Best Parks In Connecticut
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I know people love to say that there’s nothing to do in Connecticut, but there really is so much to do around the state. It took me a while to get this list together, partially because every time I thought I was done, I’d think of more! I tried to include a little bit of everything, from parks that are great to relax in to parks that are more geared towards hiking and outdoor adventures.
Harkness Memorial State Park
Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford is one of the most popular parks in the state, and for good reason. This park was the former estate of Edward and Mary Harkness and it was left to the state after Mary’s passing. Today, it is a state park where visitors can enjoy the gardens, the beach, the mansion, and more. It’s a great spot to visit year-round.
Learn more about this park: Harkness Memorial State Park In Connecticut
Kent Falls State Park
Kent Falls is a series of waterfalls located in Kent, Connecticut. The waterfall is the tallest in Connecticut, dropping over 250 feet in various cascades. The main part of the waterfall is visible from the parking area and it’s just a short walk to the base of the falls. But, it’s worth doing the short, but steep, hike along the brook where to see the other cascades that make up this large waterfall.
Learn more about visiting this park: Kent Falls State Park CT
Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam is a great spot to visit for a nice blend of history and nature. The park features a castle you can tour, stunning views of the Connecticut River, and miles of trails to explore. The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park also offers various events throughout the year such as outdoor performances and Holidays in the Park.
Learn more about visiting: Gillette Castle State Park
Hubbard Park
Hubbard Park in Meriden is honestly one of my favorite parks in the state for hiking. They have miles and miles of trails to explore. However, if hiking is not your thing, there are other things to enjoy. You can drive up to Castle Craig, which is an observation tower that offers great views of the surrounding area, or you can enjoy the park area with pond features.
Learn more about visiting: Hubbard Park In Connecticut
Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven features a lighthouse, as the name suggests. The park is home to the historic Five Mile Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1847. The park has a beach, walking trails, a bird sanctuary, a playground, and a carousel. You can also see the New Haven skyline. If you go during the regular season, it will cost you to get in. I tend to go in the off-season when I don’t have to pay.
Learn more about visiting: Lighthouse Point Park New Haven
Rocky Neck State Park
Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic has a variety of things to do. In the summer months, it’s a super popular spot for a beach day. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds in the summer months, I’d recommend hitting the trails. There are some great wooded trails to explore. If you’re interested in bird watching, the salt marsh has some great birds there. In the winter months, I’ll often see loons along the beach.
Learn more about visiting: Rocky Neck State Park CT
Silver Sands State Park
If you’re looking for a nice place to enjoy the Connecticut shoreline, this park in Milford is a great spot. The park features a beach and a beautiful boardwalk along the water. The boardwalk will take you down to Walnut Beach next door, which is also beautiful. This is also a great spot for bird watching.
Discover more things to do in Milford: Things To Do In Milford, Connecticut
Hurd State Park
Hurd State Park in East Hampton is a great spot to visit if you’re interested in hiking. The park has miles of trails to explore with some seriously great views. I like to hike up to Split Rock to the River Vista. In addition to hiking, you can also fish, picnic, and camp along the Connecticut River.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In East Hampton, Connecticut
Day Pond State Park
Day Pond State Park in Colchester offers plenty of trails to explore, including one that brings you to a large, beautiful waterfall hidden in the woods. There are also some trails that connect to the Salmon River State Forest next door and you can hike to the historic Comstock Bridge. However, if you’re not into hiking, you can spend some time fishing at the pond, picnicking, or swimming.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Colchester, Connecticut
Bigelow Hollow State Park
Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union is centered around a small lake and surrounded by woodlands. It offers fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities, with several trails that lead through the forest. You can even hike to Massachusetts and snap a picture of the border marker. The park is a popular spot for those seeking a more secluded outdoor experience.
