12 Picturesque Farm Trails to Walk in Connecticut

What could be better than walking along a trail on a beautiful farm setting with meadows, stone walls, barns, and views?! It’s not too good to be true – you can find all this and more on these 12 farm trails in Connecticut!

I don’t know about you but one of my dreams is someday living on a sprawling property with acres to roam. I’d love to have it be a farm but I know how much work must go into maintaining it.

So why not live out those dreams on someone else’s farm?! Where you can grab your coffee and go on an early morning walk on trails admiring the barns and experiencing how peaceful early mornings on a farm can be?

Living in CT almost all my life and hiking here and in New England for decades – I’ve done a lot of the big mountains. From the thrilling adventure of Mount Washington in the winter to CT’s tallest peak in the summer I’ve hiked a ton – from sunrise to sunset.

But still, I keep coming back to these quiet, peaceful trails with not much climbing involved where you can just stroll and allow your mind to wander. When you’re not busy focusing on every step and boulder, trying to watch your footing, it makes for a very different yet equally satisfying (to me) experience in nature.

Most days when I’m looking for a place to walk before or after work, these are the kind of trails I need – a long (or short), peaceful walk with the dogs with room to roam.

And lately I’ve been finding all this and more (so many good photos ops!) while walking Connecticut’s farm trails. I also have a post featuring non farm but beautiful trail walks in CT if you’re looking for more after reading here.

So let’s head out on an adventure! Come discover beautiful farm properties that feature miles of trails to explore. And don’t forget to stop in and support these farms on your way in or out as many are still working farms running a business. 🙂

12 Scenic Farm Trails to Walk in Connecticut

1. Auerfarm State Park, Bloomfield, Hartford County

Auerfarm is a 120-acre non-profit educational farm in Bloomfield, CT, near West Hartford, Simsbury, and just 2 miles from Hartford. Auerfarm State Park Reserve is a 40 acre reserve that used to be part of the working farm. The 4-H Education Center here provides hands-on programs and agricultural education for local students, adults, and families.

When I first discovered the trails at Auerfarm I was blown away. There is a view of the Metacomet Ridge and Talcott Mountain where you can see Heublein Tower. I couldn’t believe this view existed for such a simple walk.

The trail network isn’t huge at 2.7 miles total, but you won’t be missing anything with a peaceful stroll here. Tip: Come for sunset and watch the sun dip behind Talcott Mountain!

• Farm Features: Whole working farm with animals, barns, gardens.
• Hike Options: Wide relatively easy trails totaling 2.7 miles
• Dog-friendly: Yes but be sure to leash as if you do the whole loop you’ll encounter the animals!
• Getting Here: click to naviagte to 41.81092, -72.77363
• Ways to support the farm: Drive past the start of the hike and find the working farm where you can buy eggs, produce, or even check out their unique Farm Stay on Airbnb.

2. Tulmeadow Farm, Simsbury, Hartford County

Nestled in the picturesque town of Simsbury, Tulmeadow Farm is a historic landmark that dates back to 1768. Originally established as a family-owned dairy farm, Tulmeadow has evolved significantly over the centuries while retaining its roots. For generations, the Tuller family has managed the farm, contributing to the community’s agricultural heritage and preserving the land for future generations.

Today, Tulmeadow Farm is a popular spot for their homemade ice cream and the store sells fruit, vegetables, grass fed beef and other fun and local products. And of course, one of the best parts is the scenic trails behind the farm. The trails here total several miles but the Tulmeadow Farm Trail is a 2.5 mile out and back main trail that wanders pass the meadows, through green fields, and woodlands maintained by the Simsbury Land Trust. Get here now!

• Farm Features: Homemade ice cream & a farm store stocked with produce, milk, grass-fed beef and other fun farm products & gifts!
• Hike Options: Multiple miles of trails including the main 2.5 mile Tulmeadow Farm Trail
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate to 41.8725, -72.85678

3. Bolton Heritage Farm, Bolton, Tolland County

Bolton Heritage Farm is a historic site that dates back to the Revolutionary War. It was once owned by the Hale family and is famous for its connection to Nathan Hale, an American spy and hero, who was captured by the British and executed during the war, and his bravery is remembered today. The farm has been preserved by Bolton Land Trust keep this important piece of history alive.

The trails around the farm take you past multiple neatly packed stone walls, a bright red barn, silo, and benches scattered about. I loved walking here early in the morning. The property and a perfectly situated bench faces east so this would be a great spot for sunrise and I intend to be back for one!

