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Branford, Connecticut

Top Spots in and near Branford

  • Shelter Island, New York

    Hike through the Mashomack Nature Preserve

    10 mi
    Just a short ferry ride from the Hamptons, South Ferry Road is exactly where it sounds; very close to the South Ferry of Shelter Island. The parking lot of Mashomack Preserve is marked by a large sign. When you walk in, you'll see a large nature center. Sign in at a clipboard at the table out fro...
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  • Southampton, New York

    Paddle Peconic Bay

    4.0
    While there are many ways to access the Peconic Bay, I have found the best direction to explore is north west after launching and during the sunset. If you head to the public beach on Towd Point Rd. you can launch from there and make your way out toward Robins Island. Like most places the water i...
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  • Litchfield, Connecticut

    Photograph Daffodils at Laurel Ridge

    Laurel Ridge is a private owned Farm , the owners are generous enough to let people visit these flowers so please be respectful of there rules.  You may see the Daffodils from Sunrise-Sunset and usually fully bloomed Early April-May. Laurel Ridge is the perfect way to start Spring, the smell and ...
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  • Danbury, Connecticut

    Hike Middle Mountain To Thomas Mountain Loop

    3.7 mi / 856 ft gain
    Middle Mountain to Thomas Mountain Loop is a 3.7 mile loop hike that takes you past great forest setting located near Danbury, Connecticut.
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  • Kings Park, New York

    Kayaking the Nissequogue River

    5.0
    Starting on the banks of Nissequogue River State Park, this 6 mile journey makes you feel like you’re cruising down river in the south, when you’re really on Long Island. I really suggest going as high tide is rolling in as there can be some shallow sections along this trip. Head out into the ope...
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  • Glastonbury, Connecticut

    Blackledge Falls

    4.0
    1.46 mi / 207 ft gain
    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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  • 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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  • Manchester, Connecticut

    Explore Wickham Park

    5.0
    Wickham Park Is open the first weekend in April and closes the last weekend in October. Entrances fees are $5 Monday-Friday and $7 Saturday-Sunday. The park is known for its 250 acres of  open fields, wildflowers, gardens, ponds and nature center. There is no where else can you go have a picnic w...
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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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  • 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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  • Washington, Connecticut

    Hike Meeker Trail

    3.3 mi / 639 ft gain
    Meeker Trail is a 3.3 mile out and back hike that takes you by a lake located near New Preston, Connecticut.
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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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  • Groton, Connecticut

    Visit Avery Point Lighthouse

    3.0
    Owned by the University of Connecticut this lighthouse is a short walk from the parking area.  Though the grounds are open the tower is not.  Avery Point offers panoramic ocean views. From this location you can also see New London Harbor Lighthouse & New London Ledge Light. You can also see t...
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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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  • Pound Ridge, New York

    Leatherman's Loop

    1.25 mi / 1183 ft gain
    This loop trail is moderately rated and reaches a total elevation gain of approximately 1,183 feet. It’s located in the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, which spans roughly 4,315 acres. It is Westchester County’s largest park and includes roughly 35 plus miles of hiking trails to explore. The Ward...
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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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