Our Connecticut Hike Database offers hikers a quick way to learn about interesting trails and see all of Trails of Freedom's associated visual and written content in one convenient place.
Each listed hike includes quick facts about the park and preserve, a brief overview of what you'll find there, related Trails of Freedom videos and photo albums, links to our past articles in which the location is mentioned, and a list of other online resources where you can find trails maps or further information.
For those of you that already know the name of the park or preserve that you want to visit, you can browse an alphabetical listing of hikes here. If you're interested in browsing a list of hikes in certain areas of the state, you can see a listing organized by region here.
alphabetical listing
Salisbury, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Scenic Views (including New York and Massachusetts), Connecticut's Tallest Peak, Ruins of stone pyramid at the summit
Southbury, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Best Birdwatching in Connecticut, Audubon Education Center, Pomperaug River
Union, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Mashapaug Pond, Breakneck Pond, Nipmuck State Forest, Excellent Fishing and Boating
Groton, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Bluff with stunning coastal views, Bushy Point Beach, Salt marshes, Excellent Birdwatching
Norfolk, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Whiting River crashing over two successive waterfalls, Beautiful woodlands of both CT and MA
Cornwall, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Old-growth white pines and hemlocks, Tornado damage (numerous toppled trees left as-is after a tornado in 1989)
East Haddam, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Chapman Falls, Eight Mile River, Hemlock forest, Covered bridge, Great camping
Granby, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Numerous waterfalls along Enders Brook (6 in total), Rocky gorge, Expansive forests
Hebron, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Old mill ruins, Interesting geology, Beach and swimming area, Fishing
Meriden, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Crescent Lake, Chauncey Peak, Excellent views over reservoir, Trails of varying difficulties
Barkhamsted, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Large boulder formations and caves, Beautiful hardwood forest, Native American folklore
Kent, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Kent Falls (spectacular waterfalls & cascades with trailside viewing platforms), Riverine hemlock and pine forest, Unique geology
New Haven, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Tidal wetlands, Beautiful views of New Haven Harbor, Coastal ecosystem education
Mansfield, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Extensive 500-acre lake, excellent for boating and fishing, great areas for picnics
Roxbury, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Ruins of a 19th-century iron-making facility, remnants of abandoned granite quarries, entrances to old mine shafts, vernal pools
Voluntown, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Panoramic views of Connecticut and Rhode Island, Wildflowers, Impressive woodlands, Songbirds
Voluntown, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Mount Misery, Rhododendron Sanctuary, Beachdale Pond, Laurel Loop, Green Fall Pond, Largest state forest in CT
Berlin, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Dramatic Traprock cliffs, Beautiful views over Wassel Resevoir, Excellent rock climbing, Impressive fall foliage
Voluntown, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Giant Rosebay rhododendrons, Wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, Lush green forest
Burlington, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
38-acre Beaver marsh pond, Pristine waterfall and brook, Wildlife management practices and demonstrations, Excellent wildlife viewing
Mansfield, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
75-acre tract of hardwood forest and wetlands, Cedar Swamp Brook, Shelter Falls, large rock formations
Hamden, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Scenic views, Traprock cliffs of "Sleeping Giant", Old quarry ruins, Stone lookout tower
New Fairfield, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Beautiful fall foliage reflected in the lake, Swimming, Fishing, Ice-skating and ice-fishing in the winter
Washington, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
Shepaug River, Steep Rock summit, "The Clamshell", Riverine hemlock forests, Abandoned rail tunnel
Middletown/Middlefield, Connecticut
What You'll Find •
The uniquely beautiful Wadsworth Falls, Variety of activities including swimming, fishing, and mountain biking
