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hiking in litchfield county, connecticut

Spring Getaway to Litchfield County: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary

There’s just something about Litchfield County in the spring. The air smells different. Fresh, earthy, like everything’s waking up after a l

Litchfield County

Mar 27

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The Ultimate New England Camping Guide: What to Pack for an Unforgettable Trip

Camping in New England is an unforgettable experience, only if you're prepared. Having the right gear makes all the difference.

Camping

Feb 27

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5 Short & Beautiful Hikes in Northwest Connecticut

Calling all adventure seekers! Connecticut may be known for its charming towns and coastal beauty, but hidden within its landscapes are some

Hiking

Feb 20

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Hiking for Mental Health: Ten Ways the Outdoors Benefits You

Hiking outdoors involves walking on trails or paths in natural settings such as forests, mountains, or parks. While it may seem like just a

Hiking

Oct 11, 2024

16 views

35+ Things to do in Litchfield County this Summer

Summer's here and you're probably itching to ditch the screens and get outside. Litchfield County is basically your playground this...

Hiking

Jul 16, 2024

17 views

11 State Parks to Explore in Litchfield County, Connecticut

Did you know that there are more than ten state parks in Litchfield County, Connecticut? In this corner of the state, you have an endless...

Hiking

Jun 29, 2024

37 views

Whether you're up looking for a spontaneous day hike, planning a exciting day trip, or mapping out an epic vacation, this blog you covered and is dedicated to discovering hidden gems and sharing adventures with you. Looking for a relaxing vacation? Check out the itineraries for cozy cabins and charming bed and breakfasts. And of course, these itineraries include plenty of restaurant and food suggestions along the way. From the coastline of Rhode Island to the mountains of New Hampshire, discover the best of New England and New York.

Travel is about more than just seeing new places - it's about experiencing new things and creating memories. That's why this blog focuses on creating unique itineraries and tips you won't find anywhere else. Join me on my adventures and discover the best of New England and beyond, one place at a time.

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Hiking Inspiration

The Ultimate New England Camping Guide: What to Pack for an Unforgettable Trip

Feb 27

5 Short & Beautiful Hikes in Northwest Connecticut

Feb 20

Hiking for Mental Health: Ten Ways the Outdoors Benefits You

Oct 11, 2024

6

Countries

16

States

9

States Hiked

665

Injuries

just out here dodging responsibilities one mountain at a time ⛰️

My car needs to go to the car hospital 🥲

Driving the 1.5 hours home after this hike with a pit in my stomach was not the plan

Send good vibes (and maybe a mechanic with a heart of gold) for a not-horrifying repair bill 😭

On the bright side, this sunset kinda showed up for us despite having like 0 clouds

Christa and I have been chasing a decent sunset since November... so this one felt like a win 🙆‍♀️

Happy Earth Day to the planet that never stops blowing my mind✨️

Narrowing it down to 20 photos felt impossible, but here’s my tiny tribute to the magic we get to walk through every day

Use today as a reminder to keep advocating for earth and protecting wildlife 🫶 #LeaveNoTrace

If you need a spring reset, this Western Mass day trip delivers 🏵🌸

☕️ Start in Stockbridge with a maple latte and a pastry at Stockbridge Coffee & Tea (they open at 7, go early to beat the line)

🥾 Drive ~45 mins to Petersburg Pass Loop. This 5-mile hike has great ridge views and isn’t too steep. Make sure you bring all your layers, it rained on us the last mile unexpectedly 🤣

🍺 Have a drink and bite to eat at Antimony Brewing in Lenox. Try their cheese curds with the IPA honey mustard 🤤

🌷 End at Naumkeag’s Daffodil & Tulip Fest. Buy tickets in advance online, parking is free, it's pretty magical

Bonus: If you are driving home to Litchfield County, stop in Great Barrington for dinner and end at Bartholomew's Cobble (around 1.3 miles RT) for sunset

Save so you don’t forget and share it to start dropping hints for your next weekend plan 😌

✨️ Follow @amberinnewengland for more New England adventures

Spring is springing at Naumkeag 🌸✨

We wandered through the gardens at their annual Daffodil & Tulip Festival (running Thurs–Sun through May 11—tickets must be bought ahead!).

The sheep were living their best lives, and we got to watch their Pyrenees, Hugo and Teddy, guard the flock 🐑🐾

We peeked inside the house, too!

