{"id":5606,"date":"2024-05-09T21:03:05","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T21:03:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/?p=5606"},"modified":"2025-01-20T15:26:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T15:26:18","slug":"best-hikes-in-connecticut-best-day-hikes-in-ct","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/best-hikes-in-connecticut-best-day-hikes-in-ct\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Connecticut Hiking Trails: 7 Hikes that Will Knock Your Socks off"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:28px\">You don\u2019t have to search long to come up with dozens of Connecticut hiking trails, but narrowing in on the best hikes in Connecticut often requires a little determination. Many are short, flat jaunts with little to pique your curiosity, while others dig deep into history or the ecological wonders of the state. These are the types of experiences that enrich us, so we\u2019ve put together this list of some of the best day hikes in CT, focusing on those that reveal a small secret part of the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#mine-hill-preserve-hidden-mines-and-granite-quarries-make-for-one-of-the-best-hikes-in-connecticut\">Mine Hill Preserve-Hidden Mines and Granite Quarries Make for One of the Best Hikes in Connecticut<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#heublein-tower-hike-in-connecticut\">Heublein Tower Hike in Connecticut<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#a-ghostly-encounter-on-one-of-the-best-hikes-in-connecticut\">A Ghostly Encounter on One of the Best Hikes in Connecticut<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#staying-skinny-on-the-chatfield-trail\">Staying Skinny on the Chatfield Trail<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#best-hikes-in-connecticut-a-meeting-of-the-minds-at-the-indian-council-caves\">Best Hikes in Connecticut: A Meeting of the Minds at the Indian Council Caves<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#a-trail-for-abandoned-enthusiasts\">A Trail for Abandoned Enthusiasts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#dismal-brook-wildlife-preserve-preserving-natures-diversity-and-connecticuts-small-town-history\">Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve: Preserving Nature\u2019s Diversity and Connecticut\u2019s Small-Town History<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mine-hill-preserve-hidden-mines-and-granite-quarries-make-for-one-of-the-best-hikes-in-connecticut\">Mine Hill Preserve-Hidden Mines and Granite Quarries Make for One of the Best Hikes in Connecticut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/iPhone-6-Plus31473-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Blasting oven, a site on Connecticut&#039;s Roxbury Mine trail, one of the best hikes in Connecticut.\" class=\"wp-image-5607\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover;width:1451px\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/iPhone-6-Plus31473-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/iPhone-6-Plus31473-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/iPhone-6-Plus31473-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/iPhone-6-Plus31473-scaled.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Obscurely located off Route 67 in Roxbury, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.roxburylandtrust.org\/minehill.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mine Hill Preserve<\/a> is a delight for any history lover among us. Covering over 360 acres, it\u2019s also one of the best day hikes in Connecticut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main loop trail begins off of Mine Hill Road and climbs up the Donkey trail past an abandoned mine shaft. Before you get there, however, you\u2019ll want to spend some time exploring the <a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/copake-iron-works-seconds-to-go-short\/\">blast furnaces<\/a> and roasting ovens. Interpretive signs explain the history of iron making at the site, a once prosperous operation overlooking the former boom town below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Roxbury-Land-Trust-map.pdf\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"761\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Roxbury-Land-Trust-map_Page_1-761x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5629\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Roxbury-Land-Trust-map_Page_1-761x1024.jpg 761w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Roxbury-Land-Trust-map_Page_1-223x300.jpg 223w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Roxbury-Land-Trust-map_Page_1-768x1034.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Roxbury-Land-Trust-map_Page_1-1141x1536.jpg 1141w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Roxbury-Land-Trust-map_Page_1.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Roxbury Land Trust hiking map &#8211; click to download<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaving the ovens and furnace, you\u2019ll head up the Donkey Trail, aptly named for the animals who once had the laborious chore of pulling carts of ore up iron railways from the mines. This 3.5-mile loop leads deep into the wilderness, past abandoned foundations and sealed up, but visible, mine shafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As iron making turned not-so-prosperous around 1872, miners came above ground and began to quarry granite from the hills. The Donkey Trail takes a meander through parts of the quarry operation before descending along the Shepaug River to end back at the blasting ovens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why we chose Roxbury Mines as one of the best Connecticut hiking trails:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Historical markers provide additional detail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peek inside a mine shaft<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chance to explore Connecticut history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d10041.053121343924!2d-73.33977458626606!3d41.564419046173846!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x89e7f3dc0e5bee07%3A0x47824bc7cddbcacd!2sMine%20Hill%20Preserve!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1588610840553!