🌲 14 Short Beautiful Hikes in Northwest Connecticut – Scenic Trails & Waterfalls

Connecticut may be small, but its hiking scene in the Northwest Corner is surprisingly beautiful. From short trails with waterfalls to ridgeline views and hidden boardwalks, these 14 easy hikes in Litchfield County deliver a full outdoor experience in just a few hours. Perfect for beginners, dog owners, or anyone looking for a quick escape from city life.

Most of these trails are dog-friendly (leash required!), beginner-friendly, and close to scenic towns. They’re ideal for weekday hikes, a weekend outdoors, or even a pre-work adventure.

📍 Tip: Check out the 11 State Parks to Explore in Litchfield County for trails that overlap with this guide.

Quick Notes Before You Go:

• Best seasons: Spring–Fall (waterfalls peak after rain, fall foliage for peak views)

• Dogs: Leash required, no swimming in sensitive areas

• Parking: Many trailheads are roadside; don’t block driveways

• Crowds: Weekdays and early mornings are quiet; popular spots may be busy weekends

Why Northwest Connecticut is Perfect for Short Scenic Hikes

Here are fourteen of the best short and rewarding hikes waiting for you in Northwest Connecticut. This list is for hikers who want views, waterfalls, or a mental reset, without committing to a full-day hike.

Top 14 Easy & Scenic Trails in Litchfield County

1. Bloody Mountain (Cornwall, CT) – Easy Scenic Hike

• 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, CT) - Short Trail With Platform

• 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, CT) - Farm Path to Woodland Hike

• 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, CT) - Steep And Quiet Trail

• 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, CT) - Full Hiking Trail System

• 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, CT) - Scenic View From Tower

• 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.

Many of these trails feel more like classic New England hikes than what most people expect from Connecticut.

7. Haystack Mountain (Norfolk, CT) - 360 Degree View

• 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, CT) - Beautiful Cascades

• 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, CT) - Lots of Wildlife

• 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, CT) - Beautiful Scenic Bridge and Views

• 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, CT) - Part of Appalachian Trail

• 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, CT) - Lesser Known Trail

• 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, CT) - Historic Forest

• 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, CT) - Popular Bridge

• 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.

👉 “Planning a Weekend in Northwest Connecticut?”

If you’re turning these hikes into a full weekend, Litchfield County makes a perfect home base. Spring is especially good for waterfalls, scenic drives, and stacking multiple short hikes into one trip.

FAQs: Short Hikes in Northwest Connecticut

Are these hikes good for beginners?

Yes! Most of these hikes are beginner-friendly, especially if you’re comfortable walking on uneven terrain. A few (like Breadloaf Mountain or Lion’s Head) are short but steep, so they feel harder than the mileage suggests. If you’re looking for easy hikes in Connecticut, start with places like Little Pond Boardwalk, Bee Brook, Topsmead, or Mount Tom.

Do I need permits or reservations to hike in Connecticut?

Generally, no. Most Connecticut state parks and land trust properties are free to access, though some state parks charge seasonal parking fees for out-of-state vehicles. Places like Kent Falls and Mount Tom may require paid parking during peak months, so it’s always worth checking the official park page before you go. Connecticut hiking trails mostly remain accessible.

Are dogs allowed on these trails?

Many trails in Connecticut are dog-friendly, but leash rules vary. State parks usually require dogs to be leashed at all times, and some land trust properties may restrict dogs entirely. Always check posted signage at the trailhead and be mindful of steep ledges, wildlife, and other hikers.

What’s the best time of year for short hikes in Northwest CT?

Late spring through fall is ideal.

• Spring: Expect mud and slick rock, especially near waterfalls. Looking for things to do in the Spring? Check out my Litchfield County spring getaway guide.

• Summer: Early mornings or weekdays are best to avoid crowds and heat.

• Fall: Peak foliage brings crowds, but the views are worth it.

• Winter: Some hikes are doable with traction, but icy ledges and stone steps can be dangerous.

Are these hikes crowded?

Weekend hikes in Northwest Connecticut can sometimes get crowded. Popular spots like Kent Falls, Mount Tom, and Lover’s Leap can get busy on weekends, especially in fall. Most of these Litchfield County hikes are quiet on weekdays and early mornings. If you want solitude, aim for sunrise hikes or less well-known land trust trails.

What to Pack for a Day Hike in the Litchfield County

Even for short hikes, I always carry:

• Water

• Proper footwear with grip

• A light layer (weather changes fast here)

• Snacks

• A phone or map app (service can be spotty)

Short Connecticut hiking trails doesn’t mean risk-free. Rocky trails and sudden weather shifts are common in this region.

Connecticut quietly delivers some of the most rewarding short hikes in New England. If you know where to look, you don’t need big mileage to get big views.