The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Mono Pond State Park Reserve

The Air Line State Park Trail between Exeter Road and East Hampton, CT, offers a journey through diverse New England scenery, from dense forests to open wetlands. You'll follow a smooth, hard-packed stone dust path, making for comfortable walking as you pass over new bridges spanning the Blackledge and Jeremy Rivers. The highlight for many are the historic Rapallo and Lyman Viaducts, which provide expansive views across the landscape, making this a rewarding 12.5-mile (20.2 km) hike.

This trail is rated difficult due to its length, but its generally flat grade and well-maintained surface mean you'll cover the 454 feet (138 metres) of elevation gain with ease. Expect to spend around 5 hours and 15 minutes completing the route. Parking is available at various access points, including Exeter Road and in East Hampton; arriving early on busy days is recommended to secure a spot.

Following the route of the former Air Line Railroad, this trail is steeped in history, once envisioned as a direct route between New York and Boston. The path is part of the larger East Coast Greenway, and its historical context is often marked with informative signs. This section is particularly well-suited for long-distance hikers and bikers who appreciate a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

The Air Line Trail - Colchester Spur offers a wonderfully flat and easy hiking experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll follow a smooth path of stone dust or packed gravel, tracing the route of a historic railroad. Expect a mix of environments, from open power line corridors near the Colchester start to peaceful wooded sections, with streams and old stonework adding to the charm. It's a great option for a beginner hike or a family-friendly adventure.

Planning your visit to this trail is straightforward. Parking is generally available at the Colchester trailhead, providing easy access to the route. Since it's an easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) hike with only 86 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 27 minutes, you won't need much specialized gear. It's a pleasant trail to visit in most seasons, but always remember to bring water, especially during warmer months.

This trail is part of the historic Air Line Railroad, which was once envisioned as the shortest route between Boston and New York City. While the spur itself is modest, it connects to the larger Air Line State Park Trail, known for its peaceful seclusion and potential wildlife sightings like heron and deer. The trail's development as a multi-purpose greenway highlights its significance, offering a recreational path rich in natural beauty and a sense of history.

The Hop River State Park Trail offers a unique long-distance hiking experience, following a historic rail bed through varied Connecticut landscapes. You'll journey through dense forests, wetlands, and along the Hop River, encountering steep rock cuts and historical stonework. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and beavers as you cover the 28.0 miles (45.1 km) of mostly flat, crushed stone and packed earth terrain.

Planning your visit means considering the trail's considerable length. While there are multiple access points along its multi-town route, you'll need to arrange logistics for this 11-hour and 40-minute difficult hike. The trail is beautiful year-round, with vibrant autumn colors and spring wildflowers, but be aware that winter can bring ice to the rock cuts.

This trail is more than just a path; it's a journey through Connecticut's industrial past, preserving remnants like old mill sites and historic railroad bridges. It also connects to a broader network, including the Air Line State Park Trail and the Rockville Spur, offering options for even longer excursions or diverse hiking experiences.