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"100%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"heublein-tower-hike-in-connecticut\">Heublein Tower Hike in Connecticut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/420BA0E7-510C-4A62-B982-97C065B62AAF-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Heublein Tower close up: one of the best day hikes in CT.\" class=\"wp-image-5612\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/420BA0E7-510C-4A62-B982-97C065B62AAF-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/420BA0E7-510C-4A62-B982-97C065B62AAF-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/420BA0E7-510C-4A62-B982-97C065B62AAF-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/420BA0E7-510C-4A62-B982-97C065B62AAF.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While we\u2019re on the trail of Connecticut history, why not make a stop in Simsbury for a view of the Farmington Valley and a tale of a love-inspired German Castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving Route 10\/202, Heublein Tower is a stunning surprise on the Talcott Mountain range. Jutting 165 feet high above the traprock ledge, it\u2019s German inspired origins seem slightly out of place in the Connecticut countryside, which only makes it all the more intriguing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To take the <a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/heublein-tower-hike\/\">Heublein Tower hike<\/a>, however, you\u2019ll have to leave the car and embark on the 1.25 mile trail leading from the parking base to the top of the ridge. It\u2019s a punishing climb for the first quarter mile or so, but flattens out nicely once you reach the precipice, where a nice plateau provides views of the valley below. However, the best view is found at the top of the tower, about another mile down the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heublein Tower was built by Gilbert Heublein, heir to the A-1 Steak Sauce empire, to honor his wife, Louise. It was used primarily as a summer home until Gilbert\u2019s death in 1937. The tower is open for self-touring most Thursdays through Sunday, May through the middle of November, and offers views as far as New York State, making it one of the best day hikes in CT for stunning views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_8272-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"View from Heublein Tower Trail, one of the best hikes in Connecticut.\" class=\"wp-image-5609\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_8272-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_8272-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_8272-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_8272-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_8272-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Why we chose this trail as one of the best hikes in Connecticut:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Magnificent views<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heublein Tower tours exploring Connecticut history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m16!1m12!1m3!1d2720.0187054088883!2d-73.33283271033072!3d41.557575810876834!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!2m1!1sroxbury%20mine!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1588524916663!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"100%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-ghostly-encounter-on-one-of-the-best-hikes-in-connecticut\">A Ghostly Encounter on One of the Best Hikes in Connecticut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pilfershire Trail leads out of the McClean Game Refuge on the Granby\/Simsbury line in Connecticut and into an abandoned colonial town. Of course, you\u2019ll have to climb the Garret Stairs first, a bumpy roadway on the major stagecoach route through this area of the state, and find a way to cross the stream where the old wagon bridge has washed away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a Connecticut hike that is well worth the trouble when you stumble upon the old stone walls surrounding an empty square and the ancient foundations and cellar holes that speak to a once prosperous habitation. Considering the fact that no one really knows what happened to the town of Pilfershire or its many residents, it\u2019s all too easy to hear the ghostly echoes of their voices and imagine that you aren\u2019t alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tales of ghostly apparitions have been reported, and though we can&#8217;t attest to any sightings, there is a feeling in the air when visiting the ridge. It&#8217;s like our colonial ancestors are still watching over the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trail picks up from a private driveway off of Firetown Road, passes a waterfall and continues upward until you reach the river. A water crossing is required, but it&#8217;s easy to stone hop across the stream in the summer months, as long as it hasn&#8217;t rained recently. The Westledge Trail is one of the best day hikes in Connecticut for those who love history and finding unusual surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why we chose this trail as one of the best Connecticut hiking trails:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ruins of an abandoned colonial town<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hike along the Garret Stairs, an old stagecoach route<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Waterfall<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d9987.45197446301!2d-72.86927607044726!3d41.90818357361685!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x89e707adef3c832d%3A0x562ca8825e2e31c8!2sWestledge%20Trail%20-%20Pink%20Blazed%2C%20Simsbury%2C%20CT!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1588622840719!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"100%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/explore-dover-stone-church-hike\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Dover-STone-Church-callout.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5638\" style=\"width:1500px\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Dover-STone-Church-callout.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Dover-STone-Church-callout-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Dover-STone-Church-callout-1024x256.