New Canaan, Connecticut

Looking for the best hiking in New Canaan? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Canaan. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near New Canaan

  • Hamden, Connecticut

    Hike the Tower Trail to the Blue Trail at Sleeping Giant SP

    5.0
    3 mi / 518 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Hamden, Connecticut

    Hike the Mill River Trail to the Blue Trail at Sleeping Giant SP

    5.0
    3 mi / 518 ft gain
    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 ...
    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
  • 608 Ramapo Valley Road, New Jersey

    Hike the Halifax Trail and Ruins in the Ramapo Valley Reservation

    8.25 mi / 500 ft gain
    To start, I recommend coming in the early morning or afternoon, as the parking lot fills up with people hiking, fishing or going for a walk with their family. I usually get my luckiest before 9. This park is as relaxing or exciting as you want to make it. Here is a good map to use/ print out. We ...
    Read more
  • Cheshire, Connecticut

    Hike to Roaring Brook Falls

    5.0
    1.2 mi / 377 ft gain
    Arriving to the falls, parking is residential but don't worry everyone is friendly. Starting off the hike you will walk past a cool pond where you may be able to see some wildlife. Continuing on, you will follow the marked trail where it will take you further into the woods while gaining elevatio...
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • Monroe, New York

    Hike the Jessup/Highlands/Long Path Trails

    7.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    This trails starts at a small park in Woodbury called Gonzaga Park.  Closed from mid-November to April, you are still able to park just outside the gate if that is the time of year you are hiking.  Three different trail names share this path.  The Jessup trail starts/end at Gonzaga Park and trave...
    Read more
  • New York, New York

    High Line

    4.8
    1.47 mi / 26 ft gain
    Built on a historic freight rail line and perched above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line is a public park that features a green-lined walkway. Park hours depend on the season, although it never opens before 7am, so best to go for sunset. Although you may have some company on wa...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Tuxedo Park, New York

    Sterling Lake & Fire Tower Loop

    5.0
    7.54 mi / 1239.06 ft gain
    Start out by turning right when you walk out of the visitor center onto Sterling Lake Loop (Blue Blazes). The visitor center is worth going in as they have a full diorama of the park with LED light to show trail routes. About .3 miles into the hike you will cross over a small bridge with a waterf...
    Read more
  • New York, New York

    Brooklyn Bridge Walk

    5.0
    2.4 mi / 26 ft gain
    Brooklyn Bridge Walk is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near New York City, New York.
    Read more
  • Brooklyn, New York

    Brooklyn Bridge Walk via Brooklyn

    4.7
    1.12 mi / 0 ft gain
    Walking the Brooklyn Bridge from the Brooklyn side is a rewarding experience that blends history, architecture, and stunning views of New York City. Start your journey at the pedestrian entrance near Cadman Plaza, which is easily accessible by subway (Court Street or High Street stations). The br...
    Read more
  • Patchogue, New York

    Fire Island's Watch Hill

    4.0
    2 mi
    If departing from NYC, catch the early LIRR train from Penn Station (or Atlantic Terminal) towards Patchogue. You may have to transfer at both Jamaica & Babylon, but it's an easy hop across the platform. Trip will take approximately an hour and a half and cost around $15, Off Peak, each way. ...
    Read more
  • Brooklyn, New York

    Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

    5.0
    1.34 mi / 75 ft gain
    Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near New York City, New York.
    Read more
  • Dover Plains, New York

    Hike Dover's Stone Church

    4.5
    Dover Stone Church has been a beautiful and popular destination in the Hudson Valley for some time, and recently the park purchased a new parcel of land and added three trails through the nearby woods. But the gem of the park is, and always will be, the impressive cave with the creek and waterfal...
    Read more
  • Brooklyn, New York

    Prospect Park Loop

    4.7
    3.65 mi / 223 ft gain
    There are multiple places to enter Prospect Park. If you're looking for the main entrance to Prospect Park, it faces the stunning Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch in Grand Army Plaza. It is adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the flagship Brooklyn Public Library, and the Brooklyn Museum. As you...
    Read more