Highly recommend if you're craving a spring reset in the Berkshires 🌼

#naumkeag #daffodilandtulipfestival #berkshires #visitmassachusetts #newengland

📍Mama Pho - Winsted, Connecticut @mamaphowinsted

Hikes in the area
🌲 Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted - Jessie Gerard Trail (3 miles, moderate)
🌲 Burr Pond, Torrington - Wolcott Trail (2.4 miles, easy)
🌲 Jones Mountain, New Hartford - Jones Mountain (2.4 miles, moderate)
🌲 Deer Hill, Winsted - Deer Hill Trail (1.6, moderate)
🌲 Dennis Hill, Norfolk - Gazebo Loop Trail (1.8, easy)

Who are you bringing hiking then to Vietnamese with you? 🍜

sunset hikes with my best friend 🧡🌅

& some NW Connecticut sunset hikes for you
��☀️ Meeker Trail - New Preston
☀️ Eastern Barndoor Hill - Granby
☀️ Ratlum Mountain - Barkhamsted
☀️ Apple Hill - Morris
☀️ Mountain View Trail - Goshen

What's your favorite sunset trail?

Was it muddy? Yes ✔️
Was it raining? Yes ✔️
Did we go anyway? Yes ✔️

If you live in New England and wait for perfect weather, you’ll be inside forever 🥲

This time of year is chaos, but honestly… I kinda love it. Waterfalls are especially amazing

Tag your “we’re doing it anyway” hiking friend

🌲Follow @amberinnewengland for more New England hiking adventures

golden hour with the daffodils ☀️

The yellow daffodils in my yard just started blooming, so I hopped in the car on the only nice day this week to visit a farm nearby

With the cold weather, the fields are taking their time this year. Perfect excuse to plan some daffodil adventures over the next few weeks.

This isn't the only spot to find daffodils. They’re scattered across Connecticut. Save this list for when you have some extra time to wander and chase flowers!

🏵 Laurel Ridge Farm - I've been visiting this farm in Litchfield for close to two decades - that's wild. This field has over 10,000 bulbs and overlooks a pond and cow farm. No picking allowed, no dogs. This is a great location for family photos or taking a stroll @laurelridgefarm

🏵 Hubbard Park - This park in Meriden has a Daffodil Festival (last weekend in April) and there are over 600,000 daffodils throughout the park!! Another place I've visited for close to two decades. Absolute must-visit and you can even hike to Castle Craig when you're done! @meriden_ct

🏵 Halfinger Farms - Celebrating thirty years in Higganum, this farm allows you to pick your own daffodils! I haven't been yet, but this farm is on my list and I hope to make it in time this year. No dogs allowed and call ahead to make sure flowers are bloomed and ready to pick @dancingdaffodilsct

🏵 Daffodil Days - Volunteers plant thousands of daffodils bulbs in Essex for this event. Take guided tours, see demonstrations, and walk through gardens. Check with the Essex Foundation for some of their key locations @experienceessex

🏵 Daffodil Days - Wander around, shop, and eat your way through Kent and take in the thousands of daffodils that bloom throughout the village @cometokentct

Let me know if you visit any of these spots or if you find other hidden gems!

A rainy April weekend in the Lakes Region, New Hampshire💧

Despite all the rain and cold weather, we made the most of it

April isn't the greatest time to visit this area, winter activities are over and spring/summer activities haven't started, but there is still so much to do!

Save this post so you have this list handy!

🚜 @beansandgreensfarm for delicious breakfast, coffee, or shop local

🌊Have lunch on the lake, ask for a window seat as you eat American style food at @walters_basin_restaurant

💧Hike at Castle in the Clouds Conservation area, take the 1.8 mile Turtleback Mountain and Brook Walk trail loop for 7 waterfalls!

🕹Play vintage arcade games, skeeball and more at the three floor, self claimed, largest arcade in the world @funspotnh

🎤Sing your heart out on stage at @the_big_housenh. They even live stream on FB!

🍇Have a wine tasting at @hermitwoodswinery

🛍Go shopping at @MillFallsMarketplace, a cute shopping center with boutiques, specialty stores and artisan goods

🍻Try local beers on tap at @TwinBarnsBrew

🥾Hike Pine Mountain, an easy 1.9 mile out and back trail with a beautiful view of Lake Winnipesaukee

☘️Have an Irish American dinner with drinks and live music at Patrick's. The french onion soup is so good!!

