Summer 2020: Connecticut Parks With Trails

Camps are out. Programs are suspended. Amusement parks are shuttered. Concerts are questionable. It’s hard not to focus on all the stuff we (probably) won’t be able to do this season. But chin up! Because here are a few things Coronavirus won’t cancel this summer:

• Sandy toes
• Ocean breezes
• Bike rides
• Warm sunshine
• Long walks
• Winding paths
• Ice cream
• Picnics
• Fresh fruit
• Movies under the stars
• Family adventures

So we are putting together a new Summer Fun Series, a collection of posts about many of the outdoor activities we always look forward to this time of year.

This week we are focusing on state and local parks, which offer so many options for family fun! Hiking, picnicking, exploring. And with so much time on our hands, why not find a new-to-you destination? Choosing a trail off the beaten path, so to speak, is a good way to ensure that it will be less populated. Which is important, because although our state & local parks have (mostly) remained open throughout the pandemic, there are some new guidelines to be aware of. We’re here to help you navigate those too!

You may have seen that the DEEP recently released new guidelines for the use of State Parks and Beaches for summer 2020. Here are a few highlights to keep in mind when planning your next visit to one of Connecticut’s 142 state parks and forests:

• Swimming will be allowed only at shoreline state parks, not inland state park swim areas.
• DEEP will reduce parking capacity and close beaches for the day if social distancing cannot be maintained. So it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in the event that your first choice destination is closed to new visitors when you arrive.
• Visitors should not expect that restroom buildings will be open, but most locations will have portable toilets available.  
• Bring water or drinks. Public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
• Connecticut waterfront updates (including open status) can be found HERE. For the most current information, their Twitter feed provides real-time updates about many locations, including all DEEP State Parks.
• More detailed information can be found on the DEEP’s webpage devoted to COVID 19 updates.

When reviewing our past posts, please keep in mind that some activities and elements at each destination may be temporarily suspended. Also, it’s a good idea to check each venue’s website before heading out when possible, just to make sure additional closures have not occurred.

State Park Trails:

Did you know that for couple years now, your CT registered vehicle is your Passport to Parks? That’s right! Back in 2018, Connecticut started offering all residents with Connecticut license plates on their vehicles free parking at all state parks and beaches. Connecticut wants to make state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more available to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer! A small fee on your registration renewal makes this possible. So since you are already paying for access to these state parks anyway…

Below are some of the state parks we have visited over the years. You can check out these posts for a good overview of what to expect on your visit there–everything from boardwalks to bridges to water falls to Indian caves!–but please be sure to check the DEEP’s website too, in case certain areas or activities are currently off limits.

Airline State Park Trail is 50 miles long and winds its way through the eastern part of Connecticut. Part of the “Rails to Trails” initiative, this path was once the site of a bustling railroad line. It’s stroller-friendly, and there are many convenient access points that offer plenty of free parking.

Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth has Indian caves, waterfalls, bridges, a boardwalk and more as you hike through the varied terrain. There are short, interesting hikes that are perfect for your little ones.

Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill has nature trails that feel like a real hike in the woods, but they’re kid-friendly enough for little ones. The Red Trail is even stroller-friendly.

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam has an added bonus if you need to need cross the river to get there–a historic ferry or swing bridge will be your options (try both!). Once you arrive, there are trails and pathways to explore and absolutely stunning views to discover.

Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford doesn’t necessarily have traditional hiking trails, but it does offer sweeping lawns, stately trees and spectacular gardens set on over 230 seaside acres (plus you can explore that seaside–no swimming though).

Penwood State Park in Bloomfield boasts beautiful trails including two paved and stroller-friendly paths. The kids will love checking out all the wildlife including birds, bugs, chipmunks and more. And everyone will love the gorgeous views.

Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown, CT–Choose your adventure! You can take a long hike or short walk to this famous water feature and there is lots to explore plus a viewing area atop the falls.

Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury has a lot of trails and paths for biking, hiking, walking and running. 

