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Groton, Connecticut

Top Spots in and near Groton

  • New Shoreham, Rhode Island

    Explore the Mohegan Bluffs

    If you make the ferry ride to Block Island the bluffs are a must-see. From the town where the ferry ports, it's about two miles to get there. If you don't travel with your car you can always walk there via the road, bike ride, or rent a moped! There is no fee to use the beach and it can be access...
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  • New Shoreham, Rhode Island

    Explore the South East Lighthouse

    If you're visiting the Mohegan Bluffs, you should take the extra time to see the Lighthouse next to them. There's a beautiful overlook looking out onto the Atlantic and a bench to relax in the grassy hill. It's free to walk around the grounds and it's only about 2 miles from the town the ferry po...
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Jamestown, Rhode Island

    Explore Beavertail State Park

    5.0
    Rhode Island isn't exactly on everyone's map, I've even met strangers in other parts of the U.S. who have no idea where the tiniest state in the country is. It's usually lumped in with Connecticut and Massachusetts, but for us locals from little Rhody, Rhode Island is it's own world of adventure ...
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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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  • Newport, Rhode Island

    Explore the Castle Hill Lighthouse

    4.8
    Park at the Castle Hill Cove Marina and walk across the street. Follow the sidewalk left and you will see a small sign that states "Castle Hill Lighthouse" on your right. Follow the short well beaten path to the lighthouse. You will hear the waves crashing and smell the fresh ocean air. The li...
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  • Newport, Rhode Island

    Drive the Ocean Drive Historic District

    5.0
    10 mi
    This drive encompasses all that is Newport, RI.  Known for its rocky shores and numerous sea-side mansions, this drive allows you to both view it all from the safety of your car, and has several spots to pull off to get out and get a better view.  There are grassy park areas as well that are perf...
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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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  • 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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  • Newport, Rhode Island

    Take a Stroll on the Newport Cliff Walk

    4.6
    3.5 mi
    The 3.5 mile Cliff Walk is a National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District. I chose to start at the western end of Easton's or First Beach at Memorial Blvd. and walk south. The first two-thirds of the walk is very easy walking conditions. Parts of the southern half of the walk are...
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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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  • 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...
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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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