I never hiked as a kid. My first hike was sometime during college; even then, I couldn’t say I loved it. It wasn’t until I became a Californian that I became an avid hiker. At that point, I had my first two children and dragged them along. Back then, it involved strollers and baby-wearing gear. Now, it involves dogs on leashes and complaining teens. It doesn’t matter; I drag them with me, and we always have a great time.
I’ve had the joyful experience of hearing my oldest child tell me he is glad I dragged him out because now he loves being outdoors and appreciates nature. Yes! I did it! I am making them lifelong hikers! Give it a try; I promise you won’t regret it.
Did you know many hiking options are available to us in Fairfield County? Here are some family-friendly hiking trails you should try.
STAMFORD
Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens: Explore the five miles of hiking trails the Bartlett Arboretum offers. Pick up a map at the Visitor’s Center before you head out on the trails. We enjoyed walking the Pond Trail and the boardwalk along the Wetland Walk. Just an FYI, this is one location that uses ultrasonic pest repellants around the park. I can’t hear them, but my two autistic kids can and won’t hike there.
Stamford Museum and Nature Center: Heckscher Farm and the playground are great attractions at the Stamford Nature Center. The Overbrook Nature Center offers miles of hiking trails, including a universally accessible Wheels in the Woods Trail.
Mianus River Park: A nearly 400-acre urban forest, is sandwiched between Greenwich and Stamford. The trails follow the winding Mianus River. Friends of Mianus River have also created a “Nature Trail in the park with 13 points of interest. The Nature Trail is about two and a half miles long and takes no more than two hours at a leisurely pace.”
Mill River Park: Mill River Park is 30 acres of reclaimed green space in a prime downtown location in Stamford. The paved paths are perfect for strollers, and family-friendly activities, including the playground and carousel, are available. Mill River Park has the largest cherry tree grove in New England and is home to native wildlife.
NORWALK
Cranbury Park: Cranbury Park in Norwalk is perfect when I want to feel like I am getting lost in the woods. This park consists of 227 acres surrounding the historic Gallaher Mansion and offers a series of winding trails that weave in and out of the woods. Although it’s not stroller-friendly, these trails are the perfect place for your budding naturalist to fall in love with the great outdoors. There is also an 18-hole disk golf course.
Norwalk River Valley Trail: This is the longest trail in Fairfield County, 30 miles long, spanning Norwalk, Danbury, Wilton, Ridgefield, and Redding. The trails are family-friendly and include a path along the Norwalk River and various ponds. A section of paved trails in Wilton is perfect for strollers, complete with bridges over streams.
MONROE
Webb Mountain Discovery Zone: Admission is free! The Webb Mountain Discovery Zone has “Three trails that lead you through an intricate outdoor Scavenger Hunt, created by two of the state’s leading experts, with 27 learning stations featuring interpretive signs that encourage explorers young and old to find clues and evidence of how the land was used by people and animals past and present.” Off Old Fish House Road is Webb Mountain Park, a separate location. Here, you will find campgrounds and a few easy-to-moderate hikes. The purple trail leads to an overlook with a gorgeous view of the Housatonic River.
Wolfe Park: This park has many attractions, including a stroller-friendly walking path near the playground. Great Hollow Lake has a trail that is .8 miles long and takes about 15 minutes to make one loop. Dogs and bikes are not allowed at the lake, but fishing is. The lake connects with the Housatonic Rail Trail, which is stroller—and bike-friendly.
NEW CANAAN
New Canaan Nature Center: The New Canaan Nature Center is a botanical garden, arboretum, and nature preserve with a 350-foot marsh boardwalk that provides the perfect setting to get up close to marsh wildlife. You can even borrow a net from the Visitors Center and try catching a frog!
New Canaan Land Trust: The Land Trust has around 400 acres of land. Check out the “Places to Explore” tab on the above link, and you will see many options for locations and trails. One of particular interest to explore with young children is the Firefly Sanctuary in Northern New Canaan. In late June and July, visitors are welcome to stay throughout the evening to view fields with thousands of fireflies.
Waveny Park Trails: In addition to a big, open lawn at Waveny Park, there are also easy walking trails that are great for families with kids. There are several trails, each a little over a mile long. It’s a gorgeous location in June when the gardens are in bloom!
WILTON
Weir Farm: Weir Farm is Connecticut’s only National Park and the only National Park dedicated to American painting. It is full of art history and naturally provides a beautiful setting for a little nature walk.
