Take a break from your hectic schedule and enjoy a few moments of relaxation at Elizabeth Park Conservancy. Operating since 1897, this beautiful park has been a place of interest for the locals as well as the tourists due to its charming gardens. The property spans an area of 102 acres (41 hectares) and is home to a heritage rose garden, horticultural garden, shade garden and four other gardens. Besides the lush greenery, it features four century-old Greenhouses verdant pathways, lawns and many more things to do on a sunny day. It also provides facilities for recreational activities like tennis courts, basket ball courts, picnic groves and many others. All in all you are sure to enjoy your time here.
Take a walk by the lake, have a picnic, or ride on the vintage 1914 carousel that is housed in one of America's first municipal parks. Since the mid-1850s, Bushnell Park has offered citizens a comfortable place to unwind away from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown Hartford. On the registry of National Historic Landmarks since 1970, the famous Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch dedicated to those in the Civil War is one of the major highlights as well as the Horace Wells Monument and the Corning Fountain.
Riverside Park is one of Hartford's oldest public parks and its location on the waterfront invites all for a relaxing stroll or bike ride next to the water. The series of four, 148-acre parks on both sides of the River are popular picnicking and excursion spots for Hartford's residents and the many people who work Downtown during the week. Visitors can use the boathouse for rowing along the Connecticut River, get permits to go fishing or during the summer months, and even attend one of the numerous events at the riverfront venue, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
Forest Park is 785 acres of pure outdoor fun. With all kinds of entertainment, including a zoo, paddleboats, tennis courts, bocce ball, playgrounds and hiking trails, Forest Park has something for everyone. In the winter, the park is a great location for sledding and snowshoeing. Whether its summer, spring, winter or fall, Forest Park has got it all.
Located on Ratlum Road, Ski Sundown is a family friendly ski area in Hartford. Spread over 70 acres (approximately 28.3 hectares), this place offers numerous trails with varying levels of difficulty. During in-season, Ski Sundown opens its popular trails to the public and offers group packages and lesson programs for all ages. Pick up your passes from their on-site Welcome Center and enjoy the various facilities available at the base including a lodge, sports shop, and rental shop. Relax and dine in any of their three food and lounge areas, and meet new friends. With a full fledged snowsports school, banquet center, scenic views, and nighttime skiing, Ski Sundown is the ideal location for a fun winter holiday.
Fringed with spectacular mountains, the Cockaponset State Forest is thick woodlands which is also one of the largest in the region. Offering stunning hiking trails with varied terrain suitable for beginners as well as experienced hikers, it is truly a pristine park encompassing over 17,000 acres. Home to plenty of wildlife in the mature forest, visitors are often mesmerized by scenic trails with streams and lakes. Camping, Rock climbing, fishing, boating, and winter sports such as Snowmobiling and Cross-Country Skiing are popular activities here.
Step into the embrace of nature's tranquility at Bolton Notch State Park, a serene Connecticut haven. This park brings together rich natural beauty, historical significance, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The park's defining feature is its picturesque gorge, carved by centuries of flowing waters. The rugged terrain is a delight for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering paths that lead to hidden oases, rocky outcrops with panoramic views, and shaded glens perfect for picnics. Explore this fascinating piece of history as you imagine the locomotives that once passed through, their echoes replaced by the rustling leaves and the gentle murmur of the streams.
Named in honor of the American Legion, a veterans' organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their communities, American Legion State Forest features rolling hills, valleys, and streams that create a diverse and scenic landscape. Hiking is a popular activity here, and the forest offers several well-marked trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. The forest's serene atmosphere and lush surroundings make it an excellent spot for family outings and gatherings. Whether it's hiking the trails, having a picnic amidst the trees, or observing the local wildlife, visitors will find a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural wonders of this forested area.
Salmon River State Forest is a scenic natural area in Connecticut. The Salmon River provides opportunities for fishing, as it is stocked with trout, making it a popular destination for anglers looking for a day of fishing. The forest features a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the wooded hills and along the riverbanks. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. Along the trails, hikers may encounter diverse flora and fauna, making it an enjoyable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers.
Unfurling along the picturesque shores of the Connecticut River in East Hampton, Hurd State Park offers a chance to immerse yourself in the greenery which abounds here. Trails winding through wooded areas facilitate exhilarating hiking excursions, while granite ledges serve as vantage points for soaking in the surrounding sights. Discover the wildlife and birdlife which thrive within the wilderness, or settle down for a picnic amid verdant surroundings with your loved ones. Other activities to enjoy here include camping and mountain biking.
Escape to the serene beauty of Day Pond State Park, a hidden gem in Connecticut that invites you to embrace the tranquility of nature. Spend a relaxing day fishing along the eponymous pond or enjoy a picnic with loved ones along its banks. Apart from the scenic pond, the park also features woodlands, babbling brooks, and open fields. You can embark on hiking excursions or go swimming in rejuvenating waters. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of wildlife.
The Northwest Park is a popular recreational landmark. It features a nature center as well as soccer fields and walking trails. Comprising of 473 acres (191 hectares) of verdant land and forests, this park plays host to summer camps and several programs for education about the nature and environment. The park also holds a fair that takes place once a year.