Looking for a weekend getaway with the family? Consider leaving the city and heading north! Hiking can be a great way to get away from the distraction of everyday life. The state of Connecticut offers hundreds of miles of wonderful hiking trails that vary from easy to difficult terrain.
Mine Hill Preserve, Roxbury
Located in Litchfield County, Roxbury is a quaint, rural town. There are a number of natural preserves that hikers enjoy. Mine Hill Preserve runs past old granite quarries and iron mines left behind from a 19th Centura iron-making complex. Once you’re parked head towards the blue loop trail that leads to the Donkey Trail. On the walk, you’ll pass two mine tunnels, grated air shafts, and a reservoir. The trail is only four miles and continues past granite cliffs before descending into the Shepaug River Valley.
Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union
This State Park located in Union offers a few fantastic views. There are trails that head in every direction and offer something different for every level of hiker. The Nipmuck Trail is between six and seven miles long and offers cool rock formations and various views of the water. A hike in Bigelow during the spring will provide visitors with all of the beauty that Connecticut offers.
St. John’s Ledges and Caleb’s Peak
Connecticut state contains 50 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Once you ascend the 1.5-mile trek to St. John’s Ledges you can experience the beautiful views of the Housatonic River valley. After that, keep climbing and you’ll reach Caleb’s Peak. The peak offers views of the hills south and west of New York. Find a place to rest and take it all in before making your descent back down the trail.
Sleeping Giant State Park
While sleeping Giant State Park is a very popular place to hike it is also very dangerous. It’s a truly beautiful park, however, visitors should stay alert and be aware of their limits. A moderate trail can be found in the Quinnipiac Trail. The trail runs from the south, beginning at an old quarry to the giant’s head. While the trail weaves up and down the views are phenomenal, especially at the trail’s midpoint where there is a stone observation tower.
West Suffield Mountain
The West Suffield Mountain is part of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. The Mountain, which includes Chimney Point is a volcanic salt intrusion that has views of Metacomet Ridge. No matter which trail you choose the hike begins going almost straight up, however, there are various areas that level off. The views that you’ll encounter at the top are well worth the steep climb it takes.