Connecticut has plenty of outdoor opportunities both on its coastline as well as its countryside. If you’re looking for a little outdoor adventure during your visit, you’re in the right place. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

Fishing

Whether you’re new to the sport or you’re a pro, whether you love fishing on a river, pond, or ocean, Connecticut has a little bit of everything for you. Get started here. 

Hiking

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FINALLY!!!! I made it to Bear Mountain! Highest peak in Connecticut. I’ve been trying to get her all summer and finally today the stars aligned. Just under 7 miles and really a very incredible work out!!!

A post shared by K2korner (@k2korner7) on Aug 19, 2020 at 11:59am PDT

If you’re a beginner, start on either the Wadsworth Falls Trail in Wadsworth Falls State Park, Coastal Reserve Trail in Bluff Point State Park, or the Sleeping Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant State Park. 

For more moderate level trails, there’s Chauncey Peak Trail and Bear Mountain Trail. Chauncey Peak Trail is a dog-friendly 2-mile trail in Giuffrida Park that takes you alongside a river and plenty of great views. Bear Mountain Trail in Mount Riga State Park is a top-ranked hiking destination known for beautiful wildflowers along the path. 

More difficult trails include New England Trail in Chittenden Park, Breadneck Pond Trail in Bigelow Hollow State Park and Hemlock Hills, and Pine Mountain Trail in Ridgefield. 

Walking

Art Walks

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Who is ready for the Art Trail??? #simsburyarttrail #sewardjohnson #sculptures

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Looking for exercise with a twist? How about getting your sweat on while enjoying a bit of culture at the same time? Add one (or all) of these art walks to your to-do list: New London Mural Walk, Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Art Trail, Art Collective Stamford, Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds. 

Botanical Gardens

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🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

A post shared by Yale Marsh Botanical Garden (@marshbotanicalgarden) on Jun 1, 2015 at 11:44am PDT

Stop and smell the roses during a walk through a botanical garden. Speaking of roses, inside Elizabeth Park, you will find the oldest rose garden which was created in 1904.

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens features several mini gardens and boardwalks. Dennis Farm Preserve is a nature conservancy-protected forest. Yale Marsh Botanical Garden is said to have some of the most beautiful flowers and butterflies during the Springtime. 

Sailing

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The Onrust is still sailing! We have 6 openings tomorrow 7/9 at 2pm as well as openings Friday (2pm, 4pm and 6pm), Saturday(2pm and 4pm) and Sunday at 2pm! https://ctrivermuseum.org/waterfront/

A post shared by Connecticut River Museum (@ctrivermuseum) on Jul 8, 2020 at 2:00pm PDT

If you love all things related to the sea, plan a visit to the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, Connecticut. There you will find plenty of nautical themed murals, history exhibits, yacht models, and even a Revolutionary War submarine. Once you’re done you get out on the water and go sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more, all right next to the museum.