Cool area. lots of places to lay low and relax. Biking is not a problem. The water is nice feeling…read moredue to a cold spring as well.

If you need breathtaking views especially this time of the year where the trees change color, this…read moreis the spot for you. There is more than one trail and if you have a map you can decide which trail to follow. If you are interested in just a walk around the lake the red trail would be perfect but if you are more interested in the view of the lake from higher up, then the blue to the orange trail, blue and blue to the red trail will get you there. The entire hike got us was about 3 miles. A simple hike that is good enough for a beginner. It had a steep hill and I was so out of breath going up but when you get to the top at the lookout point it was all worth it. The lake wasn't the cleanest as the water was green but there were still people fishing. A lot of picnic tables to sit, eat or hang out and a big parking lot with adequate space.

Such a quiet and serene place to hike! The yellow/blue and blue trail lead around the lake for many…read morebeautiful spots to take a step back and meditate. Dogs are welcome, but on leash per state guidelines. Very rocky and uneven terrain, and not for a beginner hiker. The trails are maintained, but one can easily get lost if unaware of the proper hiking method and trail markings as you hike over big boulders and up semi-steep hills (very slick in the fall due to the leaves and during the winter with snow, so be cautious of footing) Sneakers are good but hiking boots are even better due to the rocky and uneven paths. Different path cut off that lead to the water and many higher altitude spots for an overlook of the whole pond There is barely any parking with very limited areas along the street. Download the free AllTrails app for hiking trails and other locations!

Beautiful walking trail around Reservoir. nature and wildlife all around you on this beautiful…read morehike. Love coming here on a fall day and watching the leaves change.

Not a business, but a beautiful nature preserve that has some trails you can take. Great any time…read moreof year and a favorite for us locals around sunset. You can view lots of birds, and other native wildlife if you have the patience and fortitude to grab a chair and sit out in one of the fields. You sign in before your walk, and let it be known who is in your walking party with you. It's one of a few lovely places that you can walk on in the area. A must for nature lovers, and parents who are looking to get their children out exploring with them.

A fairly easy loop hike within a protected area that seems to get low to moderate traffic. The hike…read moreinvolves many different aspects of open land with wide cut paths to dense woods with narrow paths to very narrow paths between beaver ponds. There are no steep inclines and the hike reflects more gradual and limited inclines. The views of the water areas are plentiful and include several benches to take a break. The parking area should fit 10-12 vehicles but when we visited on a Sunday afternoon spring day there were two cars, so it does not appear to be a busy spot. One warning is if it recently rained it will be muddy in spot so dress appropriately and wear solid shoes that can stand up to mud. I would classify this hike as mostly flat and easy, so definitely bring the kids to get out and enjoy nature.

Excellent CT State Park with a number of trails with varying degrees of difficulty. The White Bar…read moreTrail is the longest, around a 55 minute hike, perhaps the most difficult but only in certain spots. There is one area on that trail with a 104ft 35° verticle ascent which will get your heart pumping, the rest of the White Bar is fairly easy. Because the Park is predominantly a hardwood forest the best time to hike would be in the Fall foliage season. This place is a gem, don't miss it..!!!

River Highlands State Park is made for people like me. People who say they like to hike, but who…read moredon't want to work super hard. People who expect a hike to provide some kind of natural payoff, but who don't want to work super hard for it. From the time you park, it takes about 15 minutes (with a dog who likes to sniff everything) to transverse the forest and reach a part of the trail with a Connecticut River view. The way there winds up and down, over and around - but never too suddenly. When you reach the CT River, the trail splits and you can go north along the River or south. The trail at that point is fairly high relative to the River. Hence, the name of the State Park is (1) "River" because the trail is adjacent to the CT River, (2) "Highlands" because you are on high land. Explosion! Mind blown emoji! In my experience, River Highlands is never too crowded. The parking lot is small, but I've never seen it full. I've encountered families, couples, dog walkers, mountain bikers and sight-seeing birds. You know - the usual. May be best to avoid this park when professional golfers are in town. Four Stars.

This is a beautiful park, it's very well maintained and clean. There are a lot of people walking…read moretheir dogs. You can walk in a small boardwalk and read about the wildlife. There are also some more challenging hikes where there is even some scrambling. Very clean and peaceful. The pine needles smell so beautiful! There's lots of free parking. You need pay for parking if you're out of state. Plenty of porta potties and bathrooms.

It has been at least 25 years since we last visited this park which is a shame because it is a true…read moregem. There is no entrance fee for CT residents and only costs $5 for out-of-state vehicles. We enjoyed walking around the ponds and trails with out dog as it appears many others do. The sole disappointment is the small covered bridge is currently closed. Next time, and there will be a next time in the not too distant future, we will bring a lunch and settle in at one of the many picnic tables.

Miller's Pond's desirability is very time dependent. Spring, summer, and fall are no go due to…read morelimited parking, disgusting trash, and rude people. If you like used diapers, beer cans, and broken glass, then go for it. Sad!

This gem is quite a bit off the beaten path. If you travel off season, which we do most of the…read moretime, you are rewarded with a serene nature experience, and relatively few fellow humans. It is dog friendly. From April to September the water is comfortable, with a pleasant sandy bottom. There seems to be a path all the way around the lake, but we've never gone that far. You are expected to carry your trash out to the parking lot, where you will find the only toilet facility in the form of a porta potty. Always a great place to lose the stress.

This is a decent local trail. It has some nice views. Very easy, nice for a leisurely walk. Small…read moreparking lot and there's a seperate handicap parking lot, it is a handicap accessible trail so that's nice. Lots of people on bikes and with their dogs. Definitely a trail everyone can use. Only downside is there are lots of little flies so it can be a little annoying. Definitely recommend using bug spray.

I really enjoy this trail. Depending on which section you are on is depending on the beautiful view…read moreyou have. If you take the Hanover Pond Trail, you will have a beautiful view of the pond. If you're fortunate enough to catch the sunrise here it is stunning. When you follow through this trail, you will have the pond you for a little while and then you get to see some woods and yes, you do see the back of homes and the schools, but it doesn't take away from your journey. If you take a gorge trail, you get a nice view of the river and the trees with all of the mountainside.

A beautiful free quiet preserve along the inlet allows for gentle relaxing walking trails, and you…read morecan bring your dog. It's an 18 acre natural meadow that can be explored. This acreage overlooks the Indian River, marsh and Long Island Sound in the distance. It's a quaint little gem lots of parking, adjacent to the also free McCuster Landing, a small boat dock and cupola called McCusker Landing.