Bridgewater, Connecticut
Top Spots in and near Bridgewater
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Hopewell Junction, New York
Lake Canopus Viewpoint
4.02.07 mi / 148 ft gainIts a great place to explore as it has a beautiful calm lake especially in the fall, the reflection of the water and the awesome colors are unbelievable. Its a short hike but you certainly could go further up. Parking is free by the road, hike towards the lake about a mile or so. The sound of bi...Read more -
Hopewell Junction, New York
Beaver Pond via Appalachian Trail
5.03 mi / 400 ft gainBeaver Pond is a small body of water created by a dam that was constructed during the days of iron ore mining in the area. The pond is crystal clear and has a wonderful tree line right on the water. The best time to visit here is early morning in the fall. With the leaves changing color they m...Read more -
Hamden, Connecticut
Hike the Tower Trail to the Blue Trail at Sleeping Giant SP
5.03 mi / 518 ft gainSleeping 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...Read more -
Hamden, Connecticut
Hike the Mill River Trail to the Blue Trail at Sleeping Giant SP
5.03 mi / 518 ft gainSince 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 ...Read more -
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...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Hike the Perkins/Fahnestock/Charcoal Burners Trail Loop
7.5 mi / 800 ft gainThis is one of my favorite hikes in the Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A real mixed bag but mostly very enjoyable. The trail starts at the Charcoal Burners Trailhead Route 301. There is only road side parking on a soft shoulder, both sides of the road. After a short walk into the forest, you re...Read more -
Meriden, Connecticut
Hike the Metacomet, Blue, and Yellow Loop
5.04.5 mi / 976 ft gainStart 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...Read more -
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Stroll around Fayerweather Island
0.5 miParking 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...Read more -
Stanfordville, New York
Explore Wethersfield Estate & Gardens
The Wethersfield Estate is a beautiful estate and property located less than 2 hours north of New York City. The gardens are expansive and extremely beautiful, open to the public each day from noon to 5pm (COVID-19 hours). Additionally, there are trails for horseback rides, carriage rides, dog-wa...Read more -
Southington, Connecticut
Hike the Crescent Lake & Metacomet Trail Loop
4.02.4 mi / 269 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Southington, Connecticut
Rock Climb Ragged Mountain
The main face of Ragged Mountain (elev. 761 feet) is home to a lot climbing in central Connecticut. It runs north-south for about 600 feet. Its max height of 100 feet. The crag is home to several rock climbing guides and schools. Routes range in difficultly from great for the beginner (5.3) to su...Read more -
Beacon, New York
Hudson Highlands Overlook Trail
3.29 mi / 1017 ft gainHudson Highlands Overlook Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Beacon, New York.Read more -
Beacon, New York
Hike Fishkill Ridge
Fishkill Ridge is a strenuous but rewarding hike, and one of the less known areas in the Hudson Valley. The parking area is at the very end of Sunnyside Road in Beacon, along with the information board at the trailhead. The red trail leaves the lot and will take you up to the first peak on the ri...Read more -
Canaan, Connecticut
Explore Great Falls
3.00.5 miStumbled 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.Read more -
Berlin, Connecticut
Hike the Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve
4.55.5 mi / 560 ft gainRagged 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...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Photograph Indian Brook Falls
2.8This is about as short a walk and as little effort as you can put in for a beautiful waterfall. You can barely call it a hike, but I'll list it as such since you do walk through the woods for 5 minutes. The trail is extremely well built, and is pretty easily accessible through the winter.The trai...Read more