Step outside of New Haven and leave the city and the traffic behind. Hop in the car for 30 minutes (or less) and you will find yourself at any one of these excellent hiking trails, enjoying nature, and relaxing from everyday stress. Take a stroll with your friends or family. Explore remnants of the past at local land trusts, follow some of Connecticut’s 800 miles of Blue Blazes Trail, or even tackle a Giant. Everyone can benefit from being outside and getting a good dose of Vitamin N(nature)! There is no excuse NOT to explore the best hikes in New Haven (and around New Haven) when they are right in your own backyard!

1. East Rock Park
East Rock Park Road, East Rock Park Rd, New Haven, CT, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
You don’t actually have to leave the city to enjoy East Rock Park! The park is located in New Haven and has both paved and dirt trails to the summit. Skip the drive up and work those quads with a hike up the Giant Steps to enjoy sweeping views of Long Island Sound and downtown New Haven.
2. West Rock Ridge State Park
West Rock Ridge State Park, 1134 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06514, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
Stretching from New Haven and into Hamden, West Rock Ridge State Park provides views to Long Island Sound and north to Sleeping Giant. Bypass the crowds and follow the Blue Blazed Regicides Trail walking along the park’s namesake ridge. If you have the time, be sure to also visit the farm animals at Common Ground’s Urban Farm right next to the park!
3. Westwoods
Westwoods, 582 Dunk Rock Rd, Guilford, CT 06437, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
With over 39 miles of trails, Westwoods in Guilford has plenty to keep you busy on your hike. One of the many highlighst is Lost Lake, located in the middle of this land trust property. Don’t limit your adventure to Lost Lake alone; the property is littered with amazing glacially formed features.
4. Supply Pond
Branford Land Trust, Branford, CT 06405, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
This is the spot to go to if you want to take your dog along for the hike! Part of the Branford Land Trust, the Supply Pond has both single-track trails and dirt fire roads. Dogs, runners, mountain bikers, and hikers all enjoy the trails here. There is even a great spot for your four legged friends to cool off in a river.
5. Stony Creek Quarry
Stony Creek Quarry, 99 Quarry Rd, Branford, CT 06405, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
Explore where the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty came from! The Stony Creek Quarry in Branford takes you around the quarry (which is still operational) and through some of the remnants of past quarry projects. Stony Creek pink granite can be found in major landmarks, including The Smithsonian and Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Site. History and hiking all in one.
6. Farm River State Park
Farm River State Park, 121 Mansfield Grove Rd, East Haven, CT 06512, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
Here is the perfect spot to take the kids for a hike or picnic. Farm River State Park in East Haven has easy trails and great views along the Farm River. Another plus for a family outing is the self guided nature trail highlighting flora and fauna along the way.
7. Sleeping Giant State Park
Mount Carmel, Mt Carmel, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
From a distance, these hills in Hamden look like a giant sleeping on his back. If it wasn’t for the Sleeping Giant State Park Association’s preservation efforts in the early 1920s, this land would most likely be flat from quarry operations. Instead it is now filled with hiking trails for many abilities. Bonus: hike all of the trails in the park to become a Giant Master!

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8. Mount Higby
Amy Parulis Photography
The best ridge walk in the state is located right off I-91 in Middlefield. Part of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association’s Blue Blazed trail system, the Mattabesett Trail follows along the beginning of the traprock ridges that extend all the way into Massachusetts.
9. Mica Ledges
Mattabasett Trail Parking, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
The beginning of the Mattabasett Trail in Durham also affords some nice views that you will have to work for. Granite ledges will greet you as your reward! Don’t just do an out-and-back though; loop into the Madison Land Trust property to see more streams and vernal pools.
10. Roaring Brook
Roaring Brook, Glastonbury, CT, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
Roaring Brook, Connecticut’s highest single-drop waterfall, is best viewed after it rains… otherwise it’s more of a trickling tumble. Wait until the snow melts or after we have had a good rainstorm for the prime time to see the brook cascading 80 feet down. Approach the waterfall from the bottom along the Cheshire Land Trust Property to also pass by a pond that the brook flows into.
11. Pequonnock River Valley State Park
Pequonnock River, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
Not only does this state park in Trumbull have single-track trails for hiking and mountain biking, the 16-mile-long Pequonnock River Greenway Linear Trail goes right through the park along the Pequonnock River. This lets you easily explore from Bridgeport up into Monroe!
12. Trolley Trail
Branford Trolley Trail, Branford, CT 06405, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
Take a step back in time along the Trolley Trail in Branford. At one time, a trolley took vacationers from New Haven to Stony Creek in Branford to cool off during the hot summers. Now the trail is crushed gravel and cement walkways over beautiful marshland with views into Long Island Sound.
13. Papermill Trail
Amy Parulis Photography
Hike past history as you explore the remains of the Hammonasset Mill in Madison. While most of the mill has been destroyed, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places, so the land around it is protected. Don’t just stop at the mill, continue the loop hike and enjoy walking alongside the beautiful Hammonassett River.
14. Chauncey & Lamentation Mountain
Chauncey Peak, Meriden, CT 06450, USA
Amy Parulis Photography
Mountains are not the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Connecticut, but Chauncey Peak and Lamentation Mountain in Meriden can really get your heart pumping! The hike up Chauncey Peak is steep, but you come to the summit with sweeping views along the Hanging Hills of Connecticut. Be careful - part of the mountain is still an active quarry. Once down Chauncey, it is only a short (and less lung-busting) hike to Lamentation and more sweeping views, this time to the west.

Once you have explored these trails, fill up the car with a little more gas and keep exploring the other wonderful state parks, land trusts, and even the nationally-recognized Appalachian or New England trails!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes Around New Haven

Tori Jane | July 27, 2022

Where are the best hiking trails near me?  

New Haven is an excellent little place if you’re a lover of the outdoors; you’ll find all kinds of fun, easy hikes in New Haven that you can do in one afternoon or less. Some of the best hikes near New Haven include the East Rock Loop Trail, at East Rock Park; it’s 2.2 miles long and rated as moderate, with some impressive views and excellent adventure potential. We also love the 6.9-mile-long Regicides Trail, at West Rock Ridge State Park. It’s an interesting cliff-walk trek with numerous lakes and views of busy roads below. While you’re at West Rock Ridge State Park, be sure to also check out the 1.7-mile Judge’s Cave Trail – or just drive it instead!  

What are some wonderful scenic hikes in New Haven?  

New Haven is easily one of the most beautiful places in Connecticut, and you’re sure to find some truly wonderful scenic hikes in New Haven that suit your needs. There are trails for all experience levels, from easy one for beginners (more on those in a moment) to more challenging hikes for experts; beginner hikers will enjoy the Long Wharf Trail, which is in the heart of New Haven and just 1.6 miles in length. Hikers with some experience under their boots will appreciate the Westville Feeder Trail, at West Rock Ridge State Park, which is 1.4 miles long and moderately challenging. Expert hikers will love both of those trails, plus the long-but-easy Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, which is an impressive 17.1 miles in length!  

What are the best easy hikes in New Haven?  

So, which trails in New Haven are scenic and easy? Do the East Rock via Eli Whitney Museum Trail at East Rock Park. It’s 2.7 miles long, begins at the Eli Whitney Museum, leads you under a bridge, and then takes you on an amazing adventure that’s easy for most folks to do. At West Rock Ridge State Park, do the West Rock South Overlook to Judges Cave hike, which is a short-and-sweet 1.4-mile trek on a paved road leading to an awesome overlook. The above-mentioned Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, which is long, but still quite easy.  

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