Outdoor Adventure

Hiking & Biking Trails

• Bear Mountain, Salisbury – The highest peak in Connecticut offers a challenging 5.4-mile hike with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding states​.
• West Thompson Lake Recreation Area, Thompson – This area offers a 7.2-mile loop around the lake and Quinebaug River, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and fishing​.
• Mohawk Mountain, Cornwall – Drive to the top of this 1,683-foot mountain for nearly 360-degree views. It’s an excellent spot for a picnic or a sunset drive​.
• Bluff Point State Park, Groton – A coastal reserve trail that stretches 3.6 miles along the Connecticut shoreline, ideal for both hiking and biking​.
• Mattabesett Trail, Middlefield – Part of the New England National Scenic Trail, this 50-mile trail offers stunning views from Mount Higby and other peaks, with plenty of challenging terrain for avid hikers​.
• Air Line State Park Trail, East Hampton – A historic rail trail turned into a multi-use path, offering over 50 miles of scenic biking and walking through the Connecticut countryside​.
• Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam – Famous for its beautiful Chapman Falls and scenic hiking trails, this park offers a mix of easy and challenging hikes through lush forests.
• Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden – Named for its distinct “sleeping giant” formation, this park offers numerous trails of varying difficulty, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area​.

Kayaking & Water Activities

• Thimble Islands, Branford – Explore this archipelago of tiny islands off the Connecticut coast by kayak, enjoying the coastal beauty​.
• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex – Combine history with outdoor adventure by taking a scenic ride on a vintage steam train, followed by a cruise along the Connecticut River​.
• Blackhawk Sport Fishing, Niantic – Enjoy an exciting fishing trip where you can catch a variety of fish, including porgy, bluefish, and striped bass.
• Farmington River, Canton – Known for its excellent kayaking and tubing opportunities, the Farmington River is perfect for both leisurely paddling and more challenging whitewater experiences​.
• Candlewood Lake, Danbury – The largest lake in Connecticut offers endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and watersports, with several marinas and public access points​.
• Lake Lillinonah, Bridgewater – A popular spot for kayaking and fishing, Lake Lillinonah is surrounded by scenic landscapes, offering a peaceful escape for water enthusiasts​.

Scenic Drives & Sightseeing

• Saville Dam, Barkhamsted – The fairy-tale-like dam house at Saville Dam offers picturesque views of the Barkhamsted Reservoir and Lake McDonough​.
• Mystic Seaport, Mystic – Explore a recreated 19th-century coastal village at one of America’s top maritime museums, perfect for history buffs and outdoor lovers​.
• Kent Falls State Park, Kent – Home to the tallest waterfall in Connecticut, Kent Falls offers several hiking trails and picnic areas​.
• Litchfield Hills Scenic Drive – Take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Litchfield, passing by historic homes, charming villages, and stunning landscapes, perfect for a leisurely road trip​.
• Route 169, Eastern Connecticut – Recognized as one of the most scenic drives in New England, this route takes you through quaint villages, historic sites, and rolling farmlands, offering a true taste of rural Connecticut​.

Family-Friendly Outdoor Fun

• The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village, Oakdale – A family favorite, this outdoor adventure park features over 40 life-sized dinosaurs, a splash pad, and maze​.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

• Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington – Connecticut’s largest coastal wildlife management area, perfect for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. The area includes trails through marshes, woodlands, and along the coastline, making it a prime spot for observing a variety of bird species​.
• White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield – This 4,000-acre nature preserve offers extensive trails for hiking and birdwatching, as well as a museum and nature education programs. It’s a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts looking to learn more about local wildlife​.

Climbing & Rock Scrambling

• Ragged Mountain, Southington – A popular destination for rock climbers, Ragged Mountain offers challenging climbs with rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. It’s also a great spot for experienced hikers looking for a bit more adventure​.
• St. John’s Ledges, Kent – Known for its steep cliffs, this area is popular among rock climbers and those interested in bouldering. The Appalachian Trail also passes through here, offering additional hiking opportunities​.

Winter Activities

• Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, Cornwall – One of the state’s premier ski destinations, offering a variety of trails for skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, the area is great for hiking and mountain biking​.
• Winding Trails, Farmington – Offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, with well-groomed trails perfect for all levels. During the warmer months, it’s a popular spot for hiking, biking, and kayaking​.

Caving & Spelunking

• Lover’s Leap State Park, New Milford – While primarily known for its scenic hiking trails and historic bridge, the park also features small caves and rock formations that are fun to explore, particularly for those interested in geology​.