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Dover-STone-Church-callout-768x192.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Dover-STone-Church-callout-1536x384.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"staying-skinny-on-the-chatfield-trail\">Staying Skinny on the Chatfield Trail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Fat-Man-Squeeze-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Fat Man Squeeze on Connecticut Chatfield Trail, on of the best day hikes in CT.\" class=\"wp-image-5611\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Fat-Man-Squeeze-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Fat-Man-Squeeze-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Fat-Man-Squeeze-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Fat-Man-Squeeze.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Covering a total length of 4.5 miles, the Chatfield trail in Killingworth could easily make a good day hike in CT. The trail begins off of lonely Paper Mill Road, before you reach the scout camp at the end. It flirts with rocky slopes and a determined stream, before brushing the edge of the camp for a stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eventually, solitude returns as the trail angles upward toward a rocky cairn. From the base, it looks like a bad collision of dominoes, but a climb to the top reveals a hollow cavern and the Fat Man Squeeze, a narrow rocky ravine that requires a sideways entrance into the cavern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the rock scramble, you\u2019ll continue through the Cockaponset Forest and into the eerily guarded Forster Pond State Park. Part of the former estate of famed architect, Frank Forster, and part of the Connecticut State Park system, the mansion and corresponding lake now sit abandoned and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.courant.com\/news\/connecticut\/hc-xpm-2001-05-08-0105080995-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">largely guarded from visitors<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The closest you\u2019ll get is a spur trail that leads to the remnants of the power mill. As you reach the end of the trail at Route 80, across from <a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/chatfield-hollow-state-park\/\">Chatfield State Park<\/a>, you\u2019ll encounter no trespassing signs warning you away from this publicly owned parcel of land. From this point, the trail then skirts around the edges of the mansion property, looping back to the earlier portion of the trail not far from Fatman\u2019s Squeeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Chatfield Trail offers an interesting hiking experience with unusual geological formations and a chance to toy with the forbidden as you skirt the edges of Forster State Park, putting it on our list of best hikes in Connecticut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why we chose this trail as one of the best hikes in Connecticut:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Interesting geology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kids and adults alike will have fun exploring the rocks and crevices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m16!1m12!1m3!1d7509.034236757436!2d-72.6007500905545!3d41.341400545088305!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!2m1!1schatfield%20trail%2C%20Killingworth%2C%20CT%20cha%20t!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1588525254631!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"100%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best-hikes-in-connecticut-a-meeting-of-the-minds-at-the-indian-council-caves\">Best Hikes in Connecticut: A Meeting of the Minds at the Indian Council Caves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best hiking trails we\u2019ve discovered in Connecticut is the Indian Council Caves trail off of Route 219 in Barkhamsted. Coming in at over 4 miles, it\u2019s one of the longer trails on our list, but well worth it if you\u2019re seeking solitude with nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The caves at the end of the trail aren\u2019t really caves in the true sense, more rock outcroppings with intriguing depressions, but the nooks and crannies provide a fun exploration on a warm day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indian Council Caves lie along the Tunxis trail, so it is possible to continue further past this area for a longer Connecticut day hike. The Tunxis Trail is part of Connecticut\u2019s blue-blazed system running from Southington to the Massachusetts border. This section of the trail features a bog, white birch forests, a glimpse of a wolf tree, and the foundation of an abandoned home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll find parking in a small area along Route 219 just west of the intersection with Hillcrest Drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why we chose this trail as one of the best hikes in Connecticut:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Peaceful solitary journey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foundation ruins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cave like formations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d9979.970054523867!2d-72.92589958105921!3d41.955985083013125!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x89e708c3cc280399%3A0x9e16a92208547519!2sIndian%20Council%20Caves!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1588614695754!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"100%\" =\"\"=\"\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogomerch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/S2G-branded-merch-banner-insert-1024x614.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24052\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/S2G-branded-merch-banner-insert-1024x614.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/S2G-branded-merch-banner-insert-300x180.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/S2G-branded-merch-banner-insert-768x461.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/S2G-branded-merch-banner-insert-1536x922.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/S2G-branded-merch-banner-insert-2048x1229.