Best Trail Running in Connecticut

Trying to find the best trail running 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, Middlesex County

01 :49 hrs
7.1 mi
89.24954 ft
Hard

Millers Pond State Park is a heavily wooded and beautiful park. Mountain biking here is excellent, but difficult; the trail is also used for hiking so be aware. Be apprised that the area is hunted, so it will be important to know when the hunting dates are. Millers Pond is another feature of this adventure and is excellent for trout and smallmouth bass fishing, for any interested.

2

Connecticut, Fairfield County

02 :08 hrs
5.2 mi
166.23541 ft
Hard

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 hike include Prydden Falls, Lake Zoar (good 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, Windham County

02 :58 hrs
8.4 mi
56.510284 ft
Hard

George Washington Management Area offers around 4000 acres of beautiful wilderness. This hiking 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. Also, there is camping available at the George Washington Memorial Camping Area.

4

Connecticut, Litchfield County

01 :32 hrs
3.5 mi
210.02762 ft
Hard

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs 2,179 miles through beautiful wilderness area in fourteen different states. In Connecticut there are just over 50 miles of the Appalachian. This section of the trail features Bull's Bridge and great valley views atop the trail's hills. The trail runs through a heavily forested area the include a variety of flora including maple, birch, witch hazel and oak trees. Be apprised that dogs must be on a leash while hiking the Appalachian Trail.

5

Connecticut, Fairfield County

01 :50 hrs
5 mi
42.90242 ft
Hard

The land for Huntington State Park was given to the state by the Luttgen family in the late 1800's after which it was developed into a state park. The trail takes you through dense forest, filled with a variety of tree species, including maple, oak and birch. Some highlights of this adventure include Lily Pond and Huntington Pond; both are places where you can catch fish. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while hiking in Huntington State Park.

6

New York, Suffolk County

01 :14 hrs
1.8 mi
9.946343 ft
Moderate

Montauk Points State Park is located on the eastern tip of the South Shore of Long Island and offers some excellent coastal hiking and scenery. This hike follows the Oyster Pond Trail from the parking area west through wooded terrain to Oyster Pond and back. The hike is fairly flat and easy to follow. The state park is also home to the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum and offers picnic areas, additional trails, and water access.

7

Connecticut, Middlesex County

01 :19 hrs
3.3 mi
114.7125 ft
Moderate

Located in the town of East Hampton Hurd State Park (land purchased by the state in 1914) offers with hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking. This hiking adventure features Carlson Pond, spectacular river and valley views from ridges on White Mountain, as well as the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River offers good fishing too. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while in the state park and there is a parking fee.

8

Connecticut, Meriden

02 :15 hrs
5.7 mi
114.58241 ft
Hard

The Mattabesett Trail is a large, blue-blazed, U-shaped (50-mile), hiking trail that runs through the central parts of Connecticut; it is part of the New England National Scenic Trail. This section of the path features Giuffrida Park, Bradley Hubbard Reservoir, Lamentation Mountain and dense forests. The forest is full of maple, hemlock, sycamore, beech, oak and birch trees. There is great fishing on Bradley Hubbard Reservoir. Also, be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while on the trail.

9

Connecticut, Litchfield County

03 :16 hrs
7.8 mi
288.57562 ft
Expert

Tucked away in the northwest corner of the state this hiking adventure features the highest point (2,380 ft.; not a summit) in Connecticut along a climb through thick forest up Mount Frissell. Also featured is Bear Mountain. The path utilizes the famous Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail has over 50 miles of trails in Connecticut alone. The forest consists of maple, sycamore, hemlock, beech, birch and oak trees. Aside from a small brook (may be dried up) you will not encounter much if any water on the trail so pack enough for the hike. Also, be apprised that dogs must be leashed while on the trail.

10

Connecticut, New Haven County

01 :40 hrs
5 mi
2.3298535 ft
Moderate

Hammonasset Beach State Park has a rich history. Hammonasset has an interesting meaning, it means "where we dig holes in the ground". The reference for this comes from the place where woodland Native Americans used to farm along the Hammonasset River. A couple hundred years later, in the late 19th century, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company bought Hammonasset and used it as a shooting range for their new rifles. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while in the park.

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