.05 mi / 1516 ft gain
    At 2,316 feet, Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut. The peak is about a half-mile south of the Massachusetts state line on the Appalachian Trail. The views are great. On a clear day you can see some of the peaks in southern New Hampshire. The remnants of a stone tower are on the summ...
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  • Kent, Connecticut

    Hike the Ridge Loop Trail, Macedonia Brook SP

    3.0
    For a quick weekend trip from Newport, RI, Macedonia Brook State Park had a lot to offer for its size. In three or four hours, with lunch, you can hike the 6.4 mile ridge trail and get some fresh air without having to hike on too busy of trails. The elevation gain is only around 700 ft, however, ...
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  • Hamden, Connecticut

    Hike the Mill River Trail to the Blue Trail at Sleeping Giant SP

    5.0
    3 mi / 518 ft gain
    Since I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed hiking the Giant. As Connecticut parks go, this terrain is some of the most challenging (and unfortunately, the most dangerous) in the state. The actual ridge is approximately 2.75 miles long by 1.75 miles wide, and offers approximately 24 miles of hiking ...
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  • Bridgeport, Connecticut

    Stroll around Fayerweather Island

    0.5 mi
    Parking is at the end of Barnum Road in the Seaside Park.  Though the lighthouse grounds are accessible the tower itself is not open to the public.  To access the island you must walk across the breakwater.  Please use caution as it is uneven footing and at times can be slippery.  From the isla...
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  • Hamden, Connecticut

    Boulder & Free Climb off the Blue Trail In Sleeping Giant SP

    Sleeping Giant State Park does not just have great hiking, it also has great climbing and bouldering. Pick up the blue trail starting at the backside of the visitor center. This trail climbs pretty steadily but take note that as you hike up the cliff below you is a great spot to checkout for boul...
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  • Sharon, Connecticut

    Hike the Pine Knob Loop, Housatonic Meadows SP

    5.0
    2.5 mi / 770 ft gain
    The Pine Knob loop is a 2.5 mile loop trail that takes you through beautiful thick  woods filled with vistas, wild flowers and tons of wild life.  You will start your adventure at the Pine Knob Trail head where you will be able to a Connecticut Appalachian trail guide. Pine Knob is a blue blaze ...
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  • Glastonbury, Connecticut

    Hike the Cotton Hollow Nature Preserve

    5.0
    3 mi
    There are two parking locations for Cotton Hollow, the location tagged in the directions is the shortest hike to the old gun powder mill. Suggestions when it comes to exploring the preserve are to stay on the trails, know your limits, and enjoy! There are swimming holes along the river, but swim ...
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