• Farm Features: Not a working farm but a large red barn, silo, stonewalls, and benches abound
• Hike Options: There’s a 2 mile loop, the Rose Trail Loop, but the trails here intersect with Hop River State Park and the Edith Toomey Clark Property so you can hike for much longer here!
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate to 41.77433, -72.4195

4. Sub Edge Farm, Avon, Hartford County

Sub Edge Farm in Avon is a historic farm that dates back to the early 1700s. In the 1920’s the farm was purchased by architect Theodate Pope Riddle. She named the farm “Sub-Edge” and used the farm to educate the students of her school, Avon Old Farms, about agriculture. Today, Sub Edge Farm is still a working farm, owned by the Phillips family and they sell vegetables, fruits, flowers and humanely raised meat at their farm shop.

There are acres to wander and miles of trails to walk on both sides of Tillotson Rd which runs through the farm. I often take the dogs to walk on one side of trail or the other and when I have enough time I do the full 3.7 mile loop which takes you through both sides of the farm property. Unlike some of the other farm trails on the list where you’re walking on open fields and meadows – the Sub Edge Farm trails wind through fields and forests, with one side taking you right along the Farmington River (a favorite section of mine!).

For more trails like this one check out my post; 8 Beautiful River Walks in Connecticut.

• Farm Features: Large seasonal farm shop with thei humanely raised meat, fresh produce and fruit, and fun local gifts, cheese, and mile.
• Hike Options: A 3.6 mile loop taking you alongside the Farmington River and cow pastures or choose just one side of the farm to explore for a shorter walk.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate to 41.77182, -72.82863

5. Hill-Stead Farm, Farmington, Hartford County

Hill-Stead Farm in Farmington is part of the historic Hill-Stead Museum, which was built in 1901 by architect Theodate Pope Riddle. The farm and museum were originally part of a large estate that belonged to the Pope family. Theodate designed the estate to include beautiful gardens, pastures, and woodlands, creating a super peaceful and picturesque setting that continues today.

If you want to feel like you’re roaming the grounds of a huge garden and estate then Hill-Stead is the place for you. There are several little interlinking trails here that take you through the woods next to the mansion but I also just love wandering the humongous well manicured lawn lined with stonewalls and perfect bushes. Strolling through the sunken garden is also a ton of fun here.

• Farm Features: From the parking lot walk down the paved driveway to see the lamb or explore the sunken garden or pop into the air-conditioned museum! 🙂
• Hike Options: Make a 1+ mile loop in the woods on the trails and combine this with walking the grounds which are so expansive. You can get a lot of steps in without even going on Hillstead’s forest trails.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate

6. Holcomb Farm Trails, Granby, Hartford County

Holcomb Farm in Granby has a rich history dating back to 1880 when it was founded by the Holcomb family. For many years, it was a working farm that provided food and resources to the local community. The farm was eventually donated to the town of Granby to be used for education and community activities. Yay for us! 👏

Today, Holcomb Farm is a community farm where people can enjoy walking trails that meander through its fields and forests. There are several different trails to hike at Holcomb. I always have a hard time choosing which trail to hike when I visit! One favorite is the 1.5 mile route to Carpenter Falls, one of the lesser known waterfalls in CT, and then the 2 mile Holcomb Farm Eastern loop which takes you on the other side of the farm through meadows and open land.

• Farm Features: Large red barn that hosts events and parties, Holcomb Farm store open through October with fresh produce & local products
• Hike Options: Several trails on the property to choose from featuring waterfalls and meadow views
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate to 41.94665, -72.83586

7. McCann Family Farm & Whitaker Woods Trails, Somers, Tolland County

McCann Family Farm has a long history as a family-owned farm that has been around for many generations. The McCann family worked the land, growing crops and raising animals, and the farm became an important part of the local community.

Today, the Northern CT Land Trust owns and maintains the 84 acres of McCann Farm. About 1/3 of the acreage on the property is used to produce hay, while the rest exhibits a wide variety of habitats including streams, vernal pools, wetlands, fallow fields, stands of early successional trees and shrubs, mixed forest, and a pine plantation. The trails range from 1.95 miles to over 3 miles. Click here for more information including a map.

