Connecticut’s winter weather and scenic vistas makes it a superlative, snowshoeing destination. There are a variety of wonderful trails to choose from.
Here are my picks for the top five:
1. White Memorial Foundation
The White Memorial Foundation is nestled within the hills of Litchfield and its location makes it a standout for snowshoeing enthusiasts. Considered a nature preserve, there are well over 30 miles of ungroomed trails to choose from. Each affords visitors varying degrees of difficulty and a chance to catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife. It is open year-round and admission is gratis.
2. Holcomb Farm
The Holcomb Farm is located in West Granby and offers a unique snowshoeing experience. The 357-acre property is a working, historic farm and features 10 miles of marked, looped trails. A game refugee and land trust also border the farm and visitors may opt to cross over into those areas as well. The refuge and land trust areas typically close at sunset in the winter. The trails meander through the farm land and are accessible to the public on a daily basis from dawn until dusk. Admission is free.
3. Westwoods
The Westwoods trail system in Guilford is another great place for snowshoeing. There are 39 miles of trails that pass through varied terrain. In my opinion, it is the terrain that makes it such an attractive destination. There are caves, rock formations, marshes and an inland tidal lake. One of my favorite trails is the White Circle because it runs along the Lost Lake. It is open-year round from sunrise to sunset and admission is gratis.
4. Naugatuck State Forest
The Naugatuck State Forest is located in Beacon Falls. It features over five miles of woodland trails that also pass by the Seymour Reservoirs. The Blue and White Blaze Trail is a good choice if you want a short and non-taxing trek. The forest is free to access and is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk.
5. Weir Farm
The Weir Farm is located in Wilton and is open year round from dawn until dusk. It is a 60-acre farm that was once the home of several American artists. As such, the grounds are considered a historic site and are maintained by the National Park Service. Admission is free, but you’ll need to bring your own snowshoes. You can pick up a free trail map at the Visitors Center between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
My family enjoys winter sports and has traveled extensively.
More from this contributor:
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Top 5 Places to Go Ice Skating in Connecticut
Top 4 Places to Go Snow Tubing in Connecticut
Top 5 Places to Go Winter Hiking in New Hampshire