As summer approaches in 黑料吃瓜网, local trails and parks reopen for a season of exploring and exercise.
Tess Terrible, senior producer of 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 Where We Live, is also a hiker and inspired a recent conversation on efforts to refurbish Batterson Park and making parks more inclusive. Here are a few of her favorite trails:
Tess鈥檚 10 terrific trails
I鈥檝e chosen these trails because they are beginner friendly and nearly impossible to get lost on. I live in West Hartford, so many on my list are around that area. Many of the trails I recommend are long, and so I recommend choosing a two or three mile section of the trail to explore.
1. - Groton, 黑料吃瓜网
Length: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 154 feet
Route Type: Loop
This is a great trail at the height of summer because you get the cool ocean breeze and it鈥檚 not too buggy.
2. - Madison, 黑料吃瓜网
Length 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 26 feet
Route Type: Out & Back
At the height of summer, Hammonasett can be really crowded so I recommend getting there early, walking the trail, and then finding a spot on the beach. It鈥檚 vitally important to treat yourself to ice cream or popsicle after completing the trail.
3. - West Hartford/Avon, 黑料吃瓜网
Length: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 95 feet
Route Type: Loop
This is a gem situated right in the center of West Hartford. Make sure to wear bug spray and enjoy the reservoir views. A great all season trail.
4. - East Hampton, 黑料吃瓜网
Length: 43.3 miles
Elevation Gain: varies
Route Type: point to point
This one of the longest trails in 黑料吃瓜网. Unless you want to backpack this trail from start to finish, I recommend starting in East Hampton and exploring 3 miles of this trail before turning back. The trail is gravel and packed dirt and includes some of the best mountain views 黑料吃瓜网 has to offer.
5. - Windsor Locks/Suffield, 黑料吃瓜网
Length: 8.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 114 feet
Route Type: Out & back
This is a great trail to complete by bike. If you are a new hiker, try exploring 2 or 3 miles of the trail starting in Windsor Locks. There is an extraordinary eagle preserve you鈥檒l see on the way.
6. - Manchester/Bolton/Andover/Columbia, 黑料吃瓜网
Length: 20.7
Elevation Gain: 675 feet
Route Type: point to point
Sure, you could probably complete this over 20-mile trail in a day, but if you are still breaking in your hiking boots, start in Andover and travel 2 to 3 miles north to Bolton and you鈥檒l find yourself in a magical fairy land.
7.
Length: 56 miles
Elevation Gain: varies
Route Type: point to point
This trail is almost completely paved and great for people looking for more of a walk than a hike.
8. - Bloomfield, 黑料吃瓜网
Length: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: unknown
Route Type: loop/multiple trails
Not only is Auer Farm an excellent education center, it also provides some of the coolest nature trails with views of Heublein Tower at the summit of Cider Hill.
9.
Length: 1.0 mile
Elevation Gain: 49 feet
Route Type: out and back
This is a short out and back nature trail and it can be a bit secluded. But the end of the trail has lake views that make it all worth it!
10. - West Hartford, 黑料吃瓜网
Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 36 feet
Route Type: Loop
Don鈥檛 let the short length fool you, this trail is rich with beautiful wildlife. I recommend leaving your headphones behind to listen to all the birds around.
Bonus options
黑料吃瓜网 Forest & Park Association鈥檚 Trails Director, Clare Cain, told 黑料吃瓜网 about a few of her favorite spots to explore, including: , , , and .
She said each park has hiking, walking, biking and trail systems that are great for both beginners and the more advanced.
For even more options check out the .
And check out this audio postcard from 黑料吃瓜网 Reporter Chris Polansky, who recently met up with a group of hikers at Sleeping Giant State Park.
About CT Trails Day
took place in early June. The first weekend of June has been coined as 鈥淭rails Day鈥� in 黑料吃瓜网 since 1993. It鈥檚 free, open to all, and guided by experts at each site. Some of these events include hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and birdwatching. The events are encouraged for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.
