Amber in New England | Updated November 2025

Calling all adventure seekers! Connecticut may be known for its charming towns and coastal beauty, but hidden in the hills are some amazing hiking trails waiting to be explored. If you're seeking short, beautiful hikes, look no further than the Northwest Corner of Connecticut.

This hidden (and sometimes overlooked) gem in New England is an absolute playground! With diverse landscapes ranging from rolling hills to fern-filled forests, Connecticut offers an endless variety of hiking opportunities. Whether you have limited time or aren't in the mood for a super intense adventure, these short hikes are like a mini reset button. They save the day!

Why Short Hikes Matter

Let's talk about the importance of hiking. It's the coolest way to connect with nature and offers amazing physical and mental benefits.

• Mental Reset: Surrounded by trees, singing birds, and fresh air, it's a chance to escape the daily grind and recharge your batteries.

• Physical Benefits: Every step you take builds your strength, improves your fitness, clears your mind, and boosts your mood.

• Convenience: Short hikes are bite-sized adventures that fit perfectly into packed schedules. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy them.

The Featured Six Short Hikes

Here are six of the best short and rewarding hikes waiting for you in Northwest Connecticut.

1. Bloody Mountain (Cornwall)

• Trail Name: Welles Preserve

• Distance: 2.5 miles (Round Trip Loop)

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Why It's Great: This trail leads you through forests and meadows with slightly rocky terrain. At the top, you're treated to a beautiful view of Cornwall Village and the surrounding valleys. Look for the Adirondack chairs and two tee-pees at the summit!

• Parking: Park off the side of Town Street, 4/10 of a mile from the intersection of Route 128. (Be sure not to block the driveway).

2. Apple Hill (Morris)

• Location: White Memorial Conservation Center

• Distance: 1 to 3 miles (Out and Back Options)

• Why It's Great: This spot offers two distinct options. The short 1-mile option (0.5 miles up) is a direct, steep path to the top. The longer 3-mile option (1.5 miles out) takes you through the marsh before climbing the hill.

• The Reward: Climb the observation deck at the top for a spanning view of Bantam Lake, it's a perfect spot for sunset!

• Parking: Both options park off East Shore Road.

3. Mountain View Trail (Goshen)

• Location: Goshen Land Trust

• Distance: 2.8 miles (Out and Back)

• Why It's Great: An absolute must-visit for those seeking beautiful vistas on a time budget. The trail is known for its open views of the Berkshire Mountains. You'll pass pastures and forested landscapes before the breathtaking vistas open up.

• Pro Tip: Watch out for the moss and lichen on the rock at the top. They are important to the ecosystem!

4. Breadloaf Mountain (Sharon)

• Distance: 1.4 miles (Round Trip)

• Difficulty: Steep! You gain over 500 feet in just 0.7 miles.

• Why It's Great: Don't let the short distance fool you, this is a punchy climb with an amazing reward. The viewpoint faces southwest, making it the perfect spot to catch a sunset!

• Option: If you want a longer day hike, you can continue through to Pine Knob.

• Safety: Make sure you pack a headlamp and take your time hiking downhill.

5. McLean Game Refuge (Granby)

• Size: 4,400-acre refuge

• Distance: Highly variable (Choose your own adventure)

• Why It's Great: This refuge offers an extensive network of trails, from easy strolls along wooded paths to moderate hikes that lead to ponds and overlooks. It's known for its diverse wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for deer, foxes, and various birds.

• Vibe: Escape into the peaceful wilderness with endless opportunities for exploration.

6. Mount Tom State Park (Litchfield)

• Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles (Round Trip)

• Why It's Great: The primary trail is a quick, rewarding hike to a stone observation tower built in 1921. The 360-degree views of the surrounding hills and Mount Tom Pond are spectacular for minimal effort.

This is a comprehensive post that perfectly captures the charm of Northwest CT's short hikes! Before detailing the remaining trails, here is the recommended metadata for the post.

7. Haystack Mountain (Norfolk)

• Distance: Approximately 1.6 miles (Yellow Trail Loop) or a short 0.8 mile direct route (seasonal).

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

• Why It's Great: A beautiful, compact climb to a 34-foot-tall stone tower at the summit. From the tower, you get sweeping panoramic views of the mountains in Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont (the Berkshires).

• Note: The park road to the upper parking area is subject to seasonal closure (November - April).

8. Kent Falls (Kent)

• Distance: Approximately 1.2 to 1.5 miles (Circuit with trails along falls).

• Difficulty: Easy (Lower falls view is accessible) to Moderate (Steep stone steps along the falls).

• Why It's Great: Features a stunning series of cascades and plunges with a total drop of approximately 250 feet. A well-maintained path and steep stone steps with viewing platforms allow you to ascend alongside the falls.

• Feature: Includes a beautifully reconstructed covered bridge at the entrance.

• Note: Entry into the water is strictly prohibited.

9. Little Pond Boardwalk (Litchfield)

• Location: White Memorial Conservation Center

• Distance: 1.2 miles (Loop Trail).

• Difficulty: Easy (Elevated wooden walkway).

• Why It's Great: The elevated Boardwalk allows visitors to explore the sensitive wetland environment around Little Pond. It's excellent for viewing waterfowl and other wildlife.

• Vibe: A gentle, flat, and immersive nature experience.

10. Lover's Leap (New Milford)

• Location: Lover's Leap State Park

• Distance: Approximately 2 to 3 miles (Network of Trails).

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

• Why It's Great: A historic park with scenic views of the Housatonic River. Features the beautifully restored 1895 Berlin Iron Bridge and ruins of the historic Hurd Castle.

• The View: The actual "Lover's Leap" is a scenic spot overlooking the river gorge.

11. Lion's Head (Salisbury)

• Distance: Approximately 2.0 to 2.1 miles (Out and Back).

• Difficulty: Moderate (Short, rugged ascent in spots).

• Why It's Great: Widely considered one of the shortest hikes in the region with the greatest views. The summit is a rocky outcropping with sweeping panoramic views of the Taconic Mountains and the rolling valley below.

• Note: The Appalachian Trail (AT) joins the trail briefly before the summit.

12. Ratlum Mountain (Canton)

• Location: Barkhasmted, CT part of

• Distance: Variable, with many short options (e.g., 20-30 minutes per trail section).

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Network).

• Why It's Great: A network of 10 trails that offer diverse terrain including fields, streams, giant pines, and some beautiful views. Good for creating a quick loop or a longer half-day hike.

• Popular Loop: Taking the long trail up to the viewpoint.

13. Topsmead (Litchfield)

• Location: Topsmead State Forest

• Distance: Variable (Network totals about 5+ miles). Short walks are readily available.

• Difficulty: Easy (Trails are mostly level, often mowed paths).

• Why It's Great: This is the picturesque former summer estate of Edith Morton Chase. It offers scenic strolls through open meadows, woodlands, and past the Tudor-style house and formal gardens.

• Vibe: Less like a rugged hike and more like a peaceful, historical, pastoral walk.

14. Bee Brook (Washington Depot)

• Location: Hidden Valley Preserve (Steep Rock Association)

• Distance: Approximately 2.1 to 2.2 miles (Bee Brook Loop).

• Difficulty: Easy (Flat stroll along the river).

• Why It's Great: A gentle loop along the Shepaug River that leads to the popular and picturesque Thoreau Suspension Bridge (134 feet long).

• Note: Excellent for birdwatching, running, and river views.

Connecticut might be small, but it's packed with incredible hikes that deserve a spot on your adventure list. Whether you're a local or just passing through, these short hikes are guaranteed to leave you wanting more.