Miles of hiking trails, paved and graveled mountain roads, and scenic overlooks whichever way you…read moreascend, this is a perfect spot for a quiet weekend getaway, Even on a Sunday morning around peak Autumn foliage you can find many scenic spots no else already found. This can be a quick drive kind of spot or a great morning hike as trails to beaver ponds, glacial erratics, and picnic tables are all within a short distance of the forest roads. The fire tower was out of commission for years but has happily been restored, and interpretive signs at the top show each visible peak including, Mt. Tom and Mt. Monadnock among them, on clear enough days. The only facilities are a port-o-let at the bottom of Soapstone Road, so plan accordingly if you don't want to make the ten minute trip back down to Ellington.

Great views, easy hike through the woods, or up the paved access road, or drive up if you prefer!…read more Awesome local option for some nice views. Tips: Bring lunch if the weather is nice, there are picnic tables everywhere. DON'T MISS THE TOWER. It was repaired (major overhaul) recently and reopened to the public. Can't see it from the end of the access road, but it's an incredibly short walk from there. Go up toward and around the chain fence.

In Connecticut, this trail runs from New Haven to Suffield and eleven towns. The trail is paved,…read morewide, and flat. Here are some helpful tips I found on the trail's website: 1. On the right side, you skate, walk, jog, and ride. 2. As a rider/skater, when approaching someone from behind, it is courtesy to ring your bell and/or say "on your left" to avoid collision. 3. Speed limit is 12 mph, not sure how you would measure that with a bicycle or rollerblades but.. 4. Dogs on leash and pick up after them. 5. Trail is open from dawn to dusk year-round. 6. Issues can be reported to the town the trail is in. 7. If there is an accident on trail, call 911 and provide mile markings and roads nearby. 8. There are benches and bike repair stations throughout, just look on FCHTrail.org. 9. Wear sunglasses, proper footwear/clothing, and sunscreen. 10. Have water and snacks on hand for long journeys. I walked a few miles with my family in Simsbury and the trail was really nice and popular. We used the Rotary Playground parking lot as a starting point. I think it would be more fun to ride a bike since it's so long. Overall, a nice trail for people to exercise and get fresh air!

As two pedestrians with a well behaved dog, we find a great number of the bikers are rude. Little…read morewarning coming from behind. Generally, two by two, where single file is a much safer approach especially when the pedestrian's back is turned. With the current status of bicycle traffic and higher speeds, I'm constantly looking over my shoulder with a feeling of distress. I've even spoken out to a few who in passing were especially rude. This is a public byway to be enjoyed by all and not just a few who can't be bothered to be polite, slow down, and get in single file, so everyone can share the space.

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.

There's a few different sections of the Naugatuck State Forest. We went to the Quillinan Reservoir…read moreBlock, which is in Ansonia. There are a few ways to access this park, we decided to go from the Ansonia Nature Center. The transition over to State Forest is pretty subtle, mainly with some markings on the trees. This park is also adjacent to some watershed land, that is also marked really well. This park has some nice hiking trails, with a lot of different loop options. We ended up doing a 10k (6 miles) hike, on the white and purple loop trails. The trails are nicely blazed, and there's a really good variety of trees. We went through some hardwoods and some pine forest, and there were lots of plants and some water views of the reservoir at various points along the hike. It's not too strenuous elevation wise, which was nice for a moderate hike. Mountain biking is allowed in the park, and we saw several people out for a ride, so it seems a pretty popular location for biking, and the trails seem not overly eroded. My only complaint is this park is adjacent to a gun club, so for a good chunk of the hike (mostly the white trail) was done to the sound of near constant gunfire. It's not the most tranquil thing, especially if you're sensitive to that sound.

This is a beautiful walk around the reservoir. The day was overcast with a threat of rain, but the…read moretemperature today made up for the darkened skies. Colorful leaves are starting to pop out everywhere, and I suppose this place will be in it's prime in a week or so. If you're in the neighborhood, you have to stop by and enjoy the scenery.

Came here for a short hike in March. Still trails are covered with snow, but no problem walking…read morewithout any equipment. We checked South and North views. It's good view, but want to come back in spring and falls when trees have colors.

Mount Pisgah is the highest peak in Northborough at 715'. The land surrounding it contains multiple…read morewell marked trails for hiking, walking, and mountain biking. From two scenic views, skyscrapers in Boston can be seen as long as it's a clear day. This is a great place to take a brisk hike or spend half a day wandering the trails! Some of the trailheads have maps available but during busy months, it's best to print one from the town of Northborough or town of Berlin website.

Nice trail to go on with other trails along it if you wanted something longer. It was a simple…read moretrail that's was easy to follow with the marks and enjoyable with friends.

Absolutely beautiful here. Nice and quiet. My only issue is I was charged $20 instead of $5 and I'm…read morea Mass resident.

Nice place mainly for dogs I guess saw about 4 dogs without leashes just roaming around minding…read moretheir own business. The trail is well paved but there's extensive damage from the past winter season looks like a bridge that was there has been completely destroyed too. There was no place to sit down and relax.

This is a great easy walk! So beautiful with the bridges. You can even take your dog off leash…read moreearly in the morning!

Nifty little mountain biking course to bring the kids to. Also good for the older ones to ride the…read morehills, get some air, and work on some tricks. Plenty of rolling hills, valleys, and flats to ride on. Good neighborhood spot to have the kids learn and get in some exercise.

What a wonderful resource in the area for hiking, sightseeing, snowshoeing or cross country skiing…read more Anytime of year there is something to do or simply observe nature and the wildlife that inhabitants the area. There are numerous intersecting trails throughout the persevere so you can mix up your routine each time you wish to freshen up the scenery and experience something different. Highly recommended place to relax, clear your head and reflect upon the many scenic wonders to be enjoyed and appreciated.

A park with a spectacular view!…read more Talcott Mountain State Park is a 574-acre park located in Simsbury. Parking was spacious. The trail to the Heublein Tower is 1.25-miles long. The Tower can be seen from various parts of the state. It's a beautiful, white, 165-foot high tower with 360 degrees view. The trail was wide and on gravel. There was recent heavy rains so some of the trails had some washout. The hike was mostly up hill with some flat areas; I'd say it's moderate but it was a little bit more challenging for me because I was baby-wearing my child. My toddler did great on it. There were a couple of benches and logs to sit on along the way; pet waste receptacles were seen. My only qualm were the bugs, so don't forget bug spray like we did. Once we got to the top, there were a couple of porta potties and a kiosk. The view of the tower up close was exhilarating, so much history. There was an informational movie on in the garage with benches. There was a huge picnic pavilion and picnic tables throughout; a giant BBQ pit and another small one. The Heublein Tower was beautiful and built in 1914; it can withstand 100-mph winds. The staircases going up and down were meant to be one way; this was a great way to reduce pedestrian congestion and a fire hazard. There were historic relics and rooms decorated the way it was back in the day. Informational signage throughout the space. The tower used to be the summer home for Gilbert Heublein; a successful businessman whose company acquired Smirnoff Vodka and A1 Steak Sauce. The view from the ballroom was amazing and breathtaking. They had signs showing what we can see based on the direction. The hike back down the trail was easier, becareful though, some of the gravel were slippery and I saw a kid fall. Overall, a great hike and the view was worth it!

Amazing and easy hike with the gals. The view is amazing from the top. It is a great hike to chat…read morewith people and too far from Hartford