Tag: CT

This rail trail was once the site of a rail line running from New York to Boston, and dates back to the 1870s! This linear trail is 50 miles long, Read more...

The extensive trail system offers a variety of sights and views.   Some highlights:   The Henry Buck Trail (Blue Blazed) leads through the forest to the ruins of a Read more...

Visit Connecticut’s best preserved example of long-ago vanished technology. The Beckley Iron Furnace once produced iron used to manufacture railroad car wheels. Pets are permitted as long as they are Read more...

This park’s 460 acres were once part of Louis D. Conley’s 1500 acre estate. Today you can hike the trail system with your dog, as long as he’s on a Read more...

This State Park and adjoining State Forest offer more than 9000 acres combined to hike through! There is an extensive trail system, not many of which are marked, and most Read more...

Leashed dogs are permitted on trails and in picnic areas, but not on the beach or campground. Enjoy the beautiful trails surrounding Black Rock Pond! Read more...

Enjoy beautiful views of the Long Island Sound, and plenty of wildlife viewing on these trails! Please note that dogs and horses are not allowed on the beach from April Read more...

The world’s first condensed milk factory was built here in 1857 by Gail Borden. This product was of tremendous value to the Union Army during the Civil War! Leashed dogs Read more...

Once the site of Camp Columbia, where engineering students from Columbia University would stay in the summer. Columbia leased 120 acres, students would stay in 35 tents surrounding the main Read more...

This completely natural, undeveloped reserve has no developed facilities. Hike through the reserve and enjoy stunning views of the waterfall!     Read more...

Hike through the trails and be on the lookout for caves once used by Native Americans! It is believed the Chatfield brothers operated a gristmill here in the 1600s. Dogs Read more...

Enjoy the woods and streams in Connecticut’s second largest state forest! Pets are not permitted on the beach. Read more...

Anna Hyatt Huntington, the internationally famous sculptress, created the lifelike bear and wolf sculptures that greet you when you arrive! The park is named for her father in law, the Read more...

Take a step back in time at this park! There is an 1892 rail road station, steam locomotive, and vintage trains!   Pets are permitted on a 7′ maximum leash Read more...

The pond was originally constructed by the Day family. The water in the pond turned a waterwheel, which in turn powered the saw of the family sawmill. When you visit, Read more...

This 240 acre estate features a summit pavilion at an elevation of 1627 feet, offering stunning panoramic views.   Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails and in picnic areas. Read more...

The feature of the park Chapman Falls is 60′ long over a series of steps. Until the 1890’s, this was the site of a mill. It’s unsure where the name Read more...

Thousands of fossil tracks were exposed here in 1966!   Pets on a leash are permitted on the park grounds, but not on the nature trails or Exhibit Center. Read more...

One of Connecticut’s newest state parks, Eagle Landing features 16 acres of Connecticut River frontage. Up until the 1960’s the area was used for agriculture. More recently, it has been Read more...

This beautiful forest is diverse, and features wetlands and waterfalls (use the purple blazed trail for views of the falls). The trails can be damp and sometimes slippery due to Read more...

Enjoy beautiful views of the Farm River just before it empties into the Long Island Sound. Pets must be on a maximum 7′ long leash Read more...

Visit the site of the September 6th, 1781 massacre led by Benedict Arnold.   Leashed pets are permitted! Read more...

This location served as the site of military forts, schools and research facilities for the US Army, Navy and Coast Guard. An integral part of our coastal defense system, it Read more...

This 10 acre park’s main purpose is to provide access to Gardner Lake.   In 1895, Thomas LeCount wanted to relocate his house, and chose to try pulling it across Read more...

Once the site of a mill town, you can still find stone foundations, cellar holes, and even  few tombstones.   Leashed pets are permitted in picnic areas and trails, but Read more...

Enjoy the trail as it leads past crumbling foundations of a former family estate, to a broad, grassy tidal river flat.   Pets must be on a maximum 7′ leash. Read more...

The castle located here was built by William Hooker Gillette. The castle is named the Seventh Sister, as it is located atop the most southern hill in a chain known Read more...

Overlooking the Connecticut River, Haddam Meadows State Park is a beautiful spot for picnicking and boating!   Pets must be on a leash. Read more...

Traces of the former owners of this property can be seen throughout the park. Look for headstones of the Chester family, who lived there in the 18th century. Caleb Haley Read more...

Featuring over 2 miles of beach, as well as a boardwalk.   Leashed pets are permitted in the picnic area year round, and allowed on the beach from 9/30-4/1 ONLY. Read more...

Enjoy beautiful views of the Long Island Sound, and the sight of Eolia, summer mansion of the Harkness Family. Edward S. Harkness was the heir to a fortune created by Read more...

There is a roadway leading halfway up the mountain. At the end of the road a rugged half mile trail leads to the top. The summit of Haystack Mountain provides Read more...

This 20.2 mile trail was once a former railroad line. Winding through several towns, it crosses subdivisions and roads, but offers a quiet, scenic outing.   Dogs are allowed on Read more...

At low tide, you can still see the stone weirs built by the Mohegans in the water. During pioneer times, this was the site of a gristmill and sawmill. Today Read more...

Pack a picnic and check out the Pine Knob loop trail!   Pets are permitted in picnic areas and trails, but not the campground. Read more...

Hike the extensive trail system and take in scenic views of the Connecticut River!   Leashed pets are permitted in all areas except the playground.   While it is designated Read more...

Covering more than three square miles, the James L Goodwin State Forest provides an extensive trail system, as well as a large lake. Named after one of the state’s first Read more...

