Whether you’re trying to form a new habit, or simply indulging in having a day off from work, the first day of the new year is as good a time as any to go for a hike.
If you’re into organized, group hikes:
- Head to Ashford for a walk through June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation
- Hike People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted
- Visit woodlands and streams in Branford’s Van Wie Woods
- East Windsor American Heritage River Commission is hosting a Scantic River State Park hike in Broad Brook
- Spend time at Colebrook’s Camp Jewel where there will be poetry and history thrown in
- Wander the new trails at the Shugrue Property in East Haddam
- Walk around Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam
- Ramble through Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold
- Walk the Dark Hollow and Quarry Loop trails at Groton’s Candlewood Hill WMA
- Go for a relaxed hike on Guilford’s Westwoods Trail
- Learn about history and ecology at Haddam Meadows State Park
- Hamden’s Sleeping Giant has re-opened — go hike it!
- Meet at the Goodwin Conservation Center in Goodwin State Forest in Hampton
- Walk or snowshoe Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield
- Take in the views at the Pleasant Valley Preserve in Lyme
- Meet at Meigs Point Nature Center to hike various parts of Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison
- Explore Mansfield Hollow State Park in Mansfield
- Hike Sunrise State Park in Moodus
- Learn about birds at Great Hollow in New Fairfield
- Conquer steep terrain at the Mary Edwards Mountain Property in North Granby
- Explore the Ravine Trail in Redding
- Hike the Miller Trail at Kettletown State Park in Southbury
- Check out the Walcott Blue-Blaze Trail at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington
- Join the Great Meadows Conservation Trust for a walk through the Wood Parcel and Frechette Field in Wethersfield
If you’re into self-guided walks, I recommend:
- Bolton Notch and nearby Valley Falls Park, both linked by the Hop River State Park Trail
- Haley Farm State Park in Groton
- Niantic Bay Boardwalk in Niantic
- The Connecticut Audubon Society’s Bafflin Sanctuary in Pomfret. Because this is on the Air Line State Park Trail, bike to Goodwin State Forest from here.
- Stonington’s Barn Island
- Matianuck Sand Dunes Natural Preserve Area in Windsor
A few tips:
- Unless you’re fine switching to a self-guided hike, call or email the group leader in advance to make sure the event has not been cancelled
- Wear bright colors when hiking during hunting season
- Dress in layers and get your weather information from the National Weather Service instead of local television news
Where in Connecticut would you recommend taking a walk to start the new year?
All pics in this post are from the Bafflin Sanctuary and adjacent Air Line Trail State Park
