The Best Hiking in Connecticut

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

Top hiking spots in and near Connecticut

Granby, Connecticut

Hiking Enders Falls

4.3

Enders State Forest sprawls over approximately 2000 acres, and is found within the towns of Granby and Barkhamsted in Connecticut. Enders has a good sized parking lot directly on Route 219. From the junction of Route 219 and Route 20, visitors will proceed west on Route 219 for 1.2 miles and tu...
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Glastonbury, Connecticut

Hike to Blackledge Falls

3.7

1.5 mi

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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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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East Haddam, Connecticut

Explore Chapman Falls in Devil's Hopyard SP

4.3

If you map to Chapman Falls in East Haddam, CT, you will be brought to a parking lot opposite from the waterfall in Devil's Hopyard, a beautiful Connecticut state park. Once there, it's only a few minute walk down a very clear trail to the base of the 60 foot falls. There's plenty of room to set ...
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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...
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Norfolk, Connecticut

Hike to Campbell Falls

4.0

1.4 mi / 187 ft gain

Campbell Falls, one of the most beautiful parks in CT. Don't let the size of the park fool you, that's what adds to the beauty. With it's strong pine and fresh flower scented woods you slowly forget that you're even in Connecticut. The trails aren't labeled the greatest but still can be made out....
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Kent, Connecticut

Explore Kent Falls

5.0

0.75 mi / 250 ft gain

Every now and then you need a day to rest those sore muscle from all your recent adventures. The only issue is, you don't want to sit around inside, you want to be outside. Insert a trip to Kent Fall State Park. The perfect rest adventure day.Located 1 hour and 45 minutes north of New York City 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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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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Meriden, Connecticut

Chauncey Peak Loop

5.0

2.17 mi / 358 ft gain

This loop follows the blue against the reservoir where it will break off to the left (this is a longer hike ~ 6.3 miles that'll eventually get to the peak), but if you're looking for this short hike, keep following the water side where it will meet the white trail for a short distance. Note: Som...
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Kent, Connecticut

Hike the Ridge Loop Trail, Macedonia Brook SP

3.0

For a quick weekend trip from Newport, RI, Macedonia Brook State Park had a lot to offer for its size. In three or four hours, with lunch, you can hike the 6.4 mile ridge trail and get some fresh air without having to hike on too busy of trails. The elevation gain is only around 700 ft, however, ...
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Salisbury, Connecticut

Bear Mountain Loop

4.5

6.05 mi / 1516 ft gain

At 2,316 feet, Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut. The peak is about a half-mile south of the Massachusetts state line on the Appalachian Trail. The views are great. On a clear day you can see some of the peaks in southern New Hampshire. The remnants of a stone tower are on the summ...
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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 ...
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Beacon Falls, Connecticut

Hike the Spruce Brook Ravine

4.0

1 mi

Working my way to the West side of the state, a friend recently helped me discover Naugatuck State Park in Naugatuck, CT. After driving up and around curvy roads, we entered the forest (with a lot of potholes). Here is a map of the park. The parking I am talking about here is the "P" symbol next ...
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Ledyard, Connecticut

Lantern Hill Loop

4.0

2.58 mi / 387 ft gain

Lantern Hill in North Stonington, CT. has been one of my new favorite short hikes since I've been home for a long period of time. Interestingly enough, the trail I've noted is right next to the Foxwoods Casino. In fact, one of them is actually in the back parking lot of a resort. So plenty of pa...
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Colchester, Connecticut

Hike the Salmon River Trail, CT

2.0

7.4 mi / 770 ft gain

There are many ways to do this trail (following the blue blaze and blue/red blaze for spur to waterfall): From the Day Pond (Google Day Pond in Colchester and there will be brown signs that will direct you towards the Day Pond Parking Lot when you get close,) Do the loop, 5.4 milesOut & Back ...
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