6 Can’t‑Miss Hikes Near New Milford

New Milford is full of opportunities to get outside and explore the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a riverbank stroll or a mountain ridge summit, these can’t‑miss hikes in and around New Milford offer something for every kind of adventurer.

Please note: Drive times are approximate and may vary based on your starting point and traffic. Be sure to check for trail closures and consider weather conditions before heading out.

1. Housatonic Range Trail

📍 Rt 7 Trailhead (near Tory’s Cave), New Milford, CT
A moderate-to-strenuous hiking trail that follows the route of a former Native American footpath, high above the Housatonic. The views from Candlewood Mountain are worth the trek, and there’s plenty to see along the way, from caves to rock slides.

2. Whittemore Sanctuary

📍 CT-64, Woodbury, CT (~30 minutes from New Milford)
A ~3-mile loop made up of the intersecting Purple, White and Red Trails. You'll wind up on the west shore of Lake Quassapaug, perfect for an afternoon of birdwatching and picnics by the water.

3. Stephenson Preserve Loop

📍 Stephenson Nature Preserve, 009 41 47A, 162, Bethel, CT (~30 minutes from New Milford)
This easy loop winds through mixed hardwood forest and follows well-marked paths with a few short climbs. It’s a great option for birdwatching and quiet woodland walks, with views of streams and seasonal wildflowers along the way.

4. Lovers Leap State Park Trails

📍178 Short Woods Rd, New Milford, CT
This scenic park offers 4 miles of trails with dramatic river gorge views, historic ruins and an iconic 1895 iron bridge. Hikers can explore wooded paths, the Lovers Leap rock formation and remnants of the area’s industrial past, all while overlooking the Housatonic River and Lake Lillinonah.

5. Lillinonah Trail

📍Paugussett State Forest, off Rt 34, Newtown, CT (~30 minutes from New Milford)
This rugged trail loops through the upper Paugussett State Forest, weaving along forested ridges with frequent elevation changes and sweeping views of Lake Lillinonah and the Shepaug Dam. Popular for its scenic lakeshore sections, quiet inlets and even a pass through a sugar maple operation.

6. Gneiss Trail

📍 Limekiln Natural Area, 113 Limekiln Rd, Redding, CT (~35 minutes from New Milford)
This easy loop winds through quiet forest and open meadows in the Limekiln Natural Area. Great for hiking and running with gentle elevation and scattered boulders, offering a peaceful spot for family-friendly strolls.

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