The is part of the linear Airline State Park trail system covering 50+ miles through 11 Connecticut…read moretowns. The Portland segment opened in 2018 and is a fairly flat open gravel trail through fields, open space and through a wooded section of what was once a railroad trail from NewYork to Boston in the 1800s. The Portland segment is new and was a nice, easy path to walk on a sunny March day . Parking is available on Middle Haddam Rd for 10+ cars. The trail splits from the access path and traveling toward Portland is a 2.5 miles loop. The other segment is toward East Hampton. This is part of a large Air Line trail system through CT up to Franklin, MA with plans to extend the Portland trail toward Middletown. It's fairly new but it would have been nice to have some information boards along the way giving some of the history of the Portland stretch

Reviewing it in terms of attempting a gravel bike ride starting at the Portland parking lot. From…read morethis start, the trail is only complete for ~ 2.5 miles before it ends. Also didn't love the gravel on this, as it was a bit loose (though maybe I'm nitpicking). The Maryland rails-to-trails we've been on tend to be much firmer and make an easier trek. But, the environment was lovely, it was fairly quiet, a few walkers and bikers, but no issues on the trails. Two of the road-crossings had pretty steep descents and assents, and it's worth going slowly for those road crossings, but all doable. As frequent CT visitors we'd hoped this was going to be the beginning of a great experience, so we'll have to shift our search to further along Air Line Trail (which will be further from our relative's home in CT).

They have a great trail that goes along the water that it pretty flat it just has a lot of roots…read more The Meriden parks department did a goat walk there and I highly recommend following them to know when the next one is !

USE CAUTION! This trail resides along a steep cliff side (not the main trail area) and may not be…read morefor suitable for a beginner hiker. Dogs are welcome on leash. Oaths are uneven with roots poking through. Watch your step One of my favorite local parks where every season is beautiful! Well maintained and marked trails, fishing areas a free little book library and a path to the rock quarry if lucky to find! If you travel to the far end of the reservoir (main entry area next to trail map) you come to a nice opening along the reservoir. Venture a bit further along the pond to the furthest end of the water; Left brings you further into the woods and over the bridge brings you full loop around the reservoir

Attached is a detailed PDF file of field numbers for finding your way to the right field.read more

We've been to Fisher Meadows a couple of times, sometimes to enjoy the quiet and calm, other times…read moreto enjoy the golden hour, and once to enjoy a warm cup of masala chai surrounded by nature. It is a great spot to witness the magic of different New England seasons.

I'm amazed by the beauty of this place!…read more MDC operates the water treatment plants located at this reservoir. This is a privately owned area and not a public park. There was MDC Police that patrolled the area when I was there. Parking was plentiful when we went on a beautiful spring weekday. There were clean porta potties onsite. There were trails in the woods and out in the open; the trails were paved and gravel. It is opened daily from sunrise to sunset and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. There were two trails; 3.4-mile loop red trail and 2.0-mile loop yellow trail. We started off with the gravel yellow trail that has a slight incline. Then we got onto part of the red loop which was near the bridge overlooking the water. We saw a couple of deer in the woods, geese, and turtles in the water. This is where we walked on pavement. Some of the trees were marked by type. The trail was busy with walkers and bikers. Overall, I really enjoyed the hike/walk and can't wait to go back.

The WH Reservoir has been my peaceful playground and refuge since the '70's…read more Hard to believe that State Connecticut had a planned to construct ring highway through the hills beside the Reservoir. Following public protest and legal battle(s) the project was shelved indefinitely back in the 70's. This was also about the time, vehicle traffic was barred on many of the back MDC roadways. What was left, beautiful network of paved and foot beaten paths. Everyday day of the week, the public are welcome to walk, jog, saunter, bicycle these mapped trails. Mountain biking has been throttled down significantly due to excessive wear and tear on the wooded areas. Biking still remains popular long designated routes and in a one-way pattern (for everyones safety). Pedestrians: Please mind the painted walking path, eyes on drifting into the bike path - that way ALL will enjoy. Kilkenny rock has been one of my favorite destinations (refer to an MDC map) this is a nice overlook of the Hartford sky scape. Trails also connect from the Farmington Avenue entrance across to Route 44 passing over Avon Mountain. GPS and one of my favorite apps "All Trails" are helpful even to a season chap like me.

Wadsworth Falls State Park is a pleasant State Park close to the center of Middletown. The hike to…read morethe falls should be manageable for almost anyone. The short walkway down to the falls is steep but there are steps cut into the trail making it relatively smooth. The waterfall is very peaceful and beautiful. Definitely worth multiple visits. There are a few trails, a beach and other park standard features like bbqs and picnic tables.

Crystal-clear water + sunny spring day = perfect hike…read more Spent a beautiful spring sunny day at Wadsworth Falls State Park, and it did not disappoint. I took so many pictures of the clear river. It's seriously that stunning. The swimming water vanished. We hiked the Wadsworth Falls Loop (3.6 miles, easy, great waterfall views) and also checked out part of the Main Trail. Trails were in good shape; just a little mud here and there, but totally manageable. Bonus tips from my visit: · Dogs welcome on leash · Free for CT-registered cars; $10-15 for out-of-state · Restrooms, parking, and picnic tables available · Get there early on a sunny day to beat the crowds If you love clear water, peaceful forest walks, and two distinct waterfalls, don't miss this spot. Already planning to come back with an all-terrain wheelchair for a friend (you can reserve one in advance). Would I go again? 100%.

It's a beautiful place to take a hike, walk around the trails, see the waterfall or just hang out…read moreand go picnicking. It's also a good place to catch some fish and see a big blue heron. You do have to be very careful if you're walking around the woods. Some parts can by muddy so it's best for you to wear walking boots that are waterproof/mud proof that can be cleaned off easily if you step on mud. It's also a great place to take pictures. Overall, it's an enjoyable place on any day throughout any time of the year. Whether beautiful or overcast, it's a place to be for you if you enjoy walking or chilling out.

Beautiful park to walk or hike in. They have an amazing history trail that uses braille. Historic…read morelands! Also has a beautiful waterfalls running through it.

This was my first hike here and since I had my youngest child with me, I opted for the discovery…read moreloop. I am very impressed with all the handicapped accessible signs and the trail I took today really was perfectly accessible. The trail was clean of roots and large rocks, completely flat, and graveled. I saw zero litter while I was there today. The only downfall here is the size of the parking lot. By the time I arrived today, all the spots were taken and I (as well as many others) needed to improvise a spot to park. I can't wait to come back with my husband or older kids to tackle a longer trail!

Stopped by to walk on this trail! Stopped byin broad daylight on a beautiful (early) October day…read moreand the leaves were beautiful. It was very peaceful except for the sound of gunshots. There are some signs posted - few hundred yards in on the trail and the sign indicated that there is shooting this time of year. I think it is only denser into the forest but beware if you intend to actually walk... At the very least please wear a neon vest or other bright colors! Shooting was incessant for the 20 ish minutes I was there. (Maybe a fluke but the sign kinda says no). Limited-ish parking but the actual CT forest and park office is closed right now for renovation. (Note for anyone who is trying to go to the office and not on the trails). There's ample parking near trailhead!

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.