All parks are hyperlinked to their website so you can learn more!
For those who want to be enveloped in nature
- CT Audubon Society | 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield
- This nature center and wildlife sanctuary is tucked in Fairfield’s Greenfield Hill neighborhood – an already very nature-centric area. There are 7 miles of trails which are open year-round from dusk to dawn. Flat, well-marked trails, bridges, and boardwalks can be found here. The Fairfield Nature Center features a Birds of Prey compound where visitors can observe wild birds up close. Truly a hidden gem in Fairfield!
- Brett Woods Open Space | 299-201 Treasure Road, Fairfield
- Brett Woods is a favorite among local Greenfield Hill residents and has multiple trails of varying length and 3 parking areas. It’s more of a conservation area, with much of the 186 acre forest consisting of wetlands, thickets, and trees. Visitors like this park because dogs are allowed on leashes, and sometimes you can find people horseback riding or camping.
- The Cascades at Lake Mohegan | 960 Morehouse Highway, Fairfield
- The Cascades is named for the section of rapids at Lake Mohegan that cascade down rock ledges. The trails equal about 5 miles, so a shorter walk, but the view is diverse – you’ll see the lake, pond, and boardwalk. Dogs must be leashed until a “100-foot” sign which then they can be unleashed. The main part of Lake Mohegan also offers a lake to swim in, a beach, sprinkler park, and playground.
- Devils Den Nature Preserve | 33 Pent Road, Weston
- This 1,746 acre preserve is the largest park in Fairfield County and has 20 miles of trails, winding through the forest, woodlands, cliffs, and swamps. Hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and bird watching are most popular. Don’t miss the “Great Ledge,” where you’ll find beautiful views of the Saugatuck Reservoir
- Pequonnock River Valley Park | 126 Whitney Ave, Trumbull
- This rail trail is a flat, shaded, fairly easy trail for hiking and biking, with forest and foliage on one side and the Pequonnock River on the other side. It was a former railroad track converted to a nearly straight path and a favorite among locals. It spans almost 15 miles from Bridgeport to Newtown, with spots to park and jump on throughout Trumbull, like at Indian Ledge Park (Whitney Ave) and near Trumbull Center.
- Roosevelt Forest | 700 Peters Lane, Stratford
- Stratford’s motto is “offering more from forest to shore,” and Roosevelt Forest is the forest they’re speaking of! This 400-acre, town-owned parcel consists of a pond, picnic area, and many trails. You may even come across campgrounds and venues that belong to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. It’s a great place to get away, and dogs are welcome too.
For those wanting a sea breeze on their walk
- St Mary’s By The Sea | Earnes Boulevard, Bridgeport
- This is a quiet, quick park to enjoy a stroll by the water. Many homeowners in Black Rock frequent St. Mary’s By The Sea, as much of Black Rock is walkable. Locals will pick up a sandwich and coffee at Harborview Market and walk down to Eames Boulevard, where there are benches and plaques, and gorgeous views on both sides – million dollar waterfront homes on one side, and Long Island Sound on the other side.
- Seaside Park | 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport
- Another park in Bridgeport, this one is much larger, on 325 acres. An archway welcomes you into the park where there is plenty of parking as seasonal and annual events are often held here. You’ll find many runners, walkers, bikers, people checking out the historical monuments, and those enjoying the unobstructed views of the Sound. There are also baseball and volleyball fields and a playground.
- Long Wharf Park | 351 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven
- This is a great park for those wanting a sea breeze and a snack, as food trucks frequent the road along the coast – mostly Mexican, Latin, and Puerto Rican food. The Long Wharf Nature Preserve is a short walk away and features migratory birds and marshes.
- Lighthouse Point Park | 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven
- On the other side of New Haven you’ll find Lighthouse Point Park, named of course for the lighthouse that sits there. This 82 acre park features a beach to dip your toes in, grassy lawns to sit and have a picnic, and a historic carousel you can ride for 50 cents! It’s a great place to watch the sunset.
For those who want a bit of beauty on their walk
- Grace Farms | 365 Lukes Wood Road, New Canaan
- Grace Farms is where architecture, nature, culture, and faith merge. The award-winning, sloping River Building has pockets of different rooms – the cafe, the library, and the auditorium, to name a few. Walking Grace Farms will give you a sense of peace and tranquility, and best of all – it’s free to park and visit.
- Waveny Park | 677 South Avenue, New Canaan
- The pride and joy of New Canaan has to be Waveny Park, a sprawling 300 acre park nestled right near the Merritt Parkway. Visitors enjoy the many trails, baseball fields, disc golf courts, tennis courts, and walking around the pièce de résistance – the castle, reminiscent of the mansions in Newport, RI. Walking the grounds, through the gardens and meadows, and past the trails and the pond, will give you a sense of luxury.
- Yale Campus | New Haven
- While Yale does offer guided tours, visitors can walk the campus on their own, admiring the beauty of the architecture, strolling along the quad, and wandering in and out of the campus vs the city itself. Yale was founded in 1701 and many buildings date back then. Make a day out of it and visit the Yale Peabody Museum, shop at the streets along Broadway, or have a bite to eat in downtown New Haven.
For those who are interested in a short walk
- Derby Greenway | 71 1st Street, Derby
- Smack in between Derby and Shelton is the renovated, flat, paved path that overlooks the Housatonic River and railroad rail. Parking is easy – just off Main Street. This will eventually connect to the 42 mile long Naugatuck River Greenway!
- Southport Park | 180 Old Post Road, Southport
- Southport Park, a 10 acre park, is tucked away in the affluent town of Southport and right off I-95. It’s quiet, wooded, and has many walking trails that loop back to the start, where you can also find a Little Free Library, park area for kids, and treehouse.
- Boothe Memorial Park | 5800 Main Street, Stratford
- The grounds here are open all year and feature many historical monuments, buildings, and plaques that will enrich your walk. Meander around the Boothe Homestead, carriage house, blacksmith shop, and the rose garden, to name a few, and end with a picnic under the shade of many trees.
For those willing to go the extra mile for something special
- Storm King Art Center | 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY
- Named after Storm King Mountain, this 500 acre outdoor sculpture garden is awe-inspiring. You can find giant sculptures, wacky sights, and meaningful art pieces. Some of the statues are so large you just can’t wrap your mind around it! A free tram is also available to take you on the loop around the park. It’s about an hour and a half drive from Fairfield, CT.
- Port Jeff | NY
- This town is a great day trip from Connecticut and is extremely walkable – after the ferry ride, of course. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and parks to sit and watch the boats.
Check with your local park to see if park stickers or a fee is required, or if parks are only open to town residents. Always abide by park rules.Wilton