🍭Satisfy your sweet tooth at the oldest ice cream and candy maker in New Hampshire, @kellerhaus

Where to stay:

Gunstock Inn & Suites
• It was super cute and the owner is really nice
• There's a shared great room with games, seating, TV
• A beautiful view of the lake and mountains from the balcony or patio
• Light a fire on their electric fireplace at night
• The beds were so comfortable!
• Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate

Cottage Place on Squam Lake
• Located across from the lake
• Water access from their sandy beach on the lake or dock
• Pet friendly!
• Choice of a cabin, suites, an apartment, or lake house
• Plenty great amenities like a fireplace, canoes/kayaks, fishing equipment

Tiny Home on Farm in Gilmanton
• You get to pet their mini cows, need I say more?
• The mini home fits two, it's v cozy
• There's a deck up top for coffee or night time relaxing
• There's a skylight window for stargazing

If you love chasing waterfalls and easy hikes, you need to check out the Brook Walk at Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, New Hampshire

This one is short and sweet, about a 1-mile round trip, but it packs in SEVEN waterfalls. You’ll pass Roaring Falls, Twin Falls, Whittier Falls, The Cascades, Emerald Pool Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Falls of Song

You can hike down past all the falls and either turn around or link up with other trails at the base of Falls of Song if you want a longer adventure.

A few tips if you go:
✨️Best after rain or in early summer
✨️Trail can get slippery, so good shoes help
✨️The parking for the trailhead is near their ice cream shop
✨️You can explore so many more trails at Castle in the Clouds!

Save this for your next New Hampshire hiking day and send it to a friend who’s always down for waterfalls 💧

🌲Follow @amberinnewengland for more New Hampshire hikes and hidden gems!

The Vermont road trip you didn’t know you needed (but 1000% do)

Save this for when you’re craving mountains, crepes, waterfalls, and coffee ✨️

🥞 Start at The Skinny Pancake in Montpelier for crepes and breakfast sandwiches
🥾 Walk it off with a short hike to the tower at Hubbard Park, it feels like a hidden castle in the woods
☕️ Coffee break at Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea in Waterbury Center (some of the best coffee in the state)
🥪 Grab lunch to-go at Edelweiss Mountain Deli in Stowe. They have sandwiches, wraps, and local snacks
🏞 Head to Thompson Park down the road to feed the farm animals (!!), hang out by the river, and take in the views of Mount Mansfield while you eat

After lunch, pick your adventure
⛰️ Hike Mount Mansfield (you can drive partway up and hike, or go full send from the bottom, just check if the road’s open bc it's seasonal)
💦 OR hit Moss Glen Falls in Stowe for an easy, dreamy waterfall hike.

If you have extra time:
💧 Cool off at Bingham Falls (short hike, major reward)
🎵 Get a pass and explore the grounds at the Von Trapp Family Lodge (yes, like The Sound of Music fam)
🍦 Take the tour (and get the samples) at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
🧀 Stock up on cheese at the Cabot Creamery Store in Waterbury

Don't forget to tag who’s coming with you & follow @amberinnewengland for more Vermont adventures 🌲

and I need more waterfall hikes in New Hampshire 💦

I'm going to share a reel this week with all the details for this beautiful place, keep your eye out for it 🤩

✨️Follow me @amberinnewengland for more New Hampshire adventures

Just hiked your heart out in Litchfield County? Starving? Same 🤝🍽️

Here’s where to grab the best post adventure meal

📁 Save this for later & tell me your go to Litchfield spot

🌲Follow me @amberinnewengland for more Litchfield County adventures

jk #aprilfooledya but at the same time...some of these I might agree with 😂

If you ever find yourself in the Capitol of Vermont, Montpelier, add this short hike + tower to your list!

