Ives Trail Guide

The Best Trails in Connecticut Guide

From the Appalachian to the Zoar Trail this A to Z guide shows you some of the best trails Connecticut has to offer with trails listed in Alphabetical order by their nearest town.

Each trail summary has a LEARN MORE button taking you to a more in depth guide to that trail with info on parking, my gpx downloadable file, more pictures and a more detailed description.

Trails Near Ashford CT

Nipmuck Trail at a Glance…

A 34 Mile CFPA Blue Blaze Trail near Ashford in the North Eastern Corner of CT

Upside down ‘Y’ shaped trail with lakeside and forest trails

Moderately easy terrain

Highlights include Nipmuck Forest , Yale Forest and Breakneck Pond.

Nipmuck Trail – Ashford Connecticut

The Nipmuck Trail is a 34.5 mile CFPA Blue Blaze Trail shaped like an upside down ‘Y’ that stretches from The Massachusetts border in the north to Mansfield at its Southern terminii. Highlights include Nipmuck State Forest, Bigelow Hollow State Park, Breakneck Pond and the Yale-Myers Forest. This is one of my favourite trails of all the blue blaze trails in CT and the section through Yale Forest in particular is spectacular.

Nipmuck Trail Guide - Wolf Rock
Nipmuck Trail Guide – Wolf Rock

The Nipmuck Trail is a truly beautiful trail and a fantastic opportunity to avoid lots of people on the trails. Its an ‘oddball’ of a trail in that it is Y shaped and the logistics of parking is frustrating in places and the State Park at the northern tip can be packed in the Summer early. This guide has various parking.

Find out more about the Nipmuck Trail here.

Nipmuck Trail Guide – Breakneck Pond

Trails Near Bantam CT

Prospect Mountain Trail – At a Glance…

1.9 Mile CFPA Blue Blaze Trail near Bantam in Connecticut

Hilly woodland trail with stunning views and rocky outcrops

Terrain- Intermediate hiker

Beautiful stream at the northern terminus to stop for a picnic

Prospect Mountain Trail – Bantam CT

The Prospect Mountain Trail in CT is a 1.9 mile CFPA Blue Blazed Trail near Bantam in Connecticut. The trail takes in two vistas, has impressive rocky ledges and outcrops and winds through woods crossing streams with the remnants of an old copper and nickel mine.

Prospect Mountain Trail Guide

You can find out more about this trail here.

Trails Near Bethany CT

Naugatuck Trail – Bethany Connecticut

5 Mile trail

Moderate Terrain

winding path with a great view, a deep rocky gorge and very few visitors

The Naugatuck Trail – Bethany CT

The 5 mile Naugatuck Trail near Bethany and Beacon Falls in Connecticut is a Blue Blazed Hiking Trail and does a good job of hiding.

Its well worth a visit but a combination of no online maps ( until this blog!) tricky parking ( until this blog !) and the fact that the first half a mile of the trail at each end is rather unappealing means that this is a very overlooked trail that deserves more attention.

Naugatuck Trail Guide
Naugatuck Trail Guide

Firstly the rocks seem to glisten with Quartz here much more than any other trail I’ve been on in CT, You also go through a wonderful rocky mini gorge at about 3 miles and from time to time wind through mossy paths surrounded by Mountain Laurel ( the official flower of Connecticut) branches. Its really very very peaceful and pretty.

Naugatuck Trail – Bethany CT

Trails Near Canaan CT

The Iron Trail – Canaan CT

Distance 4.1 miles

Nearest Town – Canaan

Difficulty – Easy

The Iron Trail – Canaan CT

The Iron Trail in Canaan CT is a 4.1 mile trail has a lot to offer, but it also has a lot of very wet and boggy deep rutted trail at its southern end that may not be worth the effort. The Northern half of this trail is superb with gorgeous views and dramatic cliffs and slopes. At the northern tip you will also find the impressive Beckley Furnace Monument.

The Iron Trail Guide
The Iron Trail Guide

This trail is well worth a visit but if you aren’t on a mission to walk every single mile of Connecticuts Blue Blaze system my advice is to park at the north car park and do a 2 mile out and back and give the southern half a miss.

Iron Trail CT

Find out more here.

Trails Near Chaplin CT

Natchaug Trail at a Glance…

18 Mile Forest Trail that’s relatively flat

Easy Terrain but wet under foot

Natchaug State Forest , James L Goodwin Forest and Nathan Lyons Memorial Park

The Natchaug Trail is an 18 mile Blue Blazed CFPA Trail in the Windham County Area. It passes through James L Goodwin State Forest and Natchaug State Forest.

