Connecticut has some of the best hiking trails in New England. With various breathtaking views, dense forests, and tree-lined paths, it’s no wonder why Connecticut parks are a destination for residents, visitors alike, and four-legged friends. Here is a list of some of our favorite easy dog-friendly hikes in Connecticut:
- Hubbard Park – Castle Craig
- Bluff Point State Park – Coastal Reserve Trail
- Huntington State Park – Blue, White, and Red Trail Loop
- Hidden Valley Preserve – Bee Brook Loop
- Putnam Memorial State Park
Hubbard Park – Castle Craig
Location: Meriden, CT
Hike Length: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Hubbard Park is 1,800 acres of hiking trails and picnic areas in Meriden, Connecticut. One of the more popular trails is the hike to Castle Craig, which leads to a stone observation tower that overlooks Hubbard Park’s beautiful landscape.
When looking to the south on a clear day you may be able to see Sleeping Giant Mountain Range, New Haven, the waters of Long Island Sound, and even a hazy outline of Long Island. To the north you’ll see Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains.
Hubbard Park has an extensive trail system with multiple trails you can take to reach various destinations and to lengthen or shorten your hike.
Bluff Point State Park – Coastal Reserve Trail
Location: Groton, CT
Hike Length: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Bluff Point State Park is a delightful mixture of wooded hiking and biking trails coupled with spectacular wildlife views along the Long Island Sound.
The Coastal Reserve Trail is a fairly flat trail that offers beautiful water views. There are various opportunities to split off from the trail to access small beaches where you can enjoy the lapping of the water hitting the rocky shores.
Huntington State Park – Blue, White, and Red Trail Loop
Location: Redding, CT
Hike Length: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Huntington State Park’s Blue, White, and Red Trail Loop is one of IKCT’s favorite dog-friendly hikes.
Collis P. Huntington State Park was primarily used for agriculture until the late 1800’s when the Luttgen family acquired the land and developed the present service roads, trails, and artificial ponds.
The 883 acre park is a peaceful and tranquil place loved by locals and visitors alike. The park is made up of a handful of interconnecting trails that span three towns (Redding, Bethel and Newtown).The Blue, white and red trail loop is an easy walk that features a lake where you’ll see kayakers, fishers, and dogs taking a quick dip.
Hidden Valley Preserve – Bee Brook Loop
Location: Washington Depot, CT
Hike Length: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Hidden Valley is 700 acres of forest and meadows crisscrossed by nearly 17 miles of trails. While hiking you’re likely to share the trails with not only other hikers, but mountain bikers and horses as well.
The Bee Brook Loop is an easy trail with a slight uphill climb that becomes steep partway through the first quarter of the loop. The trail will eventually bring you to the banks of the Shepaug River, and becomes wide and flat for the remaining mile and a half.
Putnam Memorial State Park
Location: Redding, CT
Hike Length: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Putnam Park, also known as “Connecticut’s Valley Forge”, is Connecitcut’s oldest state park and has a rich history dating back to the founding of the United States. The park was used as the Continental Army’s encampment during the winter of 1778-1779.
The gravel 1.1 mile loop is easy terrain that has numerous plaques explaining the significance of each spot during the Revolutionary War, including officers quarters and the guardhouse. If you’re looking to make your hike just a bit longer, make a turn at the hand pump well and head up-hill to the campgrounds. At the top of the path you’ll have a beautiful vista of Connecticut tree tops, a private picnic area, and space to run around with your pup.
A Quick Note: Due to COVID-19 restriction, we suggest arriving to parks early, and checking the CT DEEP Twitter for park closure updates.
Looking for other fun activities to do in Connecticut? Check out our “Things to Do” posts here.
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