There are 1,627 designated hiking trails in Connecticut. Our beautiful state is virtually criss-crossed with scenic hiking trails for all hiker skill levels.

The benefits of hiking are multiple, obviously. You get physical exercise — cardiovascular and strength training — as well as emotional well-being. Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” You don’t have to be a Transcendentalist to appreciate the rejuvenating powers of nature upon one’s soul. 

So for this month’s Fun Time for Nurses, NursePower is encouraging you to take a hike — or just a relaxing walk — along some of Connecticut’s gorgeous trails.

Bigelow Hollow State Park

Located in Northeast Connecticut, Bigelow Hollow State Park has a variety of walking and hiking trails for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for a light walk or some spirited hiking, Bigelow has spectacular water views of Breakneck Pond. If you want a longer workout, there is a 6-7 mile trail taking you from the park entrance around the Pond and back again.

Learn More about Bigelow Hollow State Park

Wadsworth Falls Trail

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Located in Central Connecticut, Wadsworth Falls Trail is an easy 3.6 mile trail that is dog-friendly (as long as your pooch is leash-bound). The highlight of your nature walk will be Wadsworth Falls, a pristine waterfall. 

Learn More about Wadsworth Falls Trail

Castle Craig

Located in Central Connecticut, Castle Craig is an intermediate hike with an incredible destination. The 2.8 mile loop to 32 foot stone tower of Castle Craig has a few steep sections and a couple of rocky spots but the extra effort will be well-rewarded. An interior metal staircase takes you to the top of Castle Craig where you’ll enjoy stunning 360 views, including the Berkshire Mountains to the north and Sleeping Giant Mountain to the south, as well as glimpses of the Long Island Sound if you’ve got a clear day.

Learn More about Castle Craig

Audobon Center of Greenwich

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Located in Southwest Connecticut, the Audobon Center of Greenwich offers not only 7 miles of walking and hiking trails but a delightful full-service Nature Center. This is a great family hike option, especially if you’ve got younger toddlers in a stroller.

Learn More about Audobon Center of Greenwich

 With so many trails available to you throughout the state, it is only a matter of finding the ones best suited for you, personally. Each of the links I’ve shared with you above will not only provide more information about each individual location but will also connect you to additional hiking location profiles.

NursePower Empowers Nurses!

Whether you work in a hospital or a doctor’s office, sometimes the toughest thing about our job is our total disconnect from nature. Typically, there aren’t a lot of windows where we work and even if there were, we are often too busy to look out of them. I remember a lot of long hospital shifts when I never got a chance to see the sun shining — it was dark outside when I arrived and dark when I left.

NursePower Empowers Nurses! by encouraging you to take better care of yourself. There are a lot of things we can do to recharge our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual batteries. I hope the suggestions here and the resourceful links will encourage you to get outside, go for a walk, breathe the fresh air, and let Mother Nature take care of you for a little while!