And don’t forget that there are more than 140 state park options to choose from!

Town Parks and Trails

There are also quite a few town parks and other locally overseen destinations that we have visited over the years, which offer nice walking paths and hiking trails. You can check out these posts for our overviews. Again, keeping in mind that some elements (like playgrounds, for example) may be currently closed.

Glastonbury Audubon Society Center has permanently closed its building. However, the family-friendly trails through Earle Park are still open and they meander past lovely streams and meadows and over interesting bridges.

The Glastonbury Multi-Use Trail is a scenic, short (1 mile), and fully paved trail that’s perfect for pushing a stroller. There’s plenty of parking at entrance on the Smith Middle School campus.

Fisher Meadows in Avon has wide and flat trails with stunning views of the pond, plus so much for the kids (and the adults) to explore! The trail is also stroller-friendly.

Nevers Park in South Windsor has walking trails in a series of intersecting loops of varying lengths that wind through trees and circle around the park’s vast green spaces.

Mohegan Park in Norwich has trails, a beautiful rose garden, lots of open space and a gorgeous pond that, even if it’s not open for swimming, offers stunning scenery!

Panthorn Park in Southington has great features including walking trails, basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, and more.

Hubbard Park in Meriden, CT has a challenging network of trails including one to the famed Castle Craig with it’s towering views.

Wickham Park in Manchester has trails that offer a chance to explore the beautiful grounds. Don’t bring your stroller for this outing, but do bring a carrier for any non-walkers in you crew.  The trails have some steep hills and the footing is a bit bumpy, so be prepared for a workout. 

Roaring Brook Nature Center Trails in Canton are free and open to the public, and there are all kinds of fun things to discover like a Butterfly Garden, a Birds of Prey exhibit featuring several different types of birds (like owls), bridges to transverse and lots of ground to explore.

West Hartford Reservoir Trails are great for serious walkers or runners, with the main, paved trail measuring over 3 miles (and it’s stroller-friendly too!).

Elizabeth Park in Hartford has walking trails that are a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Winding around and through beautiful Elizabeth Park, you’ll pass a historic rose garden, a duck pond, and open green spaces.

Westmoor Park in West Hartford has trails that may not be the most rigorous, but they’re perfect for a scenic stroll. The main loop is stroller-friendly (though we would recommend a jogging stroller) and the length is perfect for toddlers that want to walk (~1 mile).  

Northwest Park in Windsor has walking/hiking trails, a pond with fish and ducks, an animal barn and a working sugar house. 

Salmon Brook Park in Granby mixes natural elements with modern entertainment to create a popular destination for kids of all ages. The Salmon Brook itself provides a place for kids to wet their feet and explore, plus there are athletic fields, walking paths, trails, and a pond.

Northwest Park in Manchester has a butterfly garden, a 50-foot pier and waterfront trails.

More Hiking Adventures:

The DEEP’s The Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge is currently on hold for 2020 due to concerns regarding the pandemic, but you can check this page for updates on when it might be allowed to resume. (And check out our Out and About Dad Shane’s post from the 2019 program for more information.)

Challenge your family to explore the different sections of the East Coast Greenway that crisscross CT (and beyond!). It’s “the nation’s longest connected biking and walking route” and it runs from Maine to Florida. Here’s a look at the section that runs through Connecticut. Turns out it includes several trails in other parts of the state that we have scouted before like the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the Air Line Trail (which also make excellent places to ride bikes!). Plus a snippet of trail that runs through Charter Oak Park (you can read more about the East Coast Greenway in that post).

Want to keep up with things to do with kids in Connecticut?

Check back every week as we dish up more Momsense for getting out and about with your kiddos. Don’t have time to check back in? Let us send you an automatic notification of new posts straight to your email inbox by signing up here. Also, you can like us on Facebook and Twitter or follow us on Instagram to keep up with the latest posts and get some extra tidbits we share only through those sites.

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