Connecticut

Qui Transtulit Sustinet

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, there are over 2,000 known hiking and trekking trails in Connecticut.

Most popular trails:

Appalachian Trail in Connecticut: A segment of the legendary Appalachian Trail, showcasing diverse landscapes and historic towns.
Sleeping Giant State Park Trails: Trails meandering through Sleeping Giant State Park provide stunning views and unique rock formations.
Bear Mountain Loop: Approximately 10 miles. A challenging loop encompassing Bear Mountain, Connecticut's highest peak, and offering panoramic vistas.
Talcott Mountain State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths.Trails lead to Heublein Tower, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Farmington River Valley.
Devil's Hopyard State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Trails pass by waterfalls, unique rock formations, and tranquil forested areas. Hike to the Top of Castle Craig. Approximately 1.2 miles round trip. A steep but rewarding hike culminating at the historic Castle Craig tower, offering panoramic urban views.

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: Approximately 84 miles (entire trail). A multi-use trail with historical significance, appealing to cyclists, runners, and walkers.
Mattabesett Trail: Approximately 50 miles (entire trail). Renowned for its diverse landscapes and scenic views, it's a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts.
East Rock Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Trails within the park offer a mix of natural beauty and stunning city views.
West Rock Ridge State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Trails lead to West Rock's summit, providing breathtaking vistas of the New Haven area.
Quinnipiac Trail: Approximately 24 miles (entire trail). This trail offers a mix of wooded paths, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for exploration.
Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Trails lead to a scenic coastal area, offering tranquil views of Long Island Sound.

Best Trails for Certain Activities:

Scenic Views: Talcott Mountain State Park Trails, Lion's Head Trail, Hubbard Park Trails
Waterfalls: Kent Falls State Park Trails, Enders Falls Trail, Buttermilk Falls Trail,
Urban Hiking: Hike to the Top of Castle Craig, East Rock Park Trails, West Rock Ridge State Park Trails
Family-Friendly: Chatfield Hollow State Park Trails, Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail, Gay City State Park Trails.

Most Challenging Trails:

Ragged Mountain Preserve Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Featuring rugged terrain and steep ascents, providing a rigorous hiking experience for those seeking a challenge.
Lion's Head Trail: Approximately 3.5 miles round trip. A trail with rocky sections and steep segments, leading to a rewarding viewpoint.
Devil's Path (New York-Connecticut): Approximately 10 miles (in Connecticut). A challenging and technical trail, known for its rugged terrain and elevation changes.
Pinnacle Rock State Park Trail: Approximately 2 miles round trip. A steep ascent to Pinnacle Rock, offering spectacular views and a challenging hike.
Bear Mountain Loop: Approximately 10 miles. A challenging loop hike leading to Connecticut's highest peak, featuring rocky terrain and rewarding views.
Ragged Mountain Blue Blaze Trail: Approximately 5 miles. A loop trail known for its steep sections and rocky outcroppings, providing a challenging trek.

Most Scenic Trails:

Avalonia Land Conservancy Trails: Varying lengths of trails. Coastal trails offering scenic views of Long Island Sound, marshes, and woodlands.
Air Line State Park Trail: Approximately 50 miles (entire trail). This trail follows the historic Air Line Railroad, offering scenic landscapes including forests and wetlands.
Macedonia Brook State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Trails through lush woodlands and to viewpoints, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Housatonic Range Trail: Approximately 16 miles (in Connecticut). Known for its scenic beauty, this trail offers picturesque landscapes and opportunities for birdwatching.
Nipmuck Trail: Approximately 35 miles (in Connecticut). A trail that showcases varied terrain and scenic lakes, providing hikers with captivating views.
Mohawk Trail: Approximately 24 miles (in Connecticut).
This trail offers panoramic vistas and traverses varied terrain, including open ridges and wooded areas.

Most Family-Friendly Trails:

Quinnipiac Trail: Approximately 24 miles (entire trail). A family-friendly trail featuring a mix of wooded paths, scenic overlooks, and educational opportunities.
Gay City State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Family-friendly trails in this park lead to a swimming area and historic sites.
Pequot Woods Park Loop: Approximately 3.5 miles loop. A loop trail in a tranquil forest setting, suitable for families seeking an easy and enjoyable hike.
Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail: Approximately 4 miles (entire trail).A flat, paved trail ideal for family outings, offering picturesque views along the historic canal.
Wadsworth Falls State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Family-friendly trails leading to waterfalls and providing picnic spots and natural beauty.
Chatfield Hollow State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Easy trails amidst captivating landscapes, suitable for families with children.

Most Accessible Trails in the State:

Indian Well State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths.Accessible trails suitable for all abilities, leading to the scenic Indian Well waterfall.
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: Approximately 84 miles (entire trail). A multi-use trail featuring paved sections suitable for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Hammonasset Beach State Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. This park offers accessible trails that wind through coastal habitats, suitable for all visitors.
Lighthouse Point Park Trails: Various trails of varying lengths. Trails within the park provide scenic views of Long Island Sound.

Permits might be necessary for some state park activities or camping in Connecticut. You can get permits for trails in Connecticut at the following places:

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP): The DEEP is the state agency responsible for managing Connecticut's parks and forests. You can get permits for trails at their website or at any of their regional offices.
Individual parks and forests: Some parks and forests may have their own permit requirements. You can find information about these requirements on the park or forest's website.
Private land: If you are hiking on private land, you will need to obtain a permit from the landowner.

The specific permit requirements for each trail will vary. Some trails may require a day-use permit, while others may require a camping permit. You can find information about the permit requirements for each trail on the DEEP's website or at the park or forest where the trail is located.