11 lovely Connecticut towns with easy access to forests, state parks, and natural beauty

Explore Connecticut’s beauty

Connecticut’s small towns are perfect for exploring nature. These spots are low-key and easy to enjoy without the crowds. From waterfalls to forests, you’ll never run out of interesting places to visit in this state. Here are some of our favorites

Kent

Kent Falls State Park has Connecticut’s tallest waterfall, dropping 250 feet. It’s at its best in spring or after heavy rain. The covered bridge here was built in 1974 by a park worker, and the limestone brook has cool shapes and little potholes. Over at Macedonia Brook State Park, you’ve got 10 miles of trails. The Blue Trail shows off amazing views of the Catskills and Taconics.

Washington

Steep Rock Preserve has nearly 1,000 acres to wander. Don’t skip the 1872 railroad tunnel. It’s hand-carved and worth the walk. If you head to the summit, you’ll get a view of the Shepaug River Valley. At Macricostas Preserve, take the trail up to Waramaug’s Rock for a stunning view of Lake Waramaug. The lake is massive and great for swimming, hiking, or just relaxing.

Simsbury

This town is near Talcott Mountain State Park, where you can hike Talcott Mountain to the famous Heublein Tower. At 165 feet tall, the tower has views stretching to four states on clear days.

The Metacomet Trail runs through, giving you plenty of ways to explore. Near the Farmington River, check out the Pinchot Sycamore. It’s the biggest tree in Connecticut at 100 feet tall. If you want more trails, the McLean Game Refuge and Farmington Canal bike path have you covered.

Mystic

Bluff Point State Park spreads across 800 acres of trails, dunes, and salt marshes. Birdwatchers, this place is for you since over 200 species stop here. After that, drop by the Mystic Seaport Museum has over 500 historic boats, including the Charles W. Morgan, the oldest commercial ship in the U.S.

Mystic Aquarium is the only place in New England where you can see beluga whales. And in the fall, Clyde’s Cider Mill serves up cider and history dating back to 1881.

Old Saybrook

The Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse stands where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound. Established in 1886, it even made it onto the state’s “Preserve the Sound” license plates. Harvey’s Beach is perfect for a quiet stroll or some sun. Old Saybrook is one of Connecticut’s oldest towns, founded in 1635, with over 100 historic homes still standing. Stop by the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, named after the actress who called this town home.

Westbrook

West Beach has calm waters and views of Long Island Sound and Menunketesuck Island. It’s great for swimming or just kicking back. At Rocky Neck State Park, check out the massive Ellie Mitchell Pavilion, built during the Great Depression. The park’s marshes and woods are packed with over 200 bird species. The 1934 railroad footbridge adds a little history to your visit. If you want even more birdwatching, head to the nearby McKinney Wildlife Refuge.

Milford

Silver Sands State Park has a long boardwalk with views of Long Island Sound and the marshes. Walk the sandbar to Charles Island at low tide. It’s now a bird sanctuary, but legends say Captain Kidd hid treasure there in 1699. The park’s 300 acres are full of birds, even Snowy Owls in winter. Look around for old cottage foundations from Hurricane Diane in 1955. This place is calm and full of stories.

Essex

Gillette Castle State Park is full of quirks. Walk the trails that follow an old narrow-gauge railroad Gillette built himself, with tracks and tunnels still around. Inside the castle, you’ll find 47 unique doors with latches like little puzzles. He even built a table on tracks and a hidden staircase.

The views of the Connecticut River are endless. Before you leave, check out the Chester-Hadlyme ferry. It’s been running forever and is still going strong.

Stonington

Barn Island has over 1,000 acres of marshes, forests, and tidal flats. The 5 miles of easy trails are perfect for walking or birdwatching with over 200 bird species passing through each year. You’ll spot old stone walls from colonial farms along the paths.

The boat launch here is always busy, with kayakers heading out into Little Narragansett Bay. It’s the kind of place where you can soak up nature and leave feeling recharged.

Chaplin

Natchaug State Forest covers over 13,000 acres of rivers, trails, and history. “Natchaug” means “land between the rivers,” thanks to the Bigelow and Still Rivers meeting here. Walk the CCC Trail, built in the 1930s, and find the stone chimney marking General Nathaniel Lyon’s birthplace.

He was the first Union general killed in the Civil War. Near the river, look for markers showing where Revolutionary War troops crossed. It’s quiet, rugged, and full of stories to uncover.

New Milford

Lovers Leap State Park mixes history and views. The 1895 iron bridge, 100 feet above the Housatonic River, is one of only a few left in Connecticut. The trails take you past old paper mill ruins and the remains of an estate.

The park’s name comes from a Native American legend about Princess Lillinonah and her tragic love story. If you want more water views, head to Candlewood Lake. It’s peaceful and great for fishing or boating.