Key features:
🍁 7 miles of hiking trails
🍁 2 picnic shelters + other picnic areas
🍁 54 ft stone observation tower
🍁 Multiple vernal pools

Hike to the tower and climb it for a view of the city and mountain ranges in the back 🏔

📍Hubbard Park - Montpelier, VT

🌲Save this reel and follow @amberinnewengland for more Vermont adventures

*for real what should be illegal - please dont vandalize/graffiti here, I had to hear a child read "eat my @$$" - not an april fools joke 🥲

my man, my man, my mannn 🫶 iykyk

I can't believe my baby dog is double digits 😭

Fitzy loves to lay on the couch or bed all day. He's eating solids (he always has), he's walking!!! (he always has), and I even think I heard him say mom (wishful thinking). It's so emotional watching them grow up so fast 🥲 before we all know it, he'll be driving cars and buying packs of marb reds (idk)

anyways, I don't have kids so they are my babies #MyAprilFool

okay I am saying it 👀 share this with someone you want to backpack the White Mountains with 🥾

🌲✨️ Follow @amberinnewengland for more New Hampshire adventures

If you’re like me, always chasing views but short on time, this quick New Hartford trail delivers!🌄

Barely two miles round trip and you’re looking out over Litchfield County. Easy trail, beautiful payoff. It's perfect for a sunset hike or a quick weekend reset!

Trail: Tunxis Trail on Ratlum Road
Location: New Hartford, CT
Distance: 2.4 mile out & back
Rating: Easy/moderate
Dogs: Yes! But leashed because this hike passes a few property lines

Save for later so you don't forget, I always do! Let me know if you’ve been or if it’s going on your list.

🥾✨️ Follow @amberinnewengland for more Connecticut hikes

📬🌲 Your rainy Monday pick me up has been delivered

This list is your perfect jump off point for getting back into hiking this spring

Connecticut is full of great little hikes that offer some beautiful views, my favorites happen to be in Litchfield County 🤭🥾

✨️ Follow @amberinnewengland for more Litchfield County hiking inspiration

it's spring, the sun sets later, it's the freakin weekend 😌

what are your weekend plans? hoping I'll get a chance to do a fun hike, I also need to do some shopping 👗🛍

I'm looking for an Easter outfit, idk if I want a dress or comfy, flowy pants and a top.

I have an AE gift card, so I want new jeans. I've always used American Eagle for jeans. They can be expensive, but they are great quality and they always fit me better than other brands

I also need to run into Ulta because I ran out of my favorite blush - Milk Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in dusty rose 😚🤌

As much as I'm excited about all the things I JUST REALLY WANT TO GET OUTSIDE

Have a great weekend 🫶

tell me I'm not gonna be the only one with this song in my head all day now

🔖Save this guide for 6 hours around Northampton, Massachusetts

1. Stop for coffee at @familiarscoffee. It's inside an iconic old lunch car. But don't stop at the coffee, they have tea, bagels, and more!

2. There are so many great options for hiking in this area! My recommendations (in the photos) is Skinner State Park. There's a few different trail opens to get to the summit. Here you'll find a memorial, a summit house, and plenty of picnic table options with beautiful views of the valley below. You may even catch some small planes taking off and landing in a nearby field! Another great option is Mount Norwottuck

3. After hiking, head back to Main Street for some shopping. If you are food motivated like me 😬 I highly suggest you stop at @hungryghostbread first. They make it fresh daily and it sells out super fast. You could even pit stop here with your coffee! @provisionswine is another place I stop by every time I'm in town. I love their cheese options, and they have everything you need to pair it with from jams to crackers to wine! If you are craving sweets stop in at @mochinut_noho. I was dying to try these donuts and they exceeded everything I imagined, they are doughy and delicious. When you want to shop beyond food, I suggest heading inside @thornesmarketplace for a variety of different shops, I bought the cutest dog sweatpants from one

4. After some hiking and shopping, I usually want some food. There are so many great options in the area. If you want Mexican, I suggest @mexcalito.mass the tacos were great and I loved their margaritas! If you are looking for more upscale dining @eathomestead has delicious pasta dishes. If you want American style, high quality bar food @thedirtytruth_ma is the place to go

5. Before you head out, be sure to snap some photos so you have memories of your exploring with friends 🫶 the town is full of so many fun spots

If you have some extra time to spare, here are some more suggestions:
- See a show at the Academy of Music
- Check out the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Share this with someone you want to explore Northampton with! 👫

🌲Follow me @amberinnewengland for more New England adventures

⛰️ Save this Estes Park, Colorado hotel for your next trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Go figure I did take a photo of the room, but I got plenty of the rest of our stay!