The Natchaug Trail Guide
The Natchaug Trail Guide

The Natchaug Trail shares its start with the Nipmuck Trail and was created sometime around the early 1970s. Natchaug is a Nipmuc Native American word that means ‘land between 2 rivers’. The hiking or trail running is relatively easy along this route with very few hard climbs or hard rocky sections under foot,but the low lying nature of this trail means much of the trail can be wet in places so be prepared and bring bug spray most of the year round.

The Natchaug Trail Guide

Find out more in this in depth guide here.

Trails Near Chester CT

Quinnipiac Trail – At a Glance…

18 Mile Trail with very challenging Terrain

Super Views from Sleeping Giant State Park

Roaring Brook Falls

Connects to the Regicides Trail

The Quinnipiac Trail – Chester CT

The Quinnipiac Trail is a 18 mile trail that was the first Blue Blaze Trail of the CFPA. It takes in ‘Sleeping Giant’ which overlooks Quinnipiac University. It runs from the Wilbur Cross Parkway near Hamden at the Eastern end and finishes near Roaring Brook Falls near Cheshire to the North West.

Quinnipiac Trail Guide
Quinnipiac Trail Guide

The Quinnipiac Trail is a 18 mile trail that was the first Blue Blaze Trail of the CFPA. It takes in ‘Sleeping Giant’ which overlooks Quinnipiac University. It runs from the Wilbur Cross Parkway near Hamden at the Eastern end and finishes near Roaring Brook Falls near Cheshire to the North West. You can find out more about this trail here.

Trails Near Colchester CT

Salmon River Trail – Colchester Connecticut

5 Mile Trail

Nearly a Loop Trail

Waterfall just off the trail

Covered Bridge at the start

Salmon River Trail – Colchester Connecticut

The Salmon River Trail in Colchester is a fantastic little 5 mile trail. You’ll come for the famous Comstock Covered Bridge but you’ll stay for the waterfall section, Pine and Hardwood forest and fishing and swimming spots. There are also some lovely areas with old farmstead stone walls and even a wrecked ‘farm car’ woven through the woods.

Salmon River Trail Guide
Salmon River Trail Guide

Easy large parking area and the trail is ‘nearly’ a loop so its easy to get back the car after. Although steep in some sections there isn’t the usual ‘rock fest’ many CT trails have so provided the weather is favorable this trail is accessible for most walkers. 

Find out more here.

Salmon River Trail Guide CT

Trails Near Cornwall CT

Mattatuck Trail – Cornwall Connecticut

42 mile long trail split into 2 sections by a large road section

Terrain – Moderate Difficulty

Woodland trails, mountain views and waterfalls.

The Mattatuck Trail – Cornwall CT

The Mattatuck Trail is 42 miles long in total in Connecticut. It has a rather large gap of ‘no trail’ between the two segments so really it should be viewed more like a northern 14 mile trail and a longer 28 mile ‘southern’ trail. This guide covers the 14 mile ‘northern’ stretch first and I will add in details of the ‘southern’ section later when I get on the trail.

Mattatuck Trail Guide
Mattatuck Trail Guide

The northern terminus of the Mattatuck Trail meets the Mohawk Trail. There is ample parking at the Mohawk Mountain State Park. The Mohawk State Park has over 4000 acres of forests and amazing views. Its also a popular Skiing location in the winter.

Find out more about this trail here.

Mattatuck Trail Guide

Trails Near Durham CT

Field Forest Trail – Durham CT

1.5 mile trail

Easy Terrain

Easy to follow red and blue blazed trail gives an alternate route back

Field Forest Trail – Durham CT

This 1.5 mile trail has a trail head that is rather well hidden within the grounds of Coginchaug Regional High School. It ambles gently through the woods finishing 1.5 miles away from the start. There is a red and blue trail you can use an alternative route back to the start so that you can make this a more interesting 2.5 mile loop.

Field Forest Trail Guide
Field Forest Trail Guide

This property was given to CFPA by Howard Brigham Field, Jr after his death in 1999. Mr. Field was a conservationist and longtime resident of Durham who loved the property and wanted it to be protected in perpetuity for the community. Members of the Field family still maintain an important connection to the property today.

Find out more here.

Field Forest Trail Guide CT

Trails Near Griswold CT

The Nehantic Trail is a 12 mile CFPA Blue Blaze trail that runs from Green Fall Pond Recreation Area in Voluntown to Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold. Highlights include the view from Mt Misery and woodland trail through the low lying Pachaug State Forest. This is one of the best trails in the area with beautiful varied woodland for the entire 12 miles.

