Hiking in Connecticut - Trails, Best Hikes
Below are some of our favorite trails in Connecticut. With the Appalachian Trail cutting through the Northwestern part of CT you can be sure you'll find some great hiking. Check out these suggestions and send us a few of your own. If you're new to hiking and want to learn more view our hiking blog where we cover the best trails, hiking tips, and gear.
Regicides Trail (New Haven) is a 6.3 mile footpath along the West Rock Ridge and ending at its junction with the Quinnipiac Trail. Along the way, take a few minutes to visit the Judges Cave where 3 Englishmen hid in 1661.
In the Last Green Valley Region is the scenic blue-blazed Niptmuck Trail. The 7 mile trail runs through the woods to Wolf Rock Nature Preserve, passes by the historic Altnaveigh Inn and traverses in front of the Fifty-Foot Cliff.
One of America’s most renowned hiking “paths”, the Appalachian Trail, passes through northwestern Connecticut. The Appalachian Trail winds its way through 52 miles on an assortment o difficulty levels ranging from moderate to steep and relatively challenging sections. Along the way are eateries, inns, camping accommodations and phenomenal scenery. As you make your way along the Trail you will see the Housatonic River Valley to the east and the Taconic Range to the west. The Appalachian Trail enters Connecticut at the Paling Nature Center. The portion of Trail that runs through Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks is the oldest section of the Trail as it was completed in 1923.
Along the way are several trailside accommodations. These sites are the Ten Mile Lean-to in Fairfield, the Mt. Algo Lean-to, the Stewart Hollow Brook Lean- to, the Pine  Swamp Lean-to, the Limestone Spring Lean-to, the Riga Lean-to, and the Brassie Brook Lean-to.
As you follow the trail you will pass through the Schaghticoke Indian reservation, take a number of switchbacks to the top of mountains, and see verdant valley vistas and historic bridges. There are several trail and backpacking options as well.
The main sections of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut are:
Bull’s Bridge to Kent
Falls Village to Salisbury
Housatonic River Walk
Kent to St. Johns Ledges
Pine Swamp and Sharon Mountain
Salisbury to Bear Mountain
Silver Hill and Pine Knob Loop Trail
Ten Mile River to Bull's Bridge
Photo Credits: AT of Connecticut Pictures by ScubaBear |
