Places To Hike in New London County, Connecticut

New London County in Connecticut offers a diverse range of hiking spots, from coastal trails to quiet wooded parks. This guide highlights some of the best places to hike in the county, with options for different skill levels and interests. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic walk or a longer outdoor adventure, these trails have you covered.

Lantern Hill in North Stonington

This is one of my favorite hikes with views in southeastern Connecticut. Lantern Hill offers a short, but steep, trail that leads to views of Lantern Hill Pond and Foxwoods Resort. On clear days, you can even see Long Island Sound in the distance!
Learn more about the hike: Lantern Hill Trail Hike CT

Rocky Neck State Park in niantic

Most people think of the beach when they think about Rocky Neck State Park. But, there are miles of wooded trails to explore within the park. When I hike here, I like to go along the wetlands because I like to see the birds, but I also like to hike over to the cove at the mouth of the Four Mile River, which is past the Pavilion.
Learn more about visiting: Rocky Neck State Park CT

Watch Rock Loop in Old Lyme

This is a beautiful hiking area in Old Lyme that is tucked away in a neighborhood. There are a handful of trails to explore that are great for all skill levels. The park offers some great water views and it’s a great spot to watch the sunset. It’s also a great spot for birding.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Old Lyme, Connecticut

Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve in Niantic

This nature preserve is a true hidden gem in Niantic. This 400-acre preserve features miles of scenic trails through beautiful woodlands. I love walking the trail along Clark Pond and through the old quarry at the preserve.
Discover more things to do in town: Things to do in Niantic, Connecticut

Bluff Point State Park in Groton

Bluff Point State Park in Groton is a coastal park that offers miles of walking trails. Whether you’re looking for coastal views or a walk through the woods, this park has got it. There are also picnic tables and a boat launch at the park.
Discover more state parks with water views: 14 Connecticut State Parks With Water Views You Don’t Want To Miss

Sheep Farm in Groton

Sheep Farm is a great place to go if you’re looking to take a peaceful walk in the woods. There are various small waterfalls to see in the park as well as an 18th century grist mill dam and some old foundations. It’s also a great place for birding. I once saw a Barred Owl here.
Discover more things to do in the area: 10+ Things To Do In Groton, CT

Day Pond State Park in Colchester

Day Pond State Park is a popular place to go hiking in Colchester. There are various trails to explore, including one to a large waterfall with multiple cascades, which is one of my favorite waterfalls in Connecticut. There are also trails that will take you the Comstock Covered Bridge.
Discover things to do in town: Things To Do In Colchester, Connecticut

Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington

If you’re into nature and bird watching, you won’t want to miss a visit to Barn Island Wildlife Management Area. This is Connecticut’s largest and most ecologically diverse coastal Wildlife Management area. There are various trails to enjoy through woods and the salt marshes, coastal access points, and even a boat launch.
Discover things to do in town: Things To Do In Stonington Connecticut

Sprague Land Preserve in Sprague/Franklin

This nature preserve in Franklin and Sprague features five waterfalls (which you can check out in my Instagram video). The park is huge and consists of 600 acres, meaning there are plenty of trails to explore throughout the park. In addition to the waterfalls, be sure to also check out the Fairy Trail to see homemade fairy houses and wood carvings.
Discover more waterfalls: Don’t Miss These Stunning Waterfalls In Connecticut

connecticut College Arboretum

The Connecticut College Arboretum is a peaceful 750 acre park filled with natural beauty and native plant collections. With miles of walking trails and scenic landscapes, it’s perfect for nature lovers and casual explorers alike. It’s free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Discover things to do in town: Things To Do In New London, Connecticut

Nathan Lester House in Gales Ferry

While the Nathan Lester House is an awesome historic house museum to visit in southeastern Connecticut, there are also hiking trails on the property! There are various trails to explore. In the spring and early summer, you’ll find mountain laurels along the trail.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do And Places To Eat In Ledyard, CT

Stoddard Hill State Park in Gales Ferry

Stoddard Hill State Park is situated along the Thames River. It offers access to the river and wooded hiking trails. There’s also a small historic cemetery close to the parking lot at the beginning of the hike. If you’re going to walk on the train tracks, be mindful because trains do still use them. It’s not often (I’ve only seen one train in all of the years I’ve been going), but it’s good to be aware.
Discover more things to do along the river: Things To Do Along The Thames River In Connecticut

Walden Preserve in Salem

Walden Preserve covers 400 acres of land and it has 6 miles of trails to explore. The property includes meadows, woodlands, wetlands, Harris Brook, and the East Branch of the Eightmile River. As you hike, you’ll find some interesting things like old car bodies and remnants from when the land was worked by a sand and gravel company.

Ayers Gap in Franklin

Ayers Gap in Franklin is a short, but steep hike that will take you to a small waterfall. On the way up, there is a small overlook with some great views. You’ll also find some other small cascades on your hike. This spot isn’t usually busy, so it’s a great spot for a quiet, wooded hike.

Pigeon Swamp Preserve in Lebanon

This preserve is a Joshua Land Trust Property that’s 135 acres. The preserve features a 40-acre marsh as well as a brook and wooded areas. I have only hiked here in the winter and it was beautiful. I saw some deer on that hike! If you’re into historic things, the property has the remains of an old house foundation, mill, dam and sluiceway on Pigeon Swamp Brook.

Montville Open Space in Uncasville

This is actually a fairly new hiking area in Uncasville. On Apple Maps, it’s “Town of Montville Open Space (Lots 29 & 29C)” and on Google Maps, it’s marked as “Montville walking trail.” It’s right next to the Montville Police Department. When I hiked this trail, it was beautiful and so peaceful. I loved the wooden walking boards over the wetland sections. There’s also water features from a stream to a body of water where I actually saw a Great Blue Heron. It’s a short loop, but it’s worth checking out.

Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold

Hopeville Pond in Griswold is a nice spot with water views and wooded trails. The trails are easy to follow and it’s a nice place to go for a relaxing hike. There’s also a small beach so you could also go swimming after your hike in the warmer months.

pachaug State Forest (Multiple Towns)

Pachaug State Forest spans about 24,000 acres across five different towns (Voluntown, Griswold, Plainfield, Sterling, North Stonington, and Preston). For New London County hikes, I’d recommend Green Fall Pond or Mount Misery. You could also check out sections of major trails that go through the forest like the Narragansett Trail, the Pachaug Trail, the Nehantic Trail, or the Quinebag Trail.