The best walks and hikes around New London

There are several excellent hiking trails around New London, offering a variety of experiences. This guide features 5 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed outdoor adventure.

Absolutely! All the routes in this guide are rated as easy, making them suitable for families. For a gentle stroll with scenic views, consider the Pondview Interpretive Trail. The Little Tom and Badger Hill Loop is another great option for a shorter, accessible walk.

The New London region boasts diverse natural beauty. In Connecticut, you'll find scenic coastal paths with views of Long Island Sound, dense woodlands, and serene inland areas with ponds and rivers. Notable spots include Bluff Point State Park with its coastal and woodland scenery, and Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve offering trails along Clark Pond. In New Hampshire, expect mountainous terrain, beautiful lakes like Pleasant Lake, and lush forests.

Yes, several trails offer circular routes for a convenient hiking experience. The Mount Tom Outlook loop from Interpretive Center is a great example, providing a pleasant loop through the landscape. Another option is the Little Tom and Badger Hill Loop, perfect for a shorter circular walk.

For panoramic views, consider trails like Lantern Hill in North Stonington, CT, which offers expansive vistas of Lantern Hill Pond, Foxwoods Resort, and even Long Island Sound on clear days. In New Hampshire, Bog Mountain provides wide views of Mt. Kearsarge and Mt. Sunapee from its summit, while the easy Clark Lookout Trail offers panoramic views of Lake Sunapee.

Many trails in the New London area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, state parks and nature preserves welcome leashed dogs. For instance, Bluff Point State Park in Connecticut is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering diverse terrain for you and your canine companion to explore.

The New London area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from tranquil coastal paths to peaceful woodland trails, and the accessibility of its routes for various skill levels.

While the routes featured in this guide are all rated as easy, the broader New London region does offer more challenging options. For instance, Pachaug State Forest in Connecticut, the state's largest, has extensive trails that can be combined for longer, more strenuous hikes. In New Hampshire, Bog Mountain offers a moderate trail with rocky sections.

Beyond the well-known parks, consider exploring places like Walden Preserve in Salem, CT, which features 6 miles of trails through meadows, wetlands, and along rivers, offering a serene experience. Smuggler's Rock Preserve in Salem also provides a rugged New England landscape with unique rock formations, including a 'Balanced Rock'.

Most major hiking areas and state parks in the New London region, such as Bluff Point State Park, Rocky Neck State Park, and Hopeville Pond State Park, offer designated parking facilities. For specific routes like the Mount Tom Outlook loop from Interpretive Center, parking is typically available at the starting point.

Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for hiking in New London. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. Summer is also popular, especially for coastal trails, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter hiking can be rewarding for those who enjoy snowy landscapes, though some trails may be less accessible.

Yes, the Connecticut shoreline in the New London area provides many opportunities for coastal hikes. Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve offers beautiful views of Fishers Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Rocky Neck State Park has trails along wetlands and coves, and Fort Trumbull State Park features a boardwalk along the Thames River. The Connecticut College Arboretum also provides stunning views of Long Island Sound.