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Attraction: Outdoor Adventure

  • Weir Farm National Historical Park – Connecticut

    Weir Farm National Historical Park – Connecticut

    Weir Farm National Historical Park

    Wilton, CT

    Weir Farm National Historical Park in Connecticut
    Weir Farm National Historical Park in Connecticut

    Weir Farm National Historical Park

    Overview:
    The only national park in Connecticut, Weir Farm preserves the home, studio, and landscapes that inspired American Impressionist J. Alden Weir and generations of painters who followed.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Walk through flower gardens, fields, and forested paths that feel like a painting in motion. Tour the artist’s studio, or bring your own sketchpad — they even offer “Take Part in Art” kits to borrow.

    What to Know Before You Go:

    • Free entry; open seasonally for tours.
    • Grounds, trails, and visitor center open year-round.
    • No camping; quiet, reflective visit.
    • Dogs allowed on trails, not in buildings.

    Fun Fact:
    This is one of only two National Parks in the country dedicated to visual artists — and the only one focused on American Impressionism.

  • Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

    Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

    Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

    Danielson, CT

    The Last Green Valley - Connecticut section
    One of the last unspoiled green spaces between Boston and D.C., the Last Green Valley spans 35 towns across Connecticut and Massachusetts. 📷: The Last Green Valley

    Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

    (Also known as The Last Green Valley)

    Overview:
    This federally designated National Heritage Corridor protects 35 towns in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts — one of the last large, undeveloped green spaces between Boston and D.C.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Explore scenic paddling routes, covered bridges, wildlife refuges, and historic mill towns. The corridor isn’t a park with gates — it’s a living, working landscape preserved for recreation, agriculture, and heritage tourism.

    What to Know Before You Go:

    • Includes public and private lands — check trail maps.
    • Great for biking, kayaking, and agritourism.
    • Visitors can attend guided walks, birding outings, and fall festivals.
    • Dogs welcome on most trails.

    Fun Fact:
    From space, the corridor actually shows up as a “dark zone” — a rare stretch of unlit landscape between the bright metro belts of the Northeast.

  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Connecticut Section

    Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Connecticut Section

    Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Sherman, Kent, Sharon, Canaan, and Salisbury, CT

    Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Connecticut
    The rolling hills in northwestern Connecticut, along the Appalachian Trail.

    Appalachian National Scenic Trail (Connecticut Section)

    • Access Points: Multiple locations including Kent, Cornwall, Salisbury
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: https://www.nps.gov/appa

    Overview:
    Running for about 50 miles through Connecticut’s northwest hills, this section of the A.T. offers wooded ridgelines, peaceful riverside walks, and a gentle introduction to one of the most famous trails in the world.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    The trail follows the Housatonic River for part of its stretch, with mellow terrain and accessible day-hike options. Trail towns like Kent are welcoming stops for snacks, maps, and A.T. stories.

    What to Know Before You Go:

    • Most hikes are moderate and well-marked.
    • Overnight camping allowed at designated shelters.
    • Trail maintained in part by the Connecticut Appalachian Mountain Club.
    • Dogs allowed on leash.

    Fun Fact:
    This section is considered one of the most beginner-friendly parts of the A.T. — and great for first-time backpackers or scenic day hikes.

  • Hammonasset Beach State Park – Connecticut

    Hammonasset Beach State Park – Connecticut

    Hammonasset Beach State Park

    Madison, CT

    Hammonasset Beach State Park - Connecticut
    With nearly two miles of shoreline, Hammonasset is the longest beach in Connecticut’s state park system.

    Hammonasset Beach State Park

    • Address: 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Hammonasset-Beach-State-Park

    Overview:
    Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, Hammonasset stretches for over two miles along Long Island Sound. It’s a classic summer destination with a wide sandy beach, boardwalk, campground, and nature center.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    This is where Connecticut summers come to life. Swim, sunbathe, bike along the trails, or visit Meigs Point Nature Center to see live animals and learn about coastal habitats.

    What to Know Before You Go:

    • Day-use and camping available (over 550 campsites!).
    • Can get very crowded on summer weekends — arrive early.
    • Pets not allowed on the beach during peak season.
    • Accessible walkways, beach wheelchairs, and picnic pavilions available.

    Fun Fact:
    The name “Hammonasset” comes from a Native American tribe that once lived in the area. It’s believed to mean “where we dig holes in the ground.”