A great summer spot for fishing, or wintertime cross-country skiing. Hunting is also permitted here, be sure to check regulations before you go!   Leashed pets are permitted. Read more...

A covered bridge and water fall featuring a 250′ cascade are just some of the charming features in this dog friendly park! Read more...

Originally inhabited by member of the Algonquin Indian tribe. Early settlers traded one brass kettle for use of the land for hunting and fishing.   Pets are permitted in the Read more...

Dogs are permitted in the picnic areas, but not on the beach or campground. Read more...

This long, narrow trail was originally designated for horses, but now also accommodates walkers, joggers, hikers and bikers. The 10+ mile trail follows a railroad trail through several towns.   Read more...

Hiking trails, scenic vistas, and historic ruins, Lovers Leap State Park has it all.   Dogs must be on a 7′ maximum leash. Read more...

The blue trail heads across Cobble Mountain and other peaks for views of the Catskill and Taconic Mountains.   Pets aren’t allowed in the campground area. Read more...

300 acres of uplands, meadows, woodlands, river, trails and bird watching!   Dogs on a 7′ or shorter leash are permitted. Read more...

Travel the trails for beautiful water views. Part of the lake is used for public water supply. Read more...

The most famous part of this park is the historic Wolf Den area!   Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and trails. Pets are not permitted in Read more...

Nearly 5 miles of flat woodlands to explore!   Dogs must be on a 7′ or shorter leash. Read more...

Comprised of many parcels of land spread over several towns. Mattatuck State Forest has a variety of trails to explore!   Dogs are permitted on a 7′ or shorter leash. Read more...

Take a walk through the woods around Millers Pond. The pond’s principal source of water comes from springs of unpolluted water.   Dogs must be on a leash no longer Read more...

From the top of Mohawk Mountain on a clear day, the view goes on forever. Wildlife in the park can include bobcat, fox and deer, and the park also includes Read more...

Remnants of the former boys’ summer camp, Camp Mooween, can be seen throughout the park. Look for the stone chimney and concrete foundation of the main hall, and old roads Read more...

Hike up the tower trail for a beautiful view!   Dogs are not permitted on the beach. Read more...

Translated, the named of this park means “land between the rivers.” The park is popular for its riding trails, riverfront picnicking, and fishing. Dogs are permitted in the trails and Read more...

Enjoy a walk through this hardwood forest, which also has a number of streams running through it.   Leashed pets are permitted. Read more...

This beautiful park has a bit of everything: water, rock, forest/woodland.   Dogs are permitted on a leash. Read more...

The park is named after a former iron furnace once located there. It was highly valuable during the Revolutionary War, as it was a major supplier of horseshoes!     Read more...

Once the site of Osborndale Farms, a Hostein cow and jersey cow farm. The park offers a lovely trail system to enjoy! Read more...

The largest state forest in Connecticut, with more than 24,000 acres over 6 towns!   Pets are permitted on a leash. Hunting is permitted in the forest, please check regulations Read more...

This state forest is part of a park/forest complex that includes Burr Pond State Park and Sunny Brooke State Park. Here you’ll find hardwoods, as well as white pine and Read more...

Offering four seasons of enjoyment, Penwood State Park comprises almost 800 acres, with an extensive hiking system throughout! Read more...

The site of the winter encampment for the Continental Army’s 1779 winter encampment while under the command of General Putnam. The remains of the encampment, log buildings and a museum Read more...

Enjoy the Trail loop with you pup! Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Read more...

The 320 acres of forest is perfect for hikers and walkers! Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like deer, owls, turkey, otter, herons and osprey. Read more...

River Highlands State Park offers beautiful water views on the bluffs overlooking the Connecticut River. The trails in the park will take you over wooden bridges, up on top of Read more...

Located on the Long Island Sound, this beautiful park’s terrain offers something for everyone. Enjoy the trail system!   Pets are permitted on hiking trails NORTH of the train tracks. Read more...

Walk through a covered bridge while you spend the day along the river! Hunting is permitted here, be sure to check before you go! Read more...

The Blue Blazed Shenipsit Trail passes over Soapstone Mountain and leads to the Soapstone Mountain Observation Tower. The tower was originally erected as a fire lookout spot. Read more...

Leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the park in the off season! Read more...

Two miles of mountaintop resembling a sleeping giant form a popular frraeture in the CT skyline! Enjoy the 1.5 mile trail to the stone observation tower on the peak of Read more...

Once the site of the Diamond Match Company, Southford Falls State Park offers scenic waterfall views, fields, and hiking trails! Read more...

Steep, wooden slopes leading to the blue pool below make you feel like you’re in the mountains. The fall foliage is gorgeous!   Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails Read more...

The railroad tracks have been replaced by a bike trail surrounded by white pines. Be sure to check out the other trails as well!   Dogs are not permitted on Read more...

Topsmead State Forest was the former summer home of Ms. Edith Morton Chase, daughter of Henry Sabin Chase (Chase Brass & Copper Co).   Dogs are allowed on the hiking Read more...

A gunpowder mill was established at Powder Mill Pond in 1794 and ran successfully until the business literally blew up in 1892. You can also see the sluiceway of a Read more...

Hike up West Rock Ridge and take in a gorgeous view of New Haven Harbor and the Long Island Sound!   FYI: The green, red, red-white, yellow, and white blazed Read more...

The perfect place to enjoy a picnic with your pup! Read more...

Enjoy the Bissell Bridge Walkway Trail and Windsor River Trail in this quiet refuge featuring 1.6 miles of river frontage! Read more...