Nehantic Trail At a Glance…

12 Mile Trail through Pachaug State Forest

Mount Misery Viewpoint and Pachaug State Forest

Medium Difficulty Terrain

The Nehantic Trail is a 12 mile CFPA Blue Blaze trail that runs from Green Fall Pond Recreation Area in Voluntown to Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold. Highlights include the view from Mt Misery and woodland trail through the low lying Pachaug State Forest. This is one of the best trails in the area with beautiful varied woodland for the entire 12 miles.

The Nehantic Trail Guide
The Nehantic Trail Guide

The 12 Mile Nehantic Trail is situated in the South Eastern corner of Connecticut and links up with the NarragansettQuinebaug and Pachaug Trails. A lot of this trail is relatively flat making it an easier trail for people of all abilities but it does cross streams and wetland areas so bring bug spray and expect to get wet feet all year round if you aren’t super careful crossing streams.

The Nehantic Trail Guide- Mt Misery

Find out more from the in depth guide here.

The Pachaug Trail – Griswold CT

Pachaug Trail At a Glance…

24 Mile Trail through the Pachaug State Forest

Mount Misery and Hell Hollow and Beach Pond Highlights

Stunning Sheer Rock Cliffs north of Beach Pond

Wetland low lying areas so likely to get wet feet and bring bug spray

The Pachaug Trail is a 24 mile CFPA Blue Blaze Trail that is horseshoe shaped. Its starts in Green Fall Pond in Voluntown near the start of the Nehantic Trail and mainly runs through Pachaug State Forest as well as going through Hopkinton in Rhode Island. Its also used for the Pachaug Trail Run Event by Live Loud Running.

The Pachaug Trail Guide
The Pachaug Trail Guide

The Pachaug Trail was once much larger but has been steadily made smaller over the years since World War 2. A lot of this trail is relatively flat ( about 2000ft of climb over the whole 24 miles) making it an easier trail for people of most abilities but it does cross lots of streams and wetland areas so bring bug spray and expect to get wet feet all year round if you aren’t super careful crossing streams.

The Pachaug Trail Guide

Find out more from the in depth guide here.

Trails Near Guilford CT

Menunkatuck Trail – Guilford CT

16 Mile Trail

Easy Terrain

Meandering woods finishing at the beach on the southern tip

Part of the bigger New England Trail

Menunkatuck Trail – Guilford CT

The Menunkatuck Trail is a wonderful 16 mile Blue Blazed hiking trail in Guilford Connecticut. We did this trail in two equal sections so this guide is split into two ‘mini guides’ Both start from a parking point near Guildford Lakes, The first heading south to the end and the shoreline, and the second section guide again starting from the Guildford Lakes parking area and heading north to the finish where the trail meets up with the Mattabesset Trail.

New England Trail Fastest Known Time
New England Trail Fastest Known Time

This trail is also part of the much bigger New England Trail which stretches 200 miles from the Connecticut Shoreline to the top of Massachusetts.

Trails Near Haddam CT

Cockaponset Trail – Haddam CT

7 Mile Trail

Easy Terrain through the Cockaponset Forest

Rocky Outcrops and Stream Crossings

The Cockaponset Trail – Haddam CT

The Cockaponset Trail near Haddam has easy terrain and a mixture of mature forest and easy to cross brooks and streams this 7 mile trail is a superb gem. There are signs of old charcoal works and a mixture of Mountain Laurel paths, walks round rocky outcrops and easy stream crossings.

Cockaponset Trail Guide
Cockaponset Trail Guide

Cockaponset State Forest is the second largest forest in the Connecticut state forest system, encompassing over 17,000 acres (6,900 ha) of land. Most of the land is in Middlesex County though some parcels lie in New Haven County.

Learn more about the Cockaponset Trail here.

Cockaponset Trail – Haddam CT

Trails Near Kent CT

The Appalachian Trail CT – Kent to Salisbury Connecticut

The famous ‘AT’ runs through the whole of CT

Very Challenging Terrain but rewarding views

various sleeping shelters on the trail

plenty of parking spots

The Appalachian Trail – Kent Connecticut

The 52 mile Connecticut segment of the Appalachian Trail is around 2/3rds of the way through the 2200 miles that makes up the ‘AT’ from Maine to Georgia. The section includes some superb highlights such as the covered bridge at Kent near the New York border, the wonderful views from St Johns Ledges and the great falls and finishes at the northern part of CT near Salisbury.

Appalachian Trail CT West Cornwall Bridge
Appalachian Trail CT West Cornwall Bridge

I’ve now through hiked this route twice and enjoyed it both times. The trail is very challenging terrain and even experienced hikers and runners should expect much of the route to be done at 2mph. There are are some very challenging areas for rock scrambles and climbs and in the summer you will have to be very aware of your water needs and fill up regularly at the streams the cross.

