Hiking is one of the best activities for getting you both outdoors and active. It is also a great way to get out and explore your own town or even state. My friends and I always enjoy a good hike so I figured I would write about just two of the amazing places we have been.
1. Mount Tom State Park
Mount Tom State Park is an absolutely amazing place to hike. While it doesn't have one of the longest or most difficult trails it does lead to a spectacular view. At the end of the hiking trail there is a large tower which you can climb allowing you to see 360 degrees. It's the perfect spot to just enjoy the world around you and appreciate nature. One of the best perks of Mount Tom is that it has a small beach which is essential after a nice hike. It allows you in the fall to dip your feet in and cool off while in the summer giving you just another reason to visit. Mount Tom is one of the best places to take the kids hiking. The trail is not super laboring and it doesn't require a lot of energy. They will get to see all around them and you will be able to point out landmarks that will help them to learn more about their surroundings. Afterwards, you can take the kids to the beach where they can not only swim, but will spend hours trying to catch the fish (trust me my sister did). All in all it's a great place to visit and appreciate. Mount Tom is a state park so during the busy seasons it does cost money to park, but even saying that it is a trip to take just for fun! To learn more about Mount Tom click here.
2. Steep Rock Preserve
Steep Rock is definitely more inclined for those who are willing to take a hike. It has multiple trails which allow you to walk through many different sections of the same woods. Within the trails there is a giant tunnel which is absolutely breath taking. Along another trail there is a giant bridge which spans the stream and allows you access to even more trails. The stream runs along some of the trails and has spots where kids can stop to throw rocks or even put their feet in. Steep Rock has an amazing history in which an architect by the name of Ehrick Rossiter saved the area from a timber company and transformed it into the wonderful nature exhibit it is today. Steep Rock allows for both advanced and beginners hikers to challenge themselves. It is definitely a place to check off when looking for some amazing hiking spots in CT. To learn more about Steep Rock click here.
Hiking is an adventure which allows you to become closer to your surroundings and see just what we are trying to preserve. Like T.S. Eliot said "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." So I encourage you to get out and explore your own hometown. Not everything amazing about your surroundings can be found in town, you have to explore the outer edges to find an incredible view.
