Located 5 miles north of Kent on Route 7, this park has a trail loop that goes over the falls and into the forest, and is a designated trout park. But the main attraction is the stunning waterfall dropping 250 feet in under a quarter mile. There’s swimming in the basin at the bottom of the falls. Beautiful all year round. Bring the kids and have a picnic. Can be crowded on weekends in the summer.
Lake Waramaug State Park has 76 sites in wooded and open settings along the lake. Camping season begins Memorial Day Weekend and ends Labor Day.
Lake Waramaug State Park
30 Lake Waramaug Rd, New Preston
860-868-2592
This 10-mile bike ride starts off with hills, then becomes easier. Beginning at the entrance to White Memorial on Rte. 202, right onto Bissel Rd., right onto Alain White Rd., right onto East Shore Rd., right onto Rte. 109, right onto Rte. 209, right onto North Shore Rd, right onto Rte. 202.
Part of White Memorial, this lovely boardwalk circles the marsh. A great place to walk with kids and view birds and beavers.
Litchfield County’s favorite beach is located in Mount Tom State Park. Offerings include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking with memorable views, among others…The beach has a perfect sized swimming area and a nearby lookout tower to explore.
860-567-8870
Mount Tom State Park
The White Memorial Conservation Center operates an Environmental Education Center and Nature Museum, and is located in the heart of the 4000-acre White Memorial Foundation. The outdoor arena includes the wildlife sanctuary. The Foundation comprises fields, water, and woodlands, trails, campgrounds, boating facilities, and special areas for large outdoor educational and recreational gatherings. The White Memorial has miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is free and open to the public.
White Memorial Conservation Center
80 Whitehall Rd., Litchfield
860-567-0857
We have bikes and will admit to letting them gather dust for a while until we found the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Built from the remnants of the old train tracks currently connecting Wassaic to Millerton, but with plans for expansion all the way up to Chatham, the trail traverses creeks, winds through foliage and cuts through mossy rock formations. In other words, it’s a spectacular bike route – flat, free of cars so family and casual-rider friendly.
1 John St, Millerton
518-789-9591
hvrt.org
This is the tallest peak in Connecticut. Undermountain Trail is the a popular trail and part of the legendary Appalachian Trail. It’s a long and steep hike, but there are streams, waterfalls, and woodlands, so take your time and enjoy. It is about a 5 to 6 mile round trip, best to plan the day around it.
Another all-day excursion, this is a challenging walk. The reward is the gorgeous view from the top. Along the way, enjoy the wildflowers and the songbirds.
Part of the legendary Appalachian Trail, the River Walk trail is flat, well maintained and easy to follow. It is about 4 to 5 miles along the river. Enter the trail from either side, Cornwall or Kent. Enjoy the many types of birds, insects, mammals, water fowl, and plant life.
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