During the winter, cabin fever can set in and that means it’s time to get outside! While you may not be ready to spend a whole afternoon out in the cold weather, short winter hikes can be just what you need to get revitalized. This walk around a national wildlife refuge is a great way to stretch your legs and set your sights on some new scenery in Connecticut. It is, hands down, one of the best winter hikes in Connecticut.

The short winter hike featured here is at the Salt Meadow Unit of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Westbrook.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
The address of the refuge is 733 Old Clinton Rd., Westbrook, CT 06498.
You will first come across two stone buildings that are the refuge headquarters.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
The buildings used to be the personal residence of Esther Lape who donated the property.
The trail covers a distance of 1.1 miles and is estimated to take under one hour to hike.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
The trails at the refuge are very well maintained which makes it a perfect place for a short winter hike.
You will pass through some beautiful woodland that offers opportunities to spot many different types of birds.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge is located in the Atlantic Flyway, where many birds stop to rest, nest and breed.
One of the highlights of this hike is the observation platform that offers expansive views of the salt marsh.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
Here you can stop and take a break and maybe take a few pictures.

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The unspoiled beauty offers something unique during each season of the year.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
Keep your eyes open for the animals that call this place their home.
During the winter, you might catch sight of a snowy owl hanging out around the edge of the marsh.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
The male snowy owls are white and easy to see; the females are brown in color.
The snowy trails are edged by many different kinds of plant life.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
During the winter, you will often see bright red berries dotting the expanse of brown branches.
But don't forget to look down and see who might have walked the path before you.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
You will likely see several types of animal tracks while you take this short winter hike. And the footprints are much easier to see in the snow.
Don't worry, this guy is more afraid of you than you are of him!
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge encompasses a large area that has many places for the wildlife to live undisturbed.
This quaint restored log cabin is the last place you will pass as you finish the loop trail.
Facebook/Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
If you take this walk in the winter, you won't have to worry about the mosquitoes that call the refuge their home during the warmer months.

What do you think are the best winter hikes in Connecticut? Do you have a great place to share in the comments section below? If you’re looking for more things to do in CT during the winter, try taking this winter road trip for a fun-filled weekend!

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More to Explore

Best Winter Hikes In Connecticut

Beth Price-Williams | December 17, 2021

Where can I find the best hiking in February in Connecticut?

Some of the best hiking in February in Connecticut include:

  • The Sessions Woods Beaver Pond Trail

This gorgeous hike spans more than 2.5 miles and winds along a picturesque boardwalk

  • Leatherman Cave Trail at Black Rock State Park in Watertown

A dog-friendly winter hike, the Leatherman Cave Trail leads to a hidden cave and beautiful scenic overlook

  • Chapman Falls Loop Trail at Devil’s Hopyard State Park

Short and sweet, this easy loop tallies just under half a mile. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see the majestic waterfall frozen over

What are some fun things to do in winter in Connecticut?

One of the best things to do in winter in Connecticut is to get out and explore some of its beautiful towns. They’re gorgeous all year round, but dusted in snow they take on a magical aura. Some of these towns include:

  • Ivoryton

This adorable village is perfect for a scenic winter stroll and for a bit of shopping on Main Street

  • Mystic

A charming waterfront town, Mystic is perfect for a lovely winter meal - and don’t forget a stop at the Mystic Aquarium or the Mystic Museum of Art

  • Hartford

With an average overnight temperature of just 17 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter, Connecticut's capital city is a frozen fairytale in real life

  • Portland

Portland offers many fun events in the winter, including dozens of holiday attractions and even a chocolate festival

  • Woodbridge

A small town of just under 10,000, Woodbridge is situated just minutes from the beach, making it ideal for a peaceful winter walk along the water

Are there any family-friendly winter outdoor activities in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers so much to do all year around, and there is no shortage of family-friendly winter outdoor activities either. Some of these activities include:

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Featured Addresses
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Rd, Westbrook, CT 06498, USA