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-trail-for-abandoned-enthusiasts\">A Trail for Abandoned Enthusiasts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3059-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"stone foundation of the Holiday House ruins at Steep Rock Preserve, offering one of the best hikes in Connecticut.\" class=\"wp-image-5618\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3059-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3059-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3059-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3059.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Steep Rock Preserve in Washington Depot has it all if you\u2019re looking for a Connecticut hiking trail with some interesting adventure. Picking up the Tunnel Road trailhead just off of Lower Church Hill Road, you\u2019ll begin with a nice warm up stroll on flat ground along the Shepaug River. This won\u2019t last long, however, before rocks begin to intercede.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soon, you\u2019re climbing up and over formations as you cling to the river\u2019s course. We took on this excursion towed by an overly excited Golden Retriever and found it a challenge but manageable. Other hikers of vary skill levels were also enjoying the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rock scramble eventually leads back to the river\u2019s edge before wandering into the forest on relatively flat land. You\u2019ll meet the river another time as the trail crosses a wooden suspension bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From there, A nice wander through flat woodland will eventually bring you to the abandoned train tunnel, once part of the Shepaug Valley Railroad and a line that ceased operating in 1948.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3058-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"abandoned train tunnel on the Shepaug Valley line\" class=\"wp-image-5617\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3058-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3058-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_3058.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Steep-Rock-Map-2019.pdf\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"804\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Steep-Rock-Map-2019-804x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5633\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Steep-Rock-Map-2019-804x1024.jpg 804w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Steep-Rock-Map-2019-236x300.jpg 236w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Steep-Rock-Map-2019-768x978.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Steep-Rock-Map-2019-1207x1536.jpg 1207w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Steep-Rock-Map-2019-scaled.jpg 1609w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 804px) 100vw, 804px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steeprock Trail map &#8211; click to download<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A separate, but equally fascinating trail, leads to the foundation ruins of Holiday House. Holiday House hotel was built by Edward Van Ingen, a wool importer, as a memorial to his daughter who died of scarlet fever. The Van Ingen\u2019s operated the hotel as a retreat for working class girls, in conjunction with St. Bartholomew\u2019s Church in New York City, until 1918.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why we chose this trail as one of the best hikes in Connecticut:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Abandoned tunnel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Holiday House ruins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Challenging rock formations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suspension bridge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d5965.240489059587!2d-73.3257029411343!3d41.620722982275396!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x89e7f3206397d9c5%3A0xe06fa57b43e1fe33!2sSteep%20Rock%20Preserve!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1588614745306!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"100%\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dismal-brook-wildlife-preserve-preserving-natures-diversity-and-connecticuts-small-town-history\">Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve: Preserving Nature\u2019s Diversity and Connecticut\u2019s Small-Town History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/5a3f43e68ac1415abd5f25ca38fe98ae-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"Dismal Brook Pond at Dismal Brook Preserve, offering on of the best day hikes in CT.\" class=\"wp-image-6786\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/5a3f43e68ac1415abd5f25ca38fe98ae-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/5a3f43e68ac1415abd5f25ca38fe98ae-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/5a3f43e68ac1415abd5f25ca38fe98ae-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/5a3f43e68ac1415abd5f25ca38fe98ae-1-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/5a3f43e68ac1415abd5f25ca38fe98ae-1.jpeg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Following an abandoned road, the <a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/dismal-brook-wildlife-preserve-north-granby-connecticut\/\">Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve hike<\/a> in North Granby is full of surprises. These 200 acres of prime real estate have been lovingly donated to the Granby Land Trust by James Gamble, to preserve the natural diversity of the property. To date, over 100 species of birds have been seen, including rare specimens such as the Bufflehead, American Bittern and Yellowbilled Cuckoo, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve is home to more than native bird species. It is also the final resting place of some of the town\u2019s earliest inhabitants. The Day Cemetery, located within the property, is Granby\u2019s oldest graveyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protecting 5 current graves, this small plot of land marks the final resting spot for Elijah Truman, a smallpox victim who died in 1795, as well as Nathaniel Atkinson, who died in 1861 at the very impressive age of 92. Other residents of the Day family are also interred here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the historical significance of the property, hikers will discover an abandoned cabin overlooking Creamer Pond, a small waterfall and a dam. Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve has received several upgrades since its inclusion as a land trust property, including a new parking lot, bird watching stations and wooden bridges to cross streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This newest addition to our top Connecticut hiking list is well worth the trip to this remote area of this small town, but fall and winter are likely the best seasons to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, you&#8217;ll want to read our <a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/dismal-brook-wildlife-preserve-north-granby-connecticut\/\">complete hiking review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/GLT_68_DismalBrook_Wildlife_Preserve_PublicTrail-002-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Dismal Brook Preserve Hiking Trail map.\" class=\"wp-image-17669 size-full\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/GLT_68_DismalBrook_Wildlife_Preserve_PublicTrail-002-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/GLT_68_DismalBrook_Wildlife_Preserve_PublicTrail-002-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/GLT_68_DismalBrook_Wildlife_Preserve_PublicTrail-002-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/GLT_68_DismalBrook_Wildlife_Preserve_PublicTrail-002-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/GLT_68_DismalBrook_Wildlife_Preserve_PublicTrail-002-scaled.jpg 1583w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Why we chose this trail as one of the best hikes in Connecticut:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Opportunity to walk where early settlers walked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Historical significance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bird watching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/GLT_68_DismalBrook_Wildlife_Preserve_PublicTrail-002.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here <\/a>to download a trail map of Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:32px\">EXPLORE WITH US<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:24px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/lovers-leap-state-park-ct\/\">Sad Tales, Historic Remains: Lovers Leap State Park in Connecticut<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/lovers-leap-state-park-ct\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/lovers-leap-pin-2-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17614\" style=\"width:358px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/lovers-leap-pin-2-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/lovers-leap-pin-2-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/lovers-leap-pin-2-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/lovers-leap-pin-2.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:24px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/seconds-to-go-gillette-castle\/\">A Former Stage Actor Builds Gillette Castle in Connecticut, Hides Its Secrets for Years<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/seconds-to-go-gillette-castle\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/IMG_2195.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17682\" style=\"width:456px;height:auto\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:24px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/new-england-getaways\/\">Travel Trends: New England Getaways You Have to See to Believe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/new-england-getaways\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Thinking-about-New-England-Travel-576x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10276\" style=\"width:331px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Thinking-about-New-England-Travel-576x1024.png 576w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Thinking-about-New-England-Travel-169x300.png 169w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Thinking-about-New-England-Travel-768x1365.png 768w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Thinking-about-New-England-Travel-864x1536.png 864w, https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Thinking-about-New-England-Travel.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You don\u2019t have to search long to come up with dozens of Connecticut hiking trails, but narrowing in on the best hikes in Connecticut often requires a little determination. Many are short, flat jaunts with little to pique your curiosity, while others dig deep into history or the ecological wonders of the state. These are &#8230; <a title=\"Best Connecticut Hiking Trails: 7 Hikes that Will Knock Your Socks off\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/best-hikes-in-connecticut-best-day-hikes-in-ct\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Best Connecticut Hiking Trails: 7 Hikes that Will Knock Your Socks off\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5657,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1140,4],"tags":[90,137,138,1161,143],"ppma_author":[2365],"class_list":["post-5606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-england-getaway-trips","category-new-england","tag-connecticut","tag-connecticut-hikes","tag-connecticut-hiking","tag-new-england-hikes","tag-new-england-hiking","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"authors":[{"term_id":2365,"user_id":1,"is_guest":0,"slug":"khesketh","display_name":"Kathleen Hesketh","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/23494c9101089ad44ae88ce9d2f56aac.jpg?ver=1776809670","url2x":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/23494c9101089ad44ae88ce9d2f56aac.jpg?ver=17768096702x"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":"","9":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5606"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5606\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24669,"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5606\/revisions\/24669"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5657"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5606"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=5606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}