July 29, 2026
Our summer interns picked a few of their favorite places to hike in Litchfield County. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or a challenging climb, these local favorites are the perfect way to get outside!
By Ana Karpas
Salisbury
Bear Mountain
Connecticut’s highest peak (2,316 feet), Bear Mountain is a challenging climb that leads through a forest to a stone tower. With beautiful views, it is one of CT’s best hikes!
42 Undermountain Rd., Salisbury
Lion’s Head
Part of the Appalachian Trail, Lion’s Head leads to a striking rock ledge overlooking the Housatonic Valley. A short hike that is definitely worth it for the iconic view.
120 Bunker Hill Rd., Salisbury
Washington
Steep Rock Preserve
Steep Rock has everything from a railroad tunnel to a bridge over the Shepaug River! With multiple loops, it is perfect for people of all ages and abilities looking for a day outside.
2 Tunnel Rd., Washington Depot
Hidden Valley Preserve
Hidden Valley is one of those hikes that has a little bit of everything. With scenic river views and beautiful forest trails, it’s easy to see why it’s one of Litchfield County’s standout hikes along the Shepaug River.
198 Bee Brook Rd., Washington Depot
New Preston
Macricostas Preserve
Rolling meadows, orchards, and woodland trails lead to one of the most beautiful overlooks in Washington. It’s great for sunrise, sunsets, and spring wildflowers!
124 Christian St., New Preston
Kent
Macedonia Brook State Park
The perfect hike to see fall foliage, Macedonia Brook offers several routes with excellent views of Cobble Mountain. It is known for its sharp ridges and scenic overlooks!
159 Macedonia Brook Rd., Kent
Mount Prospect
A lesser-known hike on the Appalachian Trail, Mount Prospect winds through a peaceful forest and has views overlooking the Housatonic River. Combine it with nearby Appalachian Trail destinations, like Raccoon Hill, for a day full of hiking!
Route 341 Trailhead, Kent
St. John’s Ledges
Another hike on the Appalachian Trail, St. John’s Ledges has dramatic cliffs right above the Housatonic River and the river valley. It is great for a hiker who wants an adventure!
River Rd., Kent (Appalachian Trail parking)
Kent Falls State Park
Home to one of CT’s most famous waterfalls, Kent Falls has a short paved climb alongside a group of falls. There are longer trails in the surrounding forest for those who want to extend their visit.
462 Kent Cornwall Rd., Kent
Caleb’s Peak
Caleb’s Peak is reached via the Appalachian Trail and has a unique view of the Housatonic River Valley from open ledges. It is a quieter option compared to St. John’s Ledges.
River Rd. Trailhead, Kent
Litchfield
Mount Tom State Park
A moderately steep hike leads to a stone observation tower overlooking Mount Tom Pond and the surrounding hills. The summit is especially popular for sunset and fall colors!
337 North St., Litchfield
White Memorial Conservation Center
White Memorial has over 40 miles of trails and has everything from a boardwalk to forest paths. It’s one of New England’s largest private nature preserves.
80 Whitehall Rd., Litchfield
Norfolk
Haystack Mountain State Park
Haystack Mountain State Park is a trail that leads to a fire tower with 360-degree views over northwestern CT and the Berkshires. It is perfect for a quick but rewarding hike.
90 Haystack Park Rd., Norfolk
Dennis Hill State Park
Similar to Haystack Mountain, this hike leads to an observation tower with a spectacular view. It is another short hike with a great reward at the end!
230 Dennison Hill Rd., Norfolk
Campbell Falls State Park Reserve
Campbell Falls State Park Reserve is a short trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall right on the Connecticut-Massachusetts border. The waterfall is perfect right after a couple of rainy days!
480 Norfolk Rd., Norfolk
Falls Village
Great Falls
Also known as Falls Village Falls, Great Falls is perfect for hikers and sightseers alike. It has a stunning and powerful waterfall that winds through beautiful rock formations!
35 Great Falls Rd., Falls Village
New Milford
Lover’s Leap State Park
This scenic park combines wooded trails with rocky overlooks and an iron bridge over the Housatonic River! Make sure to look into the local legend for a touch of history before this trail.
178 Shortwoods Rd., New Milford
Roxbury
Mine Hill Preserve
Explore the ruins of an old mine and CT’s peaceful forests all in one place! It is perfect for a mix of local history and beautiful scenery.
133 Tophet Rd., Roxbury
Cornwall
Cathedral Pines Preserve
This preserve is known for its large pines and quiet riverside. It’s an easy walk that’s perfect for slowing down and enjoying the scenery!
970 River Rd., Cornwall Bridge
Barkhamsted
People’s State Forest
With miles of trails through the forest, along rivers, and up hillsides, People’s State Forest has something for every type of hiker. There is also historic stonework scattered throughout the trails for a nice look into CT’s past!
106 East River Rd., Barkhamsted
Goshen
Mohawk State Forest
Mohawk’s large network of trails winds through forests, scenic overlooks, and rolling hills. It’s a great place to explore in any season, sun or snow!
94 Mohawk Mountain Rd., Goshen