Learn more about visiting: Bigelow Hollow State Park CT
Mohegan Park
Mohegan Park in Norwich is over 200 acres and there’s plenty to do. There are walking trails, a pond where you can fish, a rose garden, a small beach, playgrounds, and even a disc golf course! I’ve also gone here to do some wildlife photography and I’ve gotten great photos of blue herons at the pond.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Norwich, Connecticut
Wadsworth Falls State Park
Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown and Middlefield offers easy-to-moderate hikes, wooded paths, and two beautiful waterfalls. Most people are very familiar with Wadsworth Big Falls, which doesn’t require a hike. But, it’s absolutely worth hiking to Wadsworth Small Falls if you’re visiting the park. If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s a small swimming and picnic area at the park.
Discover more waterfalls in the state: Don’t Miss These Stunning Waterfalls In Connecticut
Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is home to the world’s oldest public rose garden. The park is about 100 acres and it features multiple gardens, a visitor center, a restaurant, a pond, and various trails to explore. In the spring, people flock to the park to see thousands of tulips in bloom. In the summer, people head to the gardens to enjoy the roses in bloom. But, it’s worth visiting year-round.
Devil’s Hopyard State Park
Devil’s Hopyard State Park is wildly popular due to its picturesque Chapman Falls. In addition to the waterfall, you’ll find a covered bridge over the Eight Mile River and a picnic area. If you’re looking to connect with nature further, there are miles of wooded trails to explore from trails along the river to a trail that takes you up to a vista with some views of the surrounding landscape.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is much more than just a place to go to the beach (although, it is a great place for that too). There are various trails to explore around the park featuring water views. It’s also a great spot to go for bird watching. I’ve seen so many different birds here from song birds to coastal birds to birds of prey. I’ve also seen other wildlife during my visits, like seals! They also have a great nature center for kids.
Lovers Leap State Park
Lovers Leap State Park in New Milford offers some beautiful views of the Housatonic River. There is a short loop you can take that’s just over a mile to enjoy various viewpoints in the park. There’s also a historic wrought-iron lenticular truss bridge you can see in the park.
East Rock Park
East Rock Park in New Haven has a ton of trails to explore. There are multiple peaks you can hike to within the park. There’s a 5-mile loop you can take to really see most of the viewpoints in the park. You can also just hike to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which has panoramic views of New Haven and Long Island Sound. If you’re not into hiking, you can drive to the top where the monument is.
Talcott Mountain State Park
Talcott Mountain is a great spot to hike to get some nice views. I recommend that you hike up to Heublein Tower. If you take the state park loop trail that starts off Connecticut Route 185, you’ll be treated to some great views. You’ll definitely break a sweat making your way up the mountain, so stop to enjoy the views along the way. If you go during the regular season, you’ll be able to go to the top of the tower and get 360 degree views of the surrounding area.
Haystack Mountain State park
Haystack Mountain in Norfolk is a relatively short hike that offers some great views. If you follow Haystack Mountain Road all the way to the end to park, it’s just under a mile to hike to the stone observation tower and back. Climb to the top of the 34-foot tower for 360-degree views.
Mount Tom State Park
Hiking to Mount Tom Tower in Washington, Connecticut is a great spot to enjoy scenic views in the Litchfield Hills. Take the Mount Tom Tower Trail to the tower and you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful views. My favorite view from the top of the tower is of Mount Tom Pond below. Highly recommend downloading a trail map before you go. When I got there, I didn’t have enough service to pull up the mapl.
Sleeping Giant State Park
Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden has a large network of trails to explore for various skill levels. The most popular hike is the trail up to Sleeping Giant Castle, but there are a various viewpoints to discover throughout the park, including one that overlooks Quinnipiac University.
Old Furnace State Park
Old Furnace State Park in Danielson is a popular hiking area in northeastern Connecticut. The most popular trail is a loop trail to Ross’s Cliff, which offers beautiful views of Furnace Pond below. You’ll also hike by Lower Ross Pond as well during that hike.
Wickham Park
Wickham Park in Manchester offers wide open lawns, scenic walking paths, and beautiful gardens to explore. The park provides sweeping views, picnic areas, and seasonal events that appeal to all ages. It’s a great spot to visit if you’re interested in photography, but it’s also just a great day for a family outing. Most of my memories of this places are from my middle school cross country days and running the “Green Monster” hill. You will need to pay to park here, and I believe it needs to be cash.