Woodcock Nature Center: The Woodcock Nature Loop is a .9-mile trail with pond views. It is free to explore the grounds. This trail is for all ability levels; however, wear your mud boots if it’s rained recently!
GREENWICH
Audubon Greenwich: The Audubon Center is a beautiful setting and a great place for families to hike and observe birds and other animals. Seven nature sanctuaries are open to the public.
Babcock Preserve: This is an approximately 4-mile loop in a forest setting. Along the way is an illustrated story for kids, one page at a time, which is great for encouraging little ones to keep moving.
RIDGEFIELD
Seth Low Pierrepont State Park: This beautiful state park is great for hiking. The trails were well-maintained and not too long or difficult for young kids. There are soft rolling hills, and one of the trails goes around a lake. The town of Ridgefield has great restaurant options for lunch, as everyone is sure to be hungry after a hike.
Hemlock Hills and Pine Mountain Trail: This trail is listed as more difficult, so it may be best suited to families with older children looking for a bit of a challenge and family fun. A lake is situated along the trail, which is approximately 7.6 miles long and located on one of Ridgefield’s highest points.
REDDING
Saugatuck Falls Natural Area: There are several short trail options and many scenic areas to explore.
Huntington State Park: Three trails—white, blue, and green—cross into Bethel or Newtown in parts. After descending from the hill entrance, the trails are rather level. Dogs are allowed on leashes, and horses are often seen traversing the trails. With four ponds and Lake Hopewell, this can easily be a day trip for a family outing.
Devil’s Den Nature Preserve: Located in Redding and Weston, this preserve has many trails, the longest of which takes about three hours to complete. It is the Nature Conservancy’s largest preserve in Connecticut and is a popular location for bird sightings.
Putnam Memorial State Park: Connecticut’s oldest state park was the Continental Army’s 1779 winter encampment. It’s fondly referred to as “Connecticut’s Valley Forge.” This trail is easy; a jogging stroller would be best for the terrain. Remains of the encampment are found on the grounds, including a reconstructed log cabin, canon, and museum with more artifacts. Reenactments are also held here so that you may get a history lesson with your hike! This is a fantastic hike to invite the grandparents along!
The Rock Lot/Scott Preserve: A family favorite, the entrance on Secenty Acre provides a choice of trails, Duncan Monro or Joan’s Trail. The highlight on Joan’s trail is “Whaleback,” a large stone feature that resembles a whale. Another feature of this trail is the “Big Oak.”
Arthur F. Brinckerhoff Preserve: 85.92 acres of open meadow and wooded forest. Enter on Beeholm Road, walk across the “boardwalk,” and you’ll enter a beautiful meadow. There are two trails to choose from: Ensor’s Trace (1.55 mi), which bridges Weston and Redding and connects to Devil’s Den, and Ross’s Ramble (1.7 miles). Both are kid-friendly but not stroller-friendly.
NEWTOWN
Lilinonah Trail: Located in Paugussett State Forest, this 5.9-mile loop is best explored from April through November. With views of the Housatonic River along much of the trail, it’s popular for bird-watching and hiking. This is considered a moderately challenging trail with elevations throughout.
Orchard Hill Nature Center: Looking for a quick, beautiful, family-friendly hike? This .8-mile loop off Huntingtown Road takes about 18 minutes to complete and offers views of a bridge over a waterfall and an open meadow. Dogs are permitted on leashes. I’ve done this with very young children!
Dickinson Park: In addition to a fantastic accessible playground, basketball court, and skate park, Dickinson Park has a stroller-friendly walking trail.
Fairfield Hills Campus Walking Trail: If you’re looking for a stroller, dog (on leash), and family-friendly walk, the Fairfield Hills Campus has many options. If you’re up to the challenge, you can take the “big hill” straight to the top of the campus, offering an expansive view of Newtown’s hills. You can also turn left mid-way up the trail and walk through the wildflower fields. There are many benches along the way, some with little libraries, perfect spots for tired little legs.
Sticks and Stones: This local farm offers many unique trails! You’ll weave around the large old stone barn, past cute little cabins (that can be rented), stumble upon babbling brooks, and enjoy gorgeous views from several locations. After a fairly easy hike, there is a fairy gazebo at the top, with stunning autumn views.
Booth Hill Brook Trail: This trail is great for families looking for an easy hike in the Trumbull area. It is approximately 1.6 miles long and has a river view. It is good for all skill levels and is great for some quality family time outdoors with young children.
We love the Leon levy preserve in south Salem, ny. The old black mansion ruins make for an interesting hike.