Find out more about the Appalachian Trail here

St Johns Ledges Appalachian Trail CT

Trails Near Killingly CT

Old Furnace Trail -Killingly CT

2.1 mile Trail

Varied woodlands, streams and views

Terrain – Easy

Poorly marked in places

Old Furnace Trail – Killingly Connecticut

This 2.1 Mile Blue Blaze Trail is near Killingly in Connecticut and has easy parking at both ends of the trail. The trail has a superb and wide variety, including woodland areas, steep cliff lookouts and bog sections. Its popular half way along with climbers too. This trail has relatively easy terrain and is a good trail to take the whole family too. I also recommend an ‘out and back’ where you return along a path closer to the sheer ridge lookouts ( not marked on the map) so that you can enjoy different and more dramatic scenery.

Old Furnace Trail Guide
Old Furnace Trail Guide

I’ve included GPX files for both the standard Blue Blaze Route and the suggested alternative return route. The paths only real challenge is that the blue blazes are faded and can be confusing in places.

Find out more here.

Old Furnace Trail – CT

Trails Near Lebanon CT

Whitney Forest Hibbard Trail – Lebanon CT

1.5 mile long trail

East Terrain

Beautiful rock walls, stream crossings and meandering paths

Whitney Forest Hibbard Trail – Lebanon CT

Whitney Forest Hibbard trail is near Lebanon in Connecticut and is a wonderful 1.5 mile blue blazed trail with beautiful rock walls, stream crossings and meandering paths through the woodland.

Whitney Forest Hibbard Trail Guide
Whitney Forest Hibbard Trail Guide

The trail features red maple swamps, fieldstone corrals, a tumbling stream and views over a neighboring marsh.

Find out more here.

Whitney Forest Hibbard Trail – Lebanon CT

Trails Near Lyme CT

Nayantaquit Trail – Lyme Connecticut

Distance – 3.5 mile loop

Highlights

Nayantaquit Trail – Lyme CT

With an easy parking area and laid back ( for New England) trail this 3.5 mile loop of the Nayantaquit Trail has one little viewpoint and a mixture of lush shady forest and rocky outcrops and boulders. There is a small swampy section in one part and this secluded patch of forest has a large amount of bird life.

Nayantaquit Trail Guide
Nayantaquit Trail Guide

Bring your bug spray and this little amble round a secluded part of the Nehantic State Forest is well worth the trip. Keep your wits about you at the many path forks to stay on the main blue blazed path.

Find out more here.

Nayantaquit Trail CT

Trails Near Meriden CT

The Metacomet Trail – Meriden Connecticut

62 Mile Trail

Difficult Terrain

Highlights in this area include a castle, spectacular views and lakes

Metacomet Trail – Meriden CT

This 8 mile loop near Meriden has it all. A curious Castle at the top of a breathtaking viewpoint, a steep clifftop trail with views of the surrounding countryside and reservoir and hidden gorges of huge slabs of granite with a sprawling maple wood where farmers extract Maple syrup. There is even a famous spectral ghostly Black Dog.

Metacomet Trail Guide - Castle Craig
Metacomet Trail Guide – Castle Craig

The Metacomet Trail runs for 62.7 miles through Connecticut and makes up one of three trails combined to form the 205 mile New England Trail through CT and Mass. The trail follows the Metacomet Ridge through the centre of CT and is named after the Wampanoag Tribe leader Metacomet who was famous during King Philips War.

Find out more here

Metacomet Trail Castle Craig

The Mattabesset Trail – Meriden CT

The Mattabesset Trail is a trail through the centre of Connecticut in the USA and part of a bigger New England Trail system that runs over 200 miles through all of Connecticut and Massachussets. Its Jewel in the Crown is the Metacomet Ridge that starts near where I live in New Haven and extends northwards. The area is famous for its huge biodiversity and superb views.

Mattabessett Trail Fastest Known Time
Mattabessett Trail Fastest Known Time

Giuffrida Park has stunning views of the lake below from the ridge above and is a great representation of why the Mattabesset is such a popular trail. This park alone will be worth a trip back another time to explore.

Find out more here

Mattabesset Trail – Meriden

Trails Near Middletown CT

Scovill Loop Trail – Middletown CT

1.5 mile Trail

Easy Terrain

Shoreline, Forest and Rocky outcrops.

Scovill Loop Trail – Middletown Connecticut

This is the perfect little 1.5 mile trail near Middletown is perfect for the family. Its part of the CFPA Blue Blaze Series of Trails. With the two small loops you are never far from the car and car park and you get the variation of the rocky trails through the woods and the lovely section by the sandy shore of the lake with a BBQ pit and Picnic table. The southern loop is also fun but more of a ‘swamp fest’ so you will definitely need your bug spray.

