One of my favorite things about the Nutmeg State is how much green space we have. Sure, our cities are densely populated, but we also have a remarkable number of state parks and forests perfect for exploration and connecting with nature. In states with fewer state parks, these places are often crowded and it can be difficult to find peace on a beautiful day. One benefit to the multitude of state parks in Connecticut is that some of them end up not getting as much love as they deserve, simply as a result of how many there are to choose from. One of the state’s most underrated state parks is Stoddard Hill Scenic State Park Reserve in Ledyard, CT. Check it out:

Stoddard Hill State Park is located on the Thames River's eastern shore, not far from Norwich. It's a small park, at only about 55 acres, but there's a surprising amount to do here.
Lisa Gregory/Alltrails
There's a gravel boat launch if you're looking to fish or head out on the water.
Sarah Smigal/Alltrails
If you prefer to stay on dry land, the water views are quite lovely from the trail here.
Kenichi Matsumura/Alltrails
Explore a bit and you'll come across an old cemetery.
Lisa Gregory/Alltrails

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The graves here date all the way back to the colonial era.
Corey Mott/Alltrails
While the trail is not difficult, there are quite a few rocks and large boulders in the area, so be careful where you step.
Corey Mott/Alltrails
The views are certainly lovely in any season!
erin hart/Alltrails
This may not be the largest or most famous state park in Connecticut, but it's a lovely (and underrated) spot for a stroll.
kimberly macdougall eaves/Alltrails

For more information about all the great trails at Stoddard State Park, check out Alltrails. If you’re always on the hunt for more great hikes in Connecticut, consider a free trial of Alltrails+. You’ll receive invaluable benefits, like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn route directions. The small town of Gales Ferry, home to Stoddard Hill, is also home to one of Connecticut’s most unique geological marvels – Ledyard Glacial Park, where visitors can walk among glacial boulders that migrated to the area over 13,000 years ago.

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Stoddard Hill State Park Scenic Reserve, 1917 CT-12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335, USA