Hammocks, pool, Casa Colina - the onsite restaurant inspired by mexican cuisine, complimentary s'mores at the fire pit, games, a mini library next to a fireplace, bicycles, and more 🤩

When you are ready for the Rocky Mointains, you are just a short 10 minutes away. In the park, you can drive Trail Ridge road to the Alpine Visitor center, go for a hike, sit by a lake, or park at a pull off and try to view some wildlife.

Location wise, this hotel is within walking distance of downtown Estes Park, so there is no need to pay for parking or worry about the hassle of it. Downtown there are so many different shops and restaurants.

The staff were extremely friendly and helpful through our entire stay. We would love a chance to stay here again!

📍Trailborn Rocky Mountains

amirite?

Sounds like the perfect start to the day! Where is your favorite New England cafe for a pit stop after hiking?

If you're stumped on where to go, try some of my favs 👇

CT: @espresso59ct they have grilled cheese, pastries, coffee, gelato and more!

RI: @davescoffee it's right by the beach, the grounds are beautiful, and the coffee is great!

MA: Rio Cafe. It's in Great Barrington, they have THE BEST smoothies and breakfasts. If I'm in the area I get upset if I can't go 😅

VT: @redhenbaking they bake fresh bread 🤤 that tomato toast I had is still in my dreams

NH: @madrivercoffeeroasters this rustic little coffee house is tucked in the back of the parking lot, but you won't want to miss it!

ME: @twofatcatsbakery who doesn't like fat cats? The pastries were amazing here too!

🌲☕️Follow @amberinnewengland for more New England adventures!

mentally I'm sitting at this alpine lake, eating some snacks and watching the marmots run around the rocks 🙇‍♀️

Did you know this is the highest city park in North America?

The road leading to the Mt. Blue Sky, formerly Mt. Evans, summit is also the highest paved road in all of North America

You drive 28 miles, passing through multiple parks, swerving around windy corners with steep drop-offs...your adrenaline is gonna spike

This drive is not for the weak 🥲

As you stop off at the different parks, you can stretch your shaky legs and take a hike to different viewpoints or historical structures

Keep your eyes out for wildlife, it's everywhere! I saw mountain goats, marmot, bighorn sheep, pika, and plenty of bird species

The road is closed for maintainence through the remainder of 2025 for roadwork and updates. When it opens, you neeeed this on your bucketlist!

lots of water sounds over here 😌

#NewEngland #HikeNewEngland #VisitNewEngland

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 🤗

To the women who make hiking, traveling, and everything in between way more fun. Grateful for all these adventures and my female friends here on IG 🤍

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New England &
New York
Hiking & Travel Blog

Welcome Hikers & Travelers!

Plan Your Next Hike

How to Layer for a Day Hike

Day Hiking Essentials Checklist

Planning for a Day Hike in New England and New York

Find Your Next New York & New England Adventure

Spring Getaway to Litchfield County: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary

The Ultimate New England Camping Guide: What to Pack for an Unforgettable Trip

5 Short & Beautiful Hikes in Northwest Connecticut

Hiking for Mental Health: Ten Ways the Outdoors Benefits You

35+ Things to do in Litchfield County this Summer

11 State Parks to Explore in Litchfield County, Connecticut

Follow Me!

Categories

Hiking Inspiration

The Ultimate New England Camping Guide: What to Pack for an Unforgettable Trip

5 Short & Beautiful Hikes in Northwest Connecticut

Hiking for Mental Health: Ten Ways the Outdoors Benefits You

Follow me on Instagram!

New England & New York Hiking & Travel Blog

Welcome Hikers & Travelers!

Plan Your Next Hike

Find Your Next New York & New England Adventure

Spring Getaway to Litchfield County: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary

The Ultimate New England Camping Guide: What to Pack for an Unforgettable Trip

5 Short & Beautiful Hikes in Northwest Connecticut

Hiking for Mental Health: Ten Ways the Outdoors Benefits You

35+ Things to do in Litchfield County this Summer

11 State Parks to Explore in Litchfield County, Connecticut

Follow Me!

Categories

Hiking Inspiration

The Ultimate New England Camping Guide: What to Pack for an Unforgettable Trip

5 Short & Beautiful Hikes in Northwest Connecticut

Hiking for Mental Health: Ten Ways the Outdoors Benefits You

​

Follow me on Instagram!

New England &
New York
Hiking & Travel Blog