We needed a break on our drive from MA to NJ and this was just about the mid-point for us and just…read moreoff the highway. It is a pretty state park for a short visit if you're in the area. Lots of college students throughout the park from nearby Quinnipiac University. There are plenty of open space, picnic tables and trails for everyone to enjoy. Lots of different trail options but the tower trail is the most popular. Not much shade on the tower trail and a fairly decent elevation change in a short distance. Make sure to check the weather and bring water. Beautiful views from the highest point in the park and you can go inside the tower.

This was such a nice and beautiful hike! We went here end of October when foliage season was coming…read moreto an end quickly. We got to see amazing views and lots of foliage. The hike was not bad and it was super busy. Huge parking lot and lots of people that day. The views at the tower were awesome and it's definitely a nice spot for pictures. A local gem.

This trail is about 4miles give or take there and back. There are benches along the way and two…read morebridges going over the water and one tunnel under the highway. It does flood under that bridge if raining a lot. There is a sign that says flood zone turn around don't drown or something like that. I can walk the whole thing in about 45 minutes. And there are a few little tails off it into the woods but they don't really loop and you have to turn around and come right back. You cal also park at either end.

"Oh, Suzie Q Baby, I love you, Suzie Q"…read more(Creedence Clearwater Revival) The indigenous people's word "Quinnipiac" roughly translates into English as "long-water people". The Q River is 38 miles long, and you'll get a gorgeous view of it from the bridge on the Quinnipiac Linear Trail. We had a lovely hike on the trail today, as did dozens of friendly walkers who smiled and waved to us as we walked from the main parking lot to the bridge and back. It was a very easy low impact walk of about two miles round trip. The trail is flat, paved, and very wide -at least fifteen feet wide. There were a few side trails marked by fresh mulch or wood shavings if you want to go off the beaten path. We saw plenty of interesting things on our walk - basketball courts, a wood walkway over some wetlands, several informational kiosks, a Lending library with a box of Narcan Nasal Spray prominently on display up front, a labyrinth, and scenic views of the Merrit Parkway which at times seemed about 50 feet from the trail. One other interesting but infuriating thing we saw was a collection of red, black, and blue knotted bags of dog doody that was neatly stacked around a Pet Waste station just under a sign that read "Please Keep This Area Clean".

My first trip to Maltby Lakes was wonderful. Looking for a short hike near home. Saw 3 deer…read more Beautiful.

I wasn't that impressed with these lakes. Your only allowed in if you sneak in or have a permit. We…read moresnuck in and although we didn't get to hike the woods, we did see one of the lakes and were not impressed. It was dirty looking and lots of bugs. Maybe I have to go back again. We'll see.

Large, BEAUTIFUL park near downtown New Haven. Unclear GPS directions/signs make it a BIT tough to…read morenavigate, but we eventually found where we wanted to be, and were rewarded with scenic trails and a challenging (whew!!) hilly walk up to the not-to-be-missed Soldiers' monument and overlook of the city. We were lucky to hit the last of peak leaf season, but I'm sure ANY time of year is great for a visit to this wonderful oasis. Didn't see very much during our quick visit, but hope to return to check out more trails and waterways. GREAT spot for locals and visitors alike. Hope to return with more time to explore SOON!!

We went to East Rock Park to see the overlook. The view of the whole city and ocean is super nice…read more There's a historical Soldier and Sailor's monument right next it too. But the area is under maintained. Parking area and benches are dirty, pavement has lots of potholes driving up to the outlook spot.

A recent-ish trip back to CT had me visiting this spot again for a nice morning fall walk and it…read morewas lovely! It's always so lush here. I appreciate the little parking lot, although it can get pretty crowded on the weekend so plan accordingly! The trail around the lake is perfect for a brisk walk with lots of shade. My husband and I have walked it many times and it's always well kept with very little traffic. There's a portapotty but no other bathroom options aside from that so come prepared!

Close to home excellent for a quick afternoon trip Great…read morescenery and not to challenging

Thank you, David Anderson, the Trolley Trail is thanks to…read morehim. Boy Scout Troop 442 lent helping hands to build this trail through the marshlands. A lovely 1.2 mile out and back, revitalized old trolley track. Bird watchers are in for a special treat, kids delight as crabs scuttle by their feet. Parking has always been a breeze and the trail is flat, navigated with ease. Be sure to sit and take in the peace (save the hum of life that doesn't cease.)

This is a wonderful trail to walk. I would of given it 5 stars, if they had more access to maps…read moreand the fact there is a gap in the trail in Branford. The best part of the trail is the shortest, Stoney Creek. They have plenty of parking at various points on the trail. It also has about a half mile of paved pathways. There are plenty of benches to sit on along the trail.

I wish I read reviews before going but friends told me it was the place to be…read more 8/10 dogs were off leash, which was a disappointment for my one reactive dog, so we had to leave after snapping photos of the swans in the pond. Typically on hikes when you see a dog approaching you leash them immediately to pass. This isn't the case here. I only write this post to warn others.

Great place to hike or walk dogs! Nice views and creeks to…read moreexplore. plenty of parking

This is a nice little park, but pretty small - 61 acres per the DEEP site. The main entrance for…read morethis park is on Short Beach Road in East Haven, where there's a small lot right next to a house - it can be easy to miss. This park is surrounded by houses, so it doesn't really feel all that private. It feels almost like it should be a municipal park or preserve. It seems to be a favorite of locals walking their dogs, which is what we were doing as well. Once you get past the fire road, there's a lot of meandering trail in the marsh area. The views are pretty, and it's a nice little place, but it seems to need some blazing and trail maintenance. There's also a picnic area marked on the map, but it's just a meadow area - no picnic tables.

Great little nature preserve nestled in East Haven. Some beautiful views and osprey nests. Yes,…read morethere are houses around but it's pretty sweet for basically being right in town.

5 star views! You can see neighboring Chauncey, and Besek Mountain peaks, and glimpses of the…read moredistant Metacomet and Tunxis Trail ridges. Up close the geology is gorgeous highlands and rolling grass with rock, grass, and gravel along the well-blazed path. Follow those blues up to heavenly views. Definitely wear your hiking boots. As you can see from the start, trap rock is super rough. Despite the roughness, like much of the New England Trail, you are quickly at the ridge line. Higby has two ascents cut by a small, tranquil water crossing. At hiking speed you can get to the peak in an hour and a half, but those scenic views will probably slow you down. Unless you're through hiking to Tynan Park, this is a rewarding scramble. If your littles outgrew the Ergo, hike with care and keep them away from the edge. The views are rewarding, and parking is easy with an exit right after Baileyville Rd./CT 147, but there are no facilities whatsoever. It's an off-trail squat kinda hike. Nonetheless, the winter ice is gorgeous. There are slick spots in spring but you can hear spring peepers around the first ascent. In summer this is a cooling escape. In autumn you have fine views of New England foliage. In all a rough but rewarding hike, and likely close being just off a couple major highways. When you need a getaway and gas savings, here it is!