Find out more here

Scovill Loop Trail CT

Trails Near New Haven CT

The Regicides Trail – New Haven CT

7.2 miles

tough terrain and climbs in places

Judges Cave and superb viewpoints

Regicides Trail – New Haven CT

The Regicides is a Blue Blaze Trail of Connecticut trail and mainly runs along West Rock State Park near New Haven in Connecticut. It is 7.3 miles long running roughly north/south.

The Regicides Trail Guide
The Regicides Trail Guide

The Regicides Trail starts by a stone wall and pavilion at the South Overlook in New Haven, and goes past the historic Judges Cave and then follows the ridgeline through Hamden, ending at the Quinnipiac Trail in Bethany. From 375 feet above sea level at the South Overlook, the traprock ridge rises to more than 600 feet at the northern end and viewpoint where it meets the Quinnipiac Trail . It is essentially the start of the Metacomet Ridge which runs through the centre of CT and MASS.

Find out more here

Judges Cave Regicides Trail CT

Trails Near New Milford CT

Sunny Valley Preserve Trail – New Milford Connecticut

4 Mile trail

Easy Terrain

Lake Views and Meandering Woods

Sunny Valley Preserve – New Milford CT

This absolute little gem of a 4 mile Connecticut Blue Blaze Trail is a fantastic ‘Buy one get 2 free offer’ taking in 3 different ‘mini trails’ each with its own unique vibe. With easy terrain and parking its a great little trail for all abilities.

Despite being only about 4 miles it manages to take in three trails called the ‘Iron Ore Trail’ followed by the ‘Silica Mine Trail’ and then the ‘Lillinonah Trail’.

Sunny Valley Preserve - Blue Blaze Trail Guide
Sunny Valley Preserve – Blue Blaze Trail Guide

The Sunny Valley Preserve consists of 1,850 acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, and meadows on 19 parcels of land. Visitors can hike on trails and learn about nature, land management, and environmentally compatible farming at several observation sites.

Find out more here.

Sunny Valley Preserve Trail – New Milford CT

Housatonic Range Trail – At a Glance

6.2 mile blue blazed trail

Tory’s Cave, Kellys Slide and The Corkscrew rock features

Steep Rocky tricky terrain under foot

Trail closed for half a mile after Tory’s Cave

The Housatonic Range Trail – New Milford

The Housatonic Range Trail is a 6.2 Mile CFPA Blue Blazed trail near New Milford in CT. The trail follows an old Native American Indian path that looks down on the Housatonic River and includes superb views, caves, features and rockfall areas.

The Housatonic Ridge Trail Guide
The Housatonic Ridge Trail Guide

The Housatonic Range Trail ( also known as the HuRT) goes along the North West Highlands of Connecticut following an old Native American Indian path that looks down on the Housatonic River Below. Housatonic comes form the mohican word for ‘beyond the mountains’.

You can learn more about this trail here.

Trails Near Newtown CT

Zoar Trail Near Newtown Connecticut

6 Mile Loop

Medium Difficulty Terrain

Beautiful lake views, a waterfall and trees with words on them !

Zoar Trail – Newtown CT

The Zoar Trail is a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) Blue-Blazedhiking trail “system” in the lower Housatonic River valley in Fairfield County and is entirely in the Sandy Hook section of Newtown in the lower block of Paugussett State Forest.

Zoar Trail Guide
Zoar Trail Guide

The car park for the trail is on the banks of Lake Zoar. The trail is a loop marked by the famous ‘blue blazes’ and is relatively easy to follow for the entire 6 miles. 

Learm more about the Zoar Trail here.

Zoar Trail Waterfall

Lillinonah Trail – At a Glance…

5.6 Mile Loop Trail with 1200ft of total elevation

Trail follows the shores of the Housatonic River

2 sections of the trail go through the Paugusset State Forest

Intermediate Trail Difficulty with some steep clambers

Lillinonah Trail – Newtown CT

The Lillinonah Trail is a 5.6 mile loop trail in the Paugusset State Forest near Newtown with winding forest and shoreline views of the Housatonic River.

Lillinonah Trail Guide
Lillinonah Trail Guide
Lillinonah Trail Guide

You can find out more about this trail here.

Trails Near Plymouth CT

Whitestone Cliffs Trail

Distance 1.7 miles

Nearest Town – Plymouth CT

Highlights – Meandering loop trail through rocky outcrops and a waterfall with one overlook.

