7 Easy & Beautiful Winter Litchfield County Hikes
Litchfield County is filled with so many beautiful trails, that it can be difficult to decide where to hike. When winter hits the northwest corner of Connecticut, it becomes covered in a blanket of snow, sometimes making trails less accessible and difficult to traverse. If you are looking for an easier but still beautiful trail to hike this winter, one of these seven hikes is a great place to start. Once you are properly prepared for a winter hike, get out and explore!
Litchfield County
Welcome to Litchfield County, Connecticut – a cozy winter paradise! Picture rolling hills, charming towns, and hiking trails around every corner. This place is a dream for easy and beautiful winter hikes. The towns, like Litchfield and Washington, have that classic New England feel, with old buildings and a warm vibe. As you stroll the trails, you'll soak in the history and the peaceful winter scenes of snow-covered trees and lakes like a storybook come to life. With more than 200 miles of trails, there's a path for every nature enthusiast. Grab your boots, breathe in the crisp air, and explore Litchfield County's winter wonder.
Preparing for a Winter Hike
Even though these trails are rated easy, preparing for them requires a winter-specific approach. Layer up with a base, mid, and outer layer to stay toasty – and ditch the cotton; it's not breathable, and you'll regret it if you work up a sweat. Wear a pair of tall, winter socks for added warmth. Once you're dressed, step into a pair of winter hiking boots with ankle support – go for insulation to combat temperatures ranging from 15 to 40 degrees, potentially colder with the wind chill.
Assemble the perfect backpack for your day of exploration, ensuring it's stocked with all the essentials for hiking. Along with all these, you'll need some winter specific hiking gear. Toss in a pair of hiking micro-spikes if the trails are icy, ensuring reliable traction. For those deeper snow-covered paths, opt for snowshoes. These will guarantee stability, preventing any unexpected plunges with every step.
Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or just eager to explore nature's winter wonders, these Litchfield County hiking trails are ready and waiting for your adventure.
Little Pond Boardwalk Trail
Little Pond Boardwalk is like a friendly lollipop trail (to be honest, I don't know if this is even a real term but it's how I explain the shape of the trail when you look at it on a map) that goes around Little Pond, part of the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield. This trail is about 1.2 miles long, mostly on an elevated boardwalk, that barely gains elevation. During the winter the trail is quiet and peaceful. You can hear birds chirping as you make your way around the loop. It's a perfect spot to take a hike and soak in the peaceful vibes.
Topsmead State Forest
Topsmead State Park in Northfield is a gem – perfect for a laid-back winter hike or an easy stroll on a winter day. Spread across 16 acres, you can wander through the woods, chill by the pond, and check out the grounds of a beautiful English Tudor style house. It's like a mini-adventure for nature lovers and history buffs alike. If you're up for a simple, feel-good day of exploring, Topsmead is where it's at!
Fox Brook Trail System
Goshen's got this awesome trail system by the Goshen Land Trust, and it's like a three-part adventure. Start with the John Ross trail, accessed off East Street South or Pie Hill Road, is about 3.6 miles out and back. Next up, hke the Richard Kobylenski Wildlife and Passive Recreation Area, around 2 miles out and back from Pie Hill Road. Lastly, Fox Brook Preserve, a quick 0.7-mile escape off Route 4. Parking here is tight, so it's better to kick off from Pie Hill Road or East Street South for a longer hike. Just be careful crossing the road, as Route 4 is quite busy. These trails will lead you through the woods, across a couple bridges, and alongside the river. A perfect playground to spot wildlife at play!
Kent Falls State Park
If you are looking for a dramatic winter waterfall, without a long difficult hike, Kent Falls State Park is where you need to go. The crown jewel of the region, Kent Falls boasts a series of cascading waterfalls. The trail leads you up a set of stairs and paths, winding through wooded areas and providing a few viewing points to witness the falls. Only a few steps from the parking lot and you can take in this scene, making this stop is a must see if you are in the area.
Campbell Falls State Park
Campbell Falls State Park, is nestled in the quiet corner of Connecticut and straddles the Massachusetts border. The waterfall, dropping almost 100 feet, is surrounded by the lush forests, making for a calm and peaceful hike. The main parking area is off Campbell Falls Road in Southfield, MA. This trail leading to the falls is short but rewarding. But be warned - in the winter this trail can be icy. To add some mileage, opt to park at the trailhead off Spaulding Road in Norfolk. Hike in about .5 miles to the falls and take the same trail back to your car. This state park offers the best retreat for you to connect with nature and clear your mind.
Orenaug Park
If you want to visit a fire tower, without putting in the miles, this is the hike for you. There are multiple trailheads, but my suggestion would be to park on Park Road by the pond and take the Fire trail between the two stone pillars. This trail is easy and direct, making it about 1.1 roundtrip. By taking the Fire trail, you also hike to two other viewing points, where you will look out over the town of Woodbury. Once at the end of the trail, you're greeted by a 520 foot fire tower, where you get a 360 degree view of Pomperaug Valley.
Barbour Woods
Barbour Woods is a series of easy trails throughout the forest and meadows in Norfolk. There are multiple trailheads, but the main parking area is off of Lovers Lane. There are so many scenic areas in these woods, like the old stone arch bridge and views of Haystack Mountain across the street. With so many trails, you can create your own hike, make is as long or short as your heart desires.
When you are trying to plan your next winter hike, remember - it's not about the distance; it's about taking it easy and having a good time outdoors! Hope you enjoy your next winter adventure in Litchfield County. Leave me a comment and let me know which trail your have done before or which one you hope to hike next.
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