Connecticut Vacation Ideas
I was surprised to find out that Connecticut had 137 state parks, 800 miles of hiking trails, 230 lakes and ponds, great fishing rivers and an expansive coastline.
Like much of the United States Connecticut is a vast land of opportunity and relaxation.
Hiking
There is plenty of hiking through Natchaug State Forest in Eastford. A forested paradise, known for picnicking, fishing, and hiking this forest will interest history buffs also.
The first Union General killed in the Civil War, General Nathaniel Lyon, was born here. The large stone fireplace and chimney are the remains of his birthplace and a great side trip within your vacation.
In Salisbury you can climb Bear Mountain (2,136-foot-tall), Connecticut's highest peak. From the summit panoramic view you can see 3 states, not to mention many beautiful lakes.
Hike through Devil's Den Preserve and see the 500 types of trees and wildflowers. Also there is about 140 bird species to spy. Here the ridges and valleys are laced with streams and swamps to explore and photograph.
Here is a Backpacking checklist for you to print out.
Mohawk State Forest is also a great place to hike and see wildlife. Its 30 miles of trails wonder through open fields, forests, up mountains to panoramic vistas from lookout towers and introduce you to a black spruce bog.
The 1.25-mile-long Tower Trail leads you to the top of Talcott Mountain. At the peak you can see the Berkshires, Long Island Sound, and Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire.
Connecticut is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky. One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations or meteor showers and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
Hiking and Music!
From June to September you could attend the country's oldest continuous chamber music festival. It's held on Music Mountain in Falls Village and makes for a great hike.
River Fishing And More
The Housatonic is one of the top fishing rivers in the northeast. Shops offer guided trips with pros that can help you navigate the waters or you can go at it alone if you wish. Fly-fishing is also a popular event here.
If fishing is not your idea of fun in West Cornwall, view the 242-foot-long red West Cornwall Covered Bridge, spanning the Housatonic River. Recreational opportunities on the river abound; canoeing, white-water rafting, Take a canoe or kayak trip, and tubing are a few options.
Bird watching
There are several great places in Connecticut that are great for bird watching.
On Long Island Sound is known for more than 50 species of shorebirds, wading birds and waterfowl. This refuge has an observation tower you can climb for views of the salt marsh, mudflats, barrier beach, and ocean habitats.
In Essex, down the lower Connecticut River look for eagles, great blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets, double crested cormorants, red tailed hawks, and more.
Also Explore Bafflin Audubon Sanctuary, 2.5 miles from the Daniel Trowbridge House. On a walk through the 700-acre retreat, you'll see birds in meadows, streams, grassland and forest habitats.
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