The Hidden Park That Will Make You Feel Like You've Discovered Connecticut's Best Kept Secret
Taylor Ellis
Author
What’s so great about the least visited parks in Connecticut? How about a quiet place with a wealth of natural beauty? Or wide open spaces and marked trails? If that sounds like fun to you, then the Hidden Valley Preserve trails are right up your alley. This is an often forgotten park, part of a much larger collection of preserved woodland. I had no idea it even existed. But honestly, you’ll find some of the very best trails at Hidden Valley Preserve.
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Head to the website for Hidden Valley Preserve to help plan out your trip there.
Need some hiking gear before heading to one of the most beautiful forests in Connecticut? Check out what Backcountry has to offer.
Have you ever been to the Hidden Valley Preserve? What are your favorite least visited parks in Connecticut? Tell me where I should explore next in the comments below!
This park isn’t the only place you can find some wonderfully easy paths – check out these short hikes in Connecticut!
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More to Explore
Exploring Connecticut
What is Connecticut known for?
Interested in getting to know more about the state? Check out what Connecticut is known for:
- Nutmeg: They don’t call it the Nutmeg State for nothing. The spice, most popularly used in baking, is one of the state’s nicknames because early inhabitants sold it.
- Lighthouses: Did you know that there are over a dozen lighthouses that dot Connecticut’s coastline? Some of the most popular are New Haven Harbor Lighthouse and Sheffield Island Lighthouse, but I’d recommend trying to see them all if you can!
Which hikes in Connecticut are short and sweet?
The least visited parks in Connecticut are always fun if you love hiking like I do! Check out some of these short and sweet hikes in Connecticut:
- Mount Tom Tower Trail: Located in Litchfield’s 231-acre Mount Town State Park, this trail is 1.4 miles out and back. As you may guess from the name, there is a bit of an elevation gain as you will be heading toward a tower. At the top, enjoy expansive views of Mount Tom Pond.
- Haystack Mountain Stone Tower: Another trail out to a tower, this one is one mile out and back and located in the 292-acre Haystack Mountain State Park in Norfolk. And once again, keep in mind that although this trail is short, there is still elevation. But at the top, you can climb the 50-foot tower for views of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
What are the best state parks in Connecticut?
Sure, the Hidden Valley Preserve trails are wonderful, but that is not all there is here. Get to know the outdoors more by visiting some of the best state parks in Connecticut:
1) Mianus River Park: Located in Stamford, this 391-acre park is great for lovers of nature with opportunities for hiking, geocaching, and wildlife viewing. It actually consists of three parks that connect to one another.
2) Lover’s Leap State Park: You’ll find this 160-acre park over in New Milford. With a location on the gorgeous Housatonic River, this is a great spot for some gorgeous landscapes and wildlife viewing. While you are here, be sure to check out the ruins, truss iron bridge, and more.