Terrain Difficulty – Medium

Whitestone Cliffs Trail Guide – Plymouth CT

The ‘Whitestone Cliffs Trail’ is a 1.7-mile (2.7 km) Blue-Blazed hiking trail in the Waterbury area in Thomaston and PlymouthLitchfield CountyConnecticut. It is contained almost entirely in a section of the Mattatuck State Forest.

Whitestone Cliffs Trail Guide
Whitestone Cliffs Trail Guide

The mainline (official “Blue” “non-dot”) trail is a loop trail with one connector trail (Blue-Blazed with yellow dot) to the Jericho Blue-Blazed Trail.

You can find out more here.

Whitestone Cliffs Trail CT

Trails Near Preston CT

The Pequot Trail – At a Glance..

7.6 Mile Easy Terrain Trail

Wet in places

The southern half of the trail is worth a visit

Blazing is patchy in places and the northern half is pretty ‘meh’

The Pequot Trail is a 7.6 mile CFPA Blue Blaze Trail near Preston in CT. There are plans to extend the trail so that it links up with the nearby Narrangansett Trail again in the future. It has winding woodland paths, stone walls and views across farm fields. The southern section is well worth a visit but the northern half isn’t really worth the effort.

The Pequot Trail Guide
The Pequot Trail Guide

If you are looking for a trail that is unlikely to be crowded then this one is for you. The southern section has about 3 miles of winding forest trail that is a perfectly pleasant place to wander

The Pequot Trail Guide

Full in depth guide of this trail here.

Trails Near Ridgefield CT

Ives Trail – Ridgefield Connecticut

Nearest Town – Ridgefield

Length – 20 miles

Highlights – Tarrywile Park and Hearthstone Castle

Ives Trail – Ridgefield CT

The Ives Trail Greenway near Ridgefield Connecticut is a 20 mile trail has an abandoned castle, the haunts of famous American composer Charles Ives and winds through the RidgefieldRedding and Danbury areas of Connecticut. It has varied terrain from winding rocky forest paths, lakeside ambles and mountain peaks with wonderful views.

Ives Trail Guide
Ives Trail Guide

The single most surprising thing for me was that despite never being more than about 2 miles from a town this trail felt like a true hidden wilderness. The best section is a loop that’s accessible in the Tarrywile Park preserve but almost all of this trail is well worth the trip.

Find out more here.

Ives Trail CT

Trails Near Salisbury CT

At A Glance….

This hike takes in 3 short trail sections joined into a loop

The Under Mountain Trail

Paradise Lane Trail

A short section of the Appalachian Trail

With info on parking and a downloadable gpx file

Under Mountain and Paradise Lane Trail – Salisbury

The Under Mountain Trail is a 1.8 Mile CFPA Blue Blaze Trail near Salisbury in CT that rises 1000ft to meet the Appalachian Trail at the Riga Junction which is right near the Massachusetts border.

Under Mountain Trail Guide
Under Mountain Trail Guide

The Paradise Lane Trail runs 1.8 miles roughly north and parallel with the Appalachian Trail with very little elevation change as it works its way through Mt Riga State Park. My GPX file is here. The Paradise Lane Trail branches off from the Under Mountain Trail shortly before the Riga Junction with the Appalachian Trail.

Find out more about these trails here.

Mohawk Trail – Salisbury CT

24 mile trail

Terrain – Difficult

Stunning views at both ends for this ‘old part’ of the Appalachian Trail

Some old shelters on the trail too

Mohawk Trail – Salisbury Connecticut

This 24 mile Trail used to be part of the Appalachian Trail in CT before it was diverted. As a result you get a ‘Raiders of the Lost App’ feel with a trail that gives you a historic look into the past. We didn’t see a single person on the two days we spent on trail and this is bound to be because of the ‘draw’ of the younger Appalachian ‘sibling’ nearby. This trail has some stunning views at both ends and three old Appalachian shelters tucked away on it but be warned, the lack of footfall means the overgrown foliage and neglected blue blazing in the northern half make this a very challenging trail.

Mohawk Trail Guide
Mohawk Trail Guide

The 2 mile ‘tips’ at both ends are very steep and technical with superb views. If you want all of the best of this trail with less of the ‘filler’ then you may want to consider ignoring the northern half entirely.

learn more about the trail here.

Mohawk Trail Guide

Trails Near Shelton CT

Paugusset Trail – Shelton Connecticut

14 mile trail

Moderate terrain with some steep climbs

The best part of the trail is around the Indian Well State Park

The Paugusset Trail – Shelton CT

The Paugussett Blue-Blazed Trail near Shelton is a was originally created with the help of the Great Depression era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) while Indian Well State Park was a Works Projects Administration (WPA) project.

Indian Well in Shelton is named after the pool beneath the waterfall at the entrance to the state park as well as for the legend of a Native American tragic romance between a Paugussett brave and a Pootatuck maiden.

Paugussett Trail Guide
Paugussett Trail Guide

The best part of this trail is in the middle at  Indian Well State Park. The trail is well marked ( to the point where there are even little apologetic signs about difficult terrain ahead). This park has some fantastic views and wonderful rocky scrambles in places, and with a lake and shoreline below is the sort of place you could spend all day at.

Paugusset Trail Guide – Shelton CT

Trails Near Torrington CT

Testone Boulder Loop Trail – At a Glance…

Short 1.8 Mile Loop in Sunnybrook State Park

Easy Terrain with a few rock hopping sections and very little elevation change

Easy Parking at the trail head

Trail connects to the nearby John Muir Trail.

Testone Boulder Loop Trail – Torrington CT

The Testone Boulder Loop Trail is a CFPA Blue Blaze 1.8 mile loop in Sunnybrook State Park near Torrington in CT. Its relatively flat and meanders through the woods with stream crossings and a large triangular boulder about half way round.

Testone Boulder Loop

The Testone Boulder loop seems to be one of the less known trails in the Blue Blaze CFPA series. In fact a search online gave me almost no information about it. The trail starts and finishes at the car park.

Testone Boulder Loop Guide
Testone Boulder Loop Guide

We chose to do the loop anti-clockwise which meant we crossed a large stream with a little bridge early on and worked our way round across varies sections of trail that often have small rocks and roots intertwined along it.

You can find out more about the trail here.

John Muir Trail – Torrington

A 2.5 Mile easy terrain trail with woodland and rocky outcrops

Links the Walcott Trail with the Testone Boulder Loop Trail

Goes through Paugnut Forest

Named after John Muir

Poorly blazed in places

John Muir Trail – Torrington CT

The John Muir Trail is a 2.5 mile CFPA Blue Blaze Trail near Torrington that goes through the Paugnut Forest that links the Testone Boulder Loop Trail with the Walcott Trail at Burr Pond.

John Muir Trail Guide

Who was John Muir?

John Muir was a Scottish born American naturalist who was known as ‘The Father of National Parks’ in the USA. He was hugely influential to the conservationist movement and has a huge number of parks, trails and even animals named after him.

John Muir Trail Guide
John Muir Trail Guide

The trail starts of part of the Walcott Trail loop at Burr pond and sets off westward toward Sunny Brook State Park through the Paugnut Forest. Find out more about the trail here.

Trails Near Voluntown CT

Narrangansett Trail – At a Glance

16 Mile Lowland Wooded Wetland Trail split into 2 bits

Lantern Hill, HIgh Ledge and Dinosaur Caves as highlights

Roads leading to it are VERY bumpy

The Narrangansett Trail is a 16 mile long CFPA Blue Blaze Trail running through the towns of Voluntown, North Stonington and running at the Rhode island Border with Connecticut. It is split into a 4 mile northern section and a 12 mile southern section. Highlights include the Dinosaur Caves, lakeside views, Lantern Hill and High Ledge viewpoints.

The Narrangansett Trail Guide
The Narrangansett Trail Guide

Named after ‘The People of the Small Point’ this trail is on land owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The northern part of the trail starts at the border with Rhode Island and then heads south through a camping area winding through the woods and streams and rocky outcrops. Its about 4 miles long. After a few miles of ‘no trail’ there is supposed to be another 12 miles of a separate section but this is actually more complicated than it sounds because a 2 to 3 mile section near the end has been closed for 4 years. Confused ? Yes we were too.

In short this trail is actually 3 trails, a 4 mile section, an 8 mile section and a small 1 mile section at Lantern hill.

The Narrangansett Trail – Dinosaur Caves

Find out more about the trail here.

Trails Near Washington CT

Hidden Valley Preserve – Washington Connecticut

Pick your own distance on a wide range of criss crossing trails

moderate terrain

lookouts and a disused Quartz Mine

Hidden Valley Preserve – Washington CT

Usually when I refer to a trail that has a hidden gem in it I’m being metaphorical, but in this case its literal. Not only is the Preserve near Washington in Connecticut called the Hidden Valley Preserve but it has a disused Quartz mine in the middle, great views and an inspiring bridge as a fitting tribute to Henry David Thoreau.

Quartz Mine - Hidden Valley Preserve Trail Guide
Quartz Mine -Hidden Valley Preserve Trail Guide

There is a wonderful bridge covered in quotes from Henry David Thoreau a short hop from the car park and The Lookout is a semi-circular terrace providing scenic views of the valley to the west. It was constructed as a lookout and rest spot along the carriage roads built by Adrian Van Sinderen who donated the park estate after his death.

