Connecticut

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

This loop follows the blue against the reservoir where it will break off to the left (this is a longer hike ~ 6.3 miles that'll eventually get to the peak), but if you're looking for this short hike, keep following the water side where it will meet the white trail for a short distance. Note: Som...

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, ...

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...

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 ...

Working my way to the West side of the state, a friend recently helped me discover Naugatuck State Park in Naugatuck, CT. After driving up and around curvy roads, we entered the forest (with a lot of potholes). Here is a map of the park. The parking I am talking about here is the "P" symbol next ...

West Rock Ridge State Park is a 700 ft high scenic ridge that is located on the west side of New Haven. There are tons of good mountain biking trails located all around the ridge that can satisfy all types of skill levels. The easiest place to park is the Lake Wintergreen parking lot, which sits ...

Lantern Hill in North Stonington, CT. has been one of my new favorite short hikes since I've been home for a long period of time. Interestingly enough, the trail I've noted is right next to the Foxwoods Casino. In fact, one of them is actually in the back parking lot of a resort. So plenty of pa...