9 Beautiful River Walks & Trails in Connecticut

Looking to be lulled by the sound of water as you walk through a stretch of peaceful woods in Connecticut?! You’ll love this list of beautiful trails along various rivers in Connecticut!

I’ve lived in Connecticut almost all my life (quick stint in the Berkshires ;)) and as I uncover more and more of the state’s trails – it’s the walks along our rivers that are some of my favorites! I love returning to these again and again in each season. Is there a prettier scene than a river running through tunnels of green trees in the summer, yellow & gold in the fall, and speckled with snow in winter?!

Though we all love a good summit view, there’s something about a peaceful flat or rolling hill walk. And to have it run alongside a river for you to hear and see as you go?! Woah 😍💦🥾

The Most Beautiful Walks Along Connecticut’s Rivers!

Whether they meander calmly through overgrown woodland valleys or rush boldly over gnarly terrain, the river exudes an air of serenity and calm reflection, intentional in its movements and progressions. 

These enchanting walks along Connecticut’s riversides will take you past hidden gems that line their shores – ancient forests alive with wildlife, quiet villages with colorful histories, and the rippling currents of the natural world. 

Each trail includes a link to AllTrails where you can check out reviews, and extra photos, and hit ‘directions’ to navigate there when you’re ready! 🚗🗺

1. Appalachian Trail along the Housatonic River, Cornwall

This stunning 7-mile out-and-back section of the Appalachian Trail begins in either Cornwall or Kent and hugs tightly to the banks of the Housatonic River. You’ll stroll through varying types of deciduous forests and old farm fields. 

With the gentle lapping and rushing of the river as your background music, you’ll find yourself walking parallel to the many colonial rock walls and abandoned stone foundations that line one of Connecticut’s greatest river trails. 

Walk the whole 3.5 miles down and then back or walk for just a quick bit! This narrow Appalachian Trail path hits the spot for any stroll you’re craving.

2. Medicine Rock Loop on the Bantam River, Litchfield

Can you say a walk that feels like the best medicine?! 😍 It’s gotta be Medicine Rock Loop!

Huge stones of quartz pepper the wood’s floor along this trail, guiding you down to the banks of the Bantam River. 

At just 1.6 miles in total, this trail promises a hugely relaxing romp along a swiftly hustling river for little effort. 

There is an undeniable feeling of wonder and calm on this trail. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

3. Black Bridge Road Trail along the Farmington River, New Hartford

Right over Black Bridge in New Hartford begins the one way trail to a lonely yet pristinely beautiful little river peninsula in the middle of the Farmington River.

A magical place to hike in all seasons but really shows its worth in peak autumn with monstrous oaks and maples popping with vibrant colors while they hang sturdily over the deep flowing river.

A well worth it 2 mile out and back little trek.

4. Shepaug Crossing Preserve along the Shepaug River, Woodville (Litchfield)

In the tiny town of Woodville, right outside of Bantam you can find the trail head that will lead you into the forests of Shepaug Crossing. 

Some gentle ups and downs will eventually give way to a fantastic walk along the Shepaug River as it glides and tumbles south. 

Tucked into the banks are the remnants of an old forge, with the sight adding to colonial lore of this 2.4 mile walk.

5. Zoar River Trail along the Housatonic River, Sandy Hook

Out and back in 3.6 miles all the while navigating the elevated banks of the Housatonic River in Sandy Hook. Or if you’d like a longer option take the 6.3-mile loop on the Zoar Trail.

While the view of the river from the trail (especially in a season with no leaves on trees!) is pretty in itself, there’s a spectacular waterfall at the end of the trail – Prydden Brook Falls! 💦

The river is wide and impressive for this trail section, providing a unique perspective of one of Connecticut’s grandest waterways. 

You’re sure to get your fill of peaceful quiet time as you walk along this longer section of Connecticut’s river trails.

6. Steep Rock Preserve along Shepaug River, Washington 

Take your pick of 4 different trails within Steep Rock Preserve that take you walking along different sections of the Shepaug River.

Nestled in the hills and valleys of Washington lies another gem of a river trail. This one meanders along old wagon roads and past long-since reclaimed foundations, railroad tracks, and stone walls. 

As you take in the surrounding serenity of Steep Rock Preserve, dramatically curling ox bows push and pull the Shepaug River southward. 

The Clamshell and Pinny Loops are 2.3 and 3.7 miles respectively and will provide some perfectly tranquil river strolling.

7. Meriden Linear Gorge Trail along the Quinnipiac River, Meriden/Cheshire

The Quinnipiac River isn’t well known for it’s seclusion but here is an out and back with an almost 3 mile walk that will surprise you.

This is a paved trail which makes it a great spot to meet people that want to enjoy an easy, leisurely stroll and especially for someone pushing stroller.

When we went, it was after strong rains and storms, so the water was high and brown! 🙂

With the trees towering over the path, it creates a serene and scenic tunnel to walk through for as long as 1.5 miles before you have to turn around.

8. River Road Loop, Roxbury

As listed on AllTrails this trail is only 1.5 miles but there are options to the loop make it longer and to continue walking along the Shepaug River if you’d like.

I loved this trail and this whole area. Though an hour from me, Roxbury is a beautiful part of the state with lots of preserves and land trusts and I’d love to come back and try more.

For this trail you’ll park in a small lot on River Road and you’ll find the start of the trail towards the road. There’s an option to walk in through the gate at the bottom of the lot, though it says it’s for Roxbury residents only. 🤔 We came back this way because we missed the turn for the original trail and no one was there to get mad at us!

After a short walk, the trail meets and runs alongside the rushing Shepaug River if you stay to the right to begin the loop counterclockwise. After about 0.8 miles, you’ll come to a bridge that you can walk across for the fun of it, or you can explore the long trail on the other side which is part of the Orzech Family Preserve.

After this, you can either cut in to the left to continue the original short loop on AllTrails or you can continue following the trail straight ahead with the river on your right. Eventually, You’ll come to an intersection where you can take a left to return to the original trail.

Enjoy!!

9. Scantic River Trail, Enfield

1 mile each way is all you need to tread to enjoy this pristine section of the Scantic River in Enfield.

Gorgeous sections of whitewater rapids mix with peaceful lumbering ones to provide a diverse strolling experience. Filled with lush over growth, lumbering trees provide shade along this tightly wound little gem of a trail.

⛔️Remember to help protect our rivers and the surrounding trails and environment by LEAVING NO TRACE!

⛔️Remind others to pack out everything you carry in; all trash, bags, and food scraps.

I hope you enjoyed this post about Connecticut’s peaceful river walks & trails!