Monroe, Connecticut

Top Spots in and near Monroe

  • 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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  • 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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  • Briarcliff Manor, New York

    Hike Kate Kennard Trail

    1.8 mi / 140 ft gain
    If you’re in the town of Briarcliff and looking for an easy local trail to try out, Kate Kennard Trail is good for getting in a quick run or walk. It’s a straight line path the whole way. You’ll know you’ve reached the end of the path when you see a sign that marks the beginning of a road leading...
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  • Pleasantville, New York

    Swan Lake Loop

    5.0
    1.37 mi / 85 ft gain
    Swan Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hawthorne, New York.
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  • Philipstown, New York

    Indian Brook Falls (CLOSED)

    2.8
    0.59 mi / 157 ft gain
    Indian Brook Falls is CLOSED as of 2022. Learn more at HighlandsCurrent.org. Take a short simple walk to a beautiful waterfall near the Constitution Marsh and Audubon Center. This waterfall is great spot for the whole family to take in its beauty. This is about as short a walk and as little eff...
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  • Beacon, New York

    Hudson Highlands Overlook Trail

    3.29 mi / 1017 ft gain
    Hudson Highlands Overlook Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Beacon, New York.
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  • 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...
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  • Cold Spring, New York

    Kayak the Hudson River in Cold Spring

    North of New York City by 90 minutes lies the town of Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley. Cold Spring has a hometown quality with a Main Street, a firehouse, and art galleries of local artists. Despite its proximity to NYC, locals maintain a slower pace and enjoy many outdoor activities. Just a sho...
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  • Philipstown, New York

    Hike the Osborn Loop

    7.6 mi / 850 ft gain
    The Osborn Loop trail itself is not a loop.  It connects to a 2.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail.  Hiking these together creates the loop.  Start at the trail head for the Appalachian Trail on South Mountain Pass Road.  There is parking for two or three cars.  Walk up the road a short dist...
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  • Rye, New York

    Hike the Marshlands Conservancy Loop

    4.0
    1.55 mi / 125 ft gain
    Located along the Long Island Sound, this 147-acre conservancy is home to a plethora of different birds, including marsh wrens, seaside sparrows, and American woodcocks. The conservancy has 3 miles of trails, all easy to navigate. Starting out from the visitor's center, take the trail to the rig...
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  • Cortlandt, New York

    Camp Smith Trail

    4.0
    5.92 mi / 1759 ft gain
    This approximately 3-hour hike borders the Hudson River, and is one of the best in Westchester County. Start off at the parking area at the Bear Mountain Tollhouse, or at a small parking area farther up Bear Mountain Road, if you want a slightly shorter hike. The trail is fairly steep in places, ...
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  • Cold Spring, New York

    Hike the Washburn/Nelsonville/Undercliff Loop

    7.2 mi / 2000 ft gain
    This is a difficult loop hike that has several different starting points.  I chose to start at the Washburn Trail Head, which is the lowest starting point you can select.  Nearly on the Hudson River, the trail ascends immediately along a well maintained road designated by white disc markers.  Aft...
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  • Cold Spring, New York

    Hike the Cornish/Brook/Notch/Washburn/Undercliff Loop

    8 mi / 1500 ft gain
    This loop is a great option to avoid crowds on the west side of the Washburn trail.  Start at the same trailhead for the Washburn Trail.  The Cornish Trail is on the left and there is an obvious sign at the trail split a few feet from the parking area.  The Cornish Trail is an old road from about...
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  • Cold Spring, New York

    Mt. Taurus (Bull Hill)

    4.5
    3.52 mi / 1375 ft gain
    Mt. Taurus (or Bull Hill) is a short, family and dog friendly, hike just outside the town of Cold Spring, easily accessible by car or taking the train into town. It snakes along the edge of an old quarry that is just now being retaken by nature and provides lookouts towards the Hudson, other near...
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  • 3206 Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway, New York

    Bull Hill Short Loop

    5.0
    4.26 mi / 1194 ft gain
    Bull Hill Short Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Cold Spring, New York.
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  • Beacon, New York

    Hike the Scofield Ridge Loop

    7.5 mi / 1850 ft gain
    There are some great view points along this route.  Start from the Mount Beacon Park trailhead parking area.  This leads to the Casino Trail (red markers).  The trail climbs steeply to some old ruins of a casino.  Most of what remains is only the brick structure housing the mechanics for a trolle...
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