Best Cross Country Skiing in Connecticut

Trying to find the best cross country skiing in Connecticut? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Connecticut, Windham County

03 :50 hrs
8.4 mi
58.043884 ft
Easy

George Washington Management Area offers around 4000 acres of beautiful wilderness. This skiing adventure loops through the heart of the park and features the forest of the area, Wilbur Pond, wildlife and an unnamed small pond. Wildlife that may be seen include cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hare, grey squirrel, white-tailed deer, fox, raccoon, muskrat, grouse, wild turkey, ring-necked pheasant, woodcock and waterfowl. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while on the trail.

2

Connecticut, Fairfield County

02 :56 hrs
5.2 mi
166.23541 ft
Moderate

The Zoar Trail, running through the Lower Paugussett State Forest, is blue-blazed, runs along the shores of Lake Zoar, through heavily wooded, rolling terrain. Some of the features of the ski include Prydden Falls, Lake Zoar (good ice fishing), great forest views and wildlife. The forest is full of maple, hemlock, beech and birch trees. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash and that during hunting season you will need to wear bright colors.

3

Connecticut, Fairfield County

02 :26 hrs
4.6 mi
85.466736 ft
Moderate

The Upper Paugussett State Forest Ski runs through a heavily forested area that offers a beautiful skiing opportunity. There are several different tree species here including hemlock, maple, birch, beech and oak. The trail follows bluffs along the shores of Shepaug River and Lake Lillinonah. There is some Indian lore that surrounds this area, a story that involves an Indian chief's daughter and her European lover that were both swept away in the river's rapids. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while hiking in this park.

4

Connecticut, Windham County

03 :50 hrs
8.4 mi
58.043884 ft
Easy

George Washington Management Area offers around 4000 acres of beautiful wilderness. This skiing adventure loops through the heart of the park and features the forest of the area, Wilbur Pond, wildlife and an unnamed small pond. Wildlife that may be seen include cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hare, grey squirrel, white-tailed deer, fox, raccoon, muskrat, grouse, wild turkey, ring-necked pheasant, woodcock and waterfowl. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while on the trail.

5

Connecticut, Litchfield County

03 :06 hrs
2 mi
77.26691 ft
Hard

This cross country skiing adventure is located just west of the Barkhamstead Reservoir, and utilizes the tunxis trail running through a beautiful forest area offering a quiet, scenic ski. Some of the features of this trail include Kettle Brook, forest views and the Indian Caves. The forest is full of a variety of trees including red oak, maple, hemlock, tulip tree and ash. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while on the trail.

6

Connecticut, Hartford

03 :17 hrs
3.3 mi
48.206512 ft
Hard

The Metacomet Trail runs through the beautiful Talcott Mountain State Park. The path is lined with a variety of tree species including, mixed oak, spruce, pine, hickory, beech, birch, maple, dogwood, ash, basswood and poplar. Be apprised that if dogs are brought along they must be kept on a leash while on the trail. Also, there is a fairly steep uphill climb near the end of the trail that will be challenging for most skiiers.

7

Connecticut, Windham County

02 :09 hrs
4.6 mi
36.251938 ft
Easy

The Goodwin State Forest has over three square miles of beautiful forests with adventure opportunities for every season of the year. This skiing adventure features Black Spruce Pond, the trail circling its heavily wooded shores. The forest in the area is full of maple, hickory, beech and oak trees. Wildlife that may be seen in the area include beaver, deer and a variety of birds. Fishing is descent on the lake too including bass and trout species. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while on this trail.

8

Connecticut, Middlesex County

01 :37 hrs
3 mi
72.77647 ft
Moderate

Devil's hopyard State Park is just over 860-acres and is named for the ingredient for beer, hops, or perhaps because of the myth explaining the potholes at the foot of the waterfall as being Devil's hoofprints. The trail is beautiful with stepped ledges, eroded potholes, woods and a plunge pool. Also featured on this hike is Eightmile River, a mature forest and a charming wooden covered bridge. Be apprised that if you bring a dog you must keep it on a leash. Also, if you plan to stay overnight at the campground you must purchase a pass.

9

Connecticut, Litchfield County

04 :27 hrs
7.2 mi
204.0983 ft
Expert

The 2,300 acre piece of land that constitutes Macedonia Brook State Park came from the White Memorial Foundation in 1918. The park offers interesting ridge-line tours, peaceful forest, a gurgling Macedonia Brook and great views; this ski has all of these things. Another feature of this ski is Hilltop Pond, a descent place to fish for any interested. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while on the trail and there is a parking fee.

10

Connecticut, Hartford

02 :04 hrs
3.8 mi
146.7121 ft
Easy

The Ragged Mountain Preserve has over 560 acres of open and pristine forest areas. There are a few different hiking options in the area that present mixed woods, swamp, ridge and cliff views and wildlife. There are also a lot of rock climbing opportunities in the preserve. This cross-country trail utilizes the Metacomet, Old Road and Blue/Red trails and features excellent forest views and Wassel Reservoir (a great fishing lake). Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while on the trail.

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