• Farm Features: 84 acres of trails, meadows, and fields for hay
• Hike Options: Lots of trails here but a popular one is the 2.9 mile Jerry Stage & Shady Brook Trail Loop
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate to 41.98417, -72.4343

8. Longo Farm Open Space, Glastonbury, Hartford County

Longo Farm in Glastonbury, Connecticut, has a history that dates back to the early 20th century. The Longo family established the farm and worked hard to grow a variety of crops and raise animals. Over the years, the farm became known for its high-quality produce and strong community ties.

Longo Farm has two popular loops; the 2.5 mile Longo Farm Outer Loop and the 1.5 mile Longo Farm Lower Loop. The late Louis P. Longo, a longtime dairy farmer in Glastonbury, started Longo Farms and from what I have gathered online left this land to enjoy as open space. Some of it was parceled off and developed so as you drive here you’ll notice a new development next door. Fortunately for us we can enjoy this peaceful space. Thank you, Lou!

• Farm Features: Acres & acres of open space, meadows, and trails in the forest
• Hike Options: The 2.5 mile outer loop or the 1.5 mile lower loop. I walked all over the trails when here and didn’t pay attention to Alltrails. Once on the path you can make the hike your own!
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate to 41.70677, -72.49142

9. Bush Hill Farm, Manchester, Hartford County

Bush Hill Farm in Manchester is a historic farm that has been around for many generations. The farm has been carefully maintained by the Bush family, who have grown crops and raised animals on the land for years. Over time, Bush Hill Farm has become a beloved part of the community, known for its dedication to sustainable farming and quality produce.

Part of the Manchester Land Trust, there are several walking trails here that wind through scenic fields and forests. And you get to pass by their animals at the end! Also with an interpretive trail along the way – it’s a great walk for kids! We did the 2.8 mile Bush Hill Farm Loop. It can be a little hard to stick to the loop as there are other intersecting trails along the way but feel free to wander or you can download the map on AllTrails before you go.

• Farm Features: Barn, gazebo, open meadow, benches to sit, interpretive trail, farm animals
• Hike Options: Try the 2.8 mile Bush Hill Farm Loop which takes you by all the above!
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash. They even loved the goats at the end 🐐👀
• Getting Here: click to navigate to 41.73997, -72.55527

10. Hilltop Farm, Suffield, Hartford County

With history dating back to the early 20th century, Hilltop Farm was originally owned by George H. McLean, a U.S. Senator, who used the farm to breed and train dairy cattle. The farm’s historic barns and buildings on the property today reflect its agricultural past and have been carefully preserved to maintain their charm and significance. I loved taking photos of them!

In addition to the ice cream, local dairy products, and homemade honey they sell at Hilltop Farm Creamery there is a beautiful set of trails right behind the main farm and creamery buildings. Walk behind the white barn and down the driveway past the red barn structures. Drive or walk down the rocky dirt narrow driveway to the tobacco shed where you can take a little trail down to the CT River or walk around the meadow.

• Farm Features: Hilltop Creamery with ice cream, local milk, homemade honey
• Hike Options: Click here for trail map and description. I loved exploring down by the tobacco shed and taking the little path to the Connecticut River. This place is a dream at sunset time!
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate, walk behind the ice cream shop to see the start of the trail leading down to the water and barns

11. Rosedale Farm, Simsbury, Hartford County

Dating back to the early 1900s, Rosedale Farm has been run by the same family for generations and is a mainstay in the Simsbury community. They grow a variety of crops including a vineyard and large farm store with everything you would need for a farm dinner or to bake an apple pie! They even have local baked goods if you’re not the baking type. 😉

And the trails behind the property make you feel like you’re one of the farmers as you walk behind all the crops and farmland, getting an up close view of the operations. Maintained by the Simsbury Land Trust, you’ll park at the main lot for Rosedale Farms and walk down the driveway towards the woods where you will see the wooden trail kiosk. From here there’s a trail you can follow for over 1 mile round trip. It’s short but beautiful and you can see Heublein Tower and the Talcott Mountain Ridge in the distance!

• Farm Features: Vineyard and farm store with tons of produce, baked goods, and local products
• Hike Options: Click here for trail description and map, maintained by the Simsbury Land Trust. Trails total over 1 mile here. Short but beautiful with Heublein Tower in distance.
• Dog-friendly: technically no, but we have brought ours here (without knowing) and have seen other people with dogs here as well
• Getting Here: 25 E Weatogue St, Simsbury

12. Platt Farm Preserve, Southbury, New Haven County

Platt