Find out more here.

Steep Rock Nature Preserve – Washington Connecticut

Pick your own distance on this network of trails

Includes a disused railway tunnel path

Great Views from ‘The Clamshell’ Hill.

Steep Rock Preserve – Washington CT

Thanks to Ehrick Rossiter the 1000 acre Steep Rock Preserve near Washington in Connecticut really does have it all. From a magnificent view from the top of a ‘Clamshell’ to a disused railway tunnel (which we were lucky enough to do on a day with huge icicles everywhere!) and a gorgeous Pine Wood holding on to the steep sides of the park.

Steep Rock State Park Trail
Steep Rock State Park Trail

The sloping hill known as ‘The Clamshell’ is called that because of its shape from the air and how it is surrounded by the river. The view from the top is spectacular and gives you an impression of why this was such a popular destination for New York city types in the past who stayed here in a hotel that is sadly no longer here.

Click here to find out more.

Trails Near Waterbury CT

Finch Brook Trail

Distance – 2.6 mile loop

nearest towns – waterbury and Southington

Finch Brook Trail – Waterbury and Southington

This little 2.6 mile loop is in Wolcott and roughly equidistant between Waterbury and Southington. Its said that Abraham Lincoln once walked through one section of this woodland.

Finch Brook Trail Guide
Finch Brook Trail Guide

The trail consists of a right spiraling loop shaped like a Go Cart Track that meanders through a combination of boggy rocky marshland and slightly elevated dense old woodland of Oak, Birch and Hickory. The rolling rocks, lush vegetation and birdsong makes this place very magical.

Find out more here.

Finch Brook Trail CT

Hancock Brook Trail – Waterbury Connecticut

2.8 Mile ‘finger loop’ trail

moderately difficult terrain with a steep trail to peak

Stunning Views from Lion Head Peak

Path ambles along the river

Hancock Brook Trail – Waterbury CT

Hancock Brook Trail is also near Waterbury and is a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) Blue-Blazed hiking trail Waterville Section of the City of Waterbury in New Haven County close to the borders of Thomaston and PlymouthLitchfield CountyConnecticut. It is contained overwhelmingly in a section of the Mattatuck State Forest bounded by Hancock Brook on the east, Thomaston Avenue on the west and Spruce Brook Road / Route 262 to the north.

Hancock Brooke Trail Guide
Hancock Brooke Trail Guide

The trail is a loop and is shaped like a long finger or cigar. Half is along a path that follows a fast flowing stream with man made walls and the other half returns along the high ridge with views of the surrounding areas.

Find out more about Hancock Brook Trail here.

Hancock Brook Trail Lion Head Peak

Trails Near Watertown CT

Watertown CT Jericho Trail

Jericho Trail – At a Glance…

3.5 Mile Trail with 1200ft of total ascent

Intermediate trail conditions

Forest paths, Stream crossings, waterfall and The Old Leatherman Cave

Nearest Town – Watert own CT

The Jericho Trail is a CFPA Blue Blazed 3.5 mile trail near Watertown in Connecticut. The trail has scenic rocky ledges, forest and stream crossings and finishes at its northern terminus where it meets the Mattatuck Trail and the famous Old Leatherman Cave which was also part of my 343 mile Old Leatherman Loop Fastest Known Time adventure.

Jericho Trail Guide
Jericho Trail Guide

It starts at the Southern terminus at a car park and finishes where it meets the Mattatuck Trail at Cranes Lookout which is also the location of one of the Old Leathermans Caves.

Jericho Trail Guide

you can find out more about this trail here.

Trails Near Winchester CT

Walcott Trail – At a Glance…

2.4 mile loop trail round Burr Pond near Winchester in CT

Easy trail with some rocks to watch underfoot.

views of Burr Pond

Links to the John Muir Trail

Walcott Trail – Winchester CT

The Walcott Trail is a 2.4 mile CFPA Blue Blaze trail near Winchester in Connecticut. It follows the shoreline of Burr Pond in Burr Pond State Park next to Paugnut State Forest.

Walcott Trail Guide
Walcott Trail Guide
Walcott Trail Guide

The Walcott Trail goes round the shoreline of Burr Pond and has the John Muir Trail running of it linking eventually to Testone Boulder Loop Trail a few miles away. Learn more from the main guide here.

Summary

I’ll keep coming back and updating this post regularly as I visit more trails.

Read This Next …

My Guide to Trail Runners Kit List

The Old Leatherman Loop

My Gear Reviews

14 thoughts on “The Best Trails in Connecticut Guide

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