- Roxbury Land Trust / Mine Hill Preserve is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, Mine Hill is the site of a 19th-century iron mine and furnace complex. Three groups of interpretive signs explain Mine Hill’s history, the iron-making process, and its impact on the region. A 360-acre preserve, it overlooks the Shepaug River and includes six miles of hillside hiking trails.
All across Connecticut, hikers are coming out of their homes to celebrate the first day of Spring on March 20th.
Ring in this new season with a nature walk through one of Connecticut’s top hiking trails or get away with these great towns for hiking.
Spring Evening (Salem) 1917 Charles Ephraim Burchfield, Wadsworth Atheneum Collection
- Simsbury: Just outside of Hartford, the town of Simsbury has the feel of a traditional New England town. You’ll find several trails in Simsbury, one of the most famous being the Metacomet Trail—part of Connecticut’s Blue-Blazed Trail system—which runs through the entire length of the town. On this trail, visitors can enjoy an easy hike to Heublein Tower, a famous lookout tower in Talcott Mountain State Park. Or, follow the Metacomet Trail to Penwood State Park in Bloomfield, which features its own unique trail system of moderate to difficult hikes worth exploring. Make it a getaway: Spend the night at the New England country-style Simsbury Inn and dine at Millwright’s Restaurant and Tavern overlooking a sparkling pond and gushing waterfall. To cross more activities off your bucket list, plan stops at Rosedale Farms & Vineyards, Tulmeadow Farm Store and Ice Cream Shop, and Flamig Farm.
- Mattabesett and Mount Higby Trail is a 9 mile out and back trail located near Middlefield, CT that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible from April until October.Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer more than 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails and an 18-acre pond.
- Tunxis State Forest, Barkhamsted All major features of the park is located near Routes 20 and 179. The boat launch on Howells Pond. Access for the cross-country ski area is on Balance Rock Road; follow to the end of the road and park, being careful not to block the cul-de-sac, follow the roadbed into the woods. After crossing the Blue-Blazed Tunxis Trail, look for the ski cabin on the right.