Anyone who thinks the Nutmeg State is boring or unattractive clearly just hasn’t spent enough time here. We’ve got so many great man-made and natural wonders in Connecticut. Did you know we have 139 state parks and forests? With so much beauty all around us, it can be easy to become a bit numb to it. If you feel like you need a pick-me-up, here are seven natural wonders in Connecticut you won’t want to miss:

1. Mount Carmel: Hamden, CT
Mount Carmel Tree Service, 884 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
James Catalfamo / AllTrails
Mount Carmel is a rugged mountain that's better known as the Sleeping Giant because of its resemblance to, well, a sleeping giant. The mountain is predominantly located within Sleeping Giant State Park, famous for its many miles of trails. The park is absolutely gorgeous and you can find so many amazing overlooks from various parts of the giant's "body." Lace up your hiking shoes and slather the sunscreen! You're in for an exciting adventure at Mount Carmel.
2. Cathedral Pines: West Cornwall, CT 06796
Cathedral Pines, West Cornwall, CT 06796, USA
The Sketchy Rabbit/Google Maps
We have several gorgeous forests in Connecticut: we are part of New England, after all! One of our favorites is Cathedral Pines. This amazing 42-acre old-growth forest is filled with white pine and hemlock. Sadly, much of the forest was destroyed in a 1989 tornado, but plenty of it is still standing. Walking through this place and admiring the massive trees, some of which are as old as 250 years, is awe-inspiring. You'll feel like you entered another land, and you'll leave feeling refreshed.
3. Exhibit Center at Dinosaur State Park: 400 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Dinosaur State Park, 400 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, USA
Gowthaman K/Google Maps
Please note, parts of Dinosaur State Park may be closed for renovations. Visit the Dinosaur State Park website for the most up-to-date information.

It's hard to believe that dinosaurs once roamed through Connecticut. One spot where you can still see evidence of that today is at the magical Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill. This park has one of the largest track sites of dinosaur footprints in America! Whether you're a kid or a kid-at-heart, you'll love exploring this Connecticut destination. It'll make your imagination run wild.

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4. Thimble Islands: Branford, CT
Thimble Islands, Branford, CT, USA
JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M. D./Wikimedia Commons
The Thimble Islands area is an archipelago in the Long Island Sound made up of many small islands. These were once hilltops, but after the last ice age, became islands. Depending on what you count as constituting an island, there may be up to 365 Thimble Islands! This is such a unique region -- some of the islands are inhabited, but typically only with a few homes.
5. Kent Falls at Kent Falls State Park: 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757
Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
Daniel Hartwig/Flickfr
There's nothing we can say about Kent Falls that hasn't been said already. It's no wonder that the state park that holds these magnificent falls has been called the most beautiful place in Connecticut. The falls are approximately 250 feet long and contain multiple cascades, the tallest of which is 70 feet in height. This place belongs on everyone's bucket list, and it's a great place to take out-of-towners.
6. Tory's Cave Preserve: 499 Kent Rd, New Milford, CT 06776
Tory's Cave Preserve, 499 Kent Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA
I L/Google Maps
Please note that Tory's Cave is only accessible for part of the year. From October 1 through April 1, bats are hibernating within the cave and cannot be disturbed.

Tory's Cave looks like a narrow hole in the ground, but it's actually a marble cave that goes about 50 feet underground to a room that can hold about 12 people! This is the only cave accessible to the public in Connecticut.
7. Steep Rock Preserve: 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794
Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
Donny M/Google Maps
Steep Rock Preserve is a beautiful 998-acre haven where you can find miles of trails, mountains, an old railroad tunnel, and more. There's even a gorgeous tunnel of trees that will make you feel like you're walking through an arboreal wonderland.

How many of these natural wonders in Connecticut have you seen in person? Are there any other places you think should be added to the list? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! And if you know another hidden gem we should know about, nominate it for a chance to be featured!

For more fun, check out these scenic places in Connecticut! From tranquil lakes to stunning gardens, these destinations will make you fall in love with the Nutmeg State all over again. These are a few places you can only see in CT.

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More to Explore

Natural Wonders in Connecticut

Elisa Regulski | April 22, 2023

What are the best natural wonders in Connecticut?

The best natural wonders in Connecticut are:

  • Bluff Point State Park -- This dog-friendly state park is home to a verdant forest and tranquil beach. It's perfect for a day trip.
  • Riga Falls -- Here, you can swim at the bottom of a waterfall and bask in the cool waters.
  • Farmington River -- Rent a tube and float along the picturesque river! It's the best way to spend a summer day.
  • Hopeville Pond -- Whether you're fishing, swimming, or relaxing, this pond is a lovely place to visit.
  • Ocean Beach Park -- Meander along the boardwalk and slide down the water slides. There's so much to do at Ocean Beach Park.

 

What are the best weekend getaways in Connecticut?

The best weekend getaways in Connecticut are:

  • Mystic Seaport Museum -- This 18-acre museum is home to fascinating things, like restored ships and antique buildings
  • New England Carousel Museum -- Perfect for kids and adults, this museum is home to hundreds of carousel relics.
  • Old Wethersfield -- This small town is rich in history. Explore homes that date back to the 1700s and see what life was like back in the day.

 

What are the best hiking trails in Connecticut?

The best hiking trails in Connecticut are:

  • Wadsworth Falls Trail -- Located in Middletown, this hiking trail will lead you to a gorgeous waterfall.
  • Roxbury Mines at Mine Hill Preserve -- This 3.6-mile trail takes you to fascinating abandoned buildings.
  • Mianus Maze Trail at Mianus River Park -- This six-mile loop trail is great for bikers and hikers.

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