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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

  • 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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  • Meriden, Connecticut

    Hike the Metacomet, Blue, and Yellow Loop

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 976 ft gain
    Start from the Castle Craig road entrance. Walk until you're greeted by a beautiful reservoir. You'll notice the strange but beautiful Mine Island in the middle of all this. You'll also notice markers for White Trails and Yellow Trails. The White Trail is an easier/wider trail. The Yellow Trail C...
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  • Salisbury, Connecticut

    Explore Riga Falls

    The best part of the adventure is finding this hidden gem also known as Riga Falls. Riga Falls is actually one of Connecticut's lesser known waterfalls, but arguably the most scenic. A helpful hint is that the waterfall lies beside dirt road, keep your ears open! I've already said too much, happy...
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  • Canaan, Connecticut

    Explore Great Falls

    3.0
    0.5 mi
    Stumbled upon Great Falls in the Falls Village section of Canaan, CT. The stunning 50ft waterfall doesn't disappoint. very easy hike from parking lot, you must cross the river in order to get close for bottom view. Hop on top of turtle rock and relax as the waterfall tumbles in the distance.
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  • Chaplin, Connecticut

    Hike to Diana's Pool

    4.0
    1.3 mi / 45 ft gain
    The drive to Diana's Pool is worth it in an of itself, taking you through the backroads of Eastern Connecticut. To begin the hike just simply enter the woodland path and follow the trail. In order to go under the bridge just simply take the first left in the path and there will be a stream that f...
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  • Southington, Connecticut

    Hike the Crescent Lake & Metacomet Trail Loop

    4.0
    2.4 mi / 269 ft gain
    The hike to view Crescent Lake is peaceful. You can either walk through the woods where you will be blessed with natures finest birds and wildlife or you can take the trail along the lake edge. Both are similar distances and lead to the same hill at the end! Once you get to the top take a left on...
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  • Cheshire, Connecticut

    Hike to Roaring Brook Falls

    1.2 mi / 377 ft gain
    Arriving to the falls, parking is residential but don't worry everyone is friendly. Starting off the hike you will walk past a cool pond where you may be able to see some wildlife. Continuing on, you will follow the marked trail where it will take you further into the woods while gaining elevatio...
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  • Meriden, Connecticut

    Higby Mountain Trail

    2.11 mi / 486 ft gain
    The popular route for this hike is to park your car at the base of the trail which is located right before merging onto 91-S in Middlefield, CT. The parking lot does seem to get crowded mid-day, especially if the weather is nice!  The beginning of the hike is mostly flatter land and an incline w...
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  • Stamford, Connecticut

    Hike Cove Island Park Loop Trail

    5.0
    1.1 mi / 3 ft gain
    This trail is accessible year round and features water views of the Long Island Sound with beach access. The trail is a popular spot for walking, biking, fishing, and even bird watching. But if you’re not quite in the mood to get your steps in, you can use the small beach to sit and chat with a f...
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  • Washington, Connecticut

    Hike the Mount Tom Tower Trail

    1.3 mi / 337 ft gain
    Starting from the parking lot of Mt. Tom State Park, hop onto the Tower Trail (yellow trail) which leads more into the woods. During winter time, the trail may be slippery, please use your best judgement and always know your limits. Gaining about 300 feet in total elevation in approximately 1 mil...
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  • Groton, Connecticut

    Hike Bluff Point State Park Eastern Loop

    4.5
    4.3 mi / 344 ft gain
    Bluff Point State Park Eastern Loop is a 4.3 mile loop hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near Groton, Connecticut.
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  • New Fairfield, Connecticut

    Hike Squantz Pond Trail

    2.2 mi / 321 ft gain
    The hike is rated as moderate and is accessible all year round. While it’s accessible during all seasons, the sights of the leaves changing colors in the autumn makes it an exceptionally beautiful time to do this hike. You’ll definitely want to snap some photos along the way of the foliage reflec...
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  • Ridgefield, Connecticut

    Hike the Hemlock Hills & Pine Mountain Loop

    7.5 mi / 1174 ft gain
    There are several trailheads for Hemlock Hills But the least crowded is at the intersection of Ned's Mountain road and Bogus Road.  I took my 3 year old black lab. There are ton's of little ponds for your dog to jump in and do dog things.  For the most part the hike is flat but at some parts it c...
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  • Norwich, Connecticut

    Explore Yantic Falls Historic District

    0.3 mi / 26 ft gain
    The Yantic Falls Historic District encompasses a historic mill and associated worker housing on Yantic Street in Norwich, Connecticut. The 10 acre area includes a complex of mill buildings arrayed along the Yantic River, and a group of three brick mill worker houses. Today, Yantic Falls is part d...
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  • East Lyme, Connecticut

    Hike Rocky Neck State Park Trail

    5.0
    2.5 mi / 141 ft gain
    Rocky Neck State Park Trail is a 2.5 mile loop hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near East Lyme, Connecticut.
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  • Plainfield, Connecticut

    Hike Sugar Brook Loop Trail

    4.0
    3.3 mi / 200 ft gain
    Sugar Brook Loop Trail is a 3.3 mile loop hike that takes you by a river located near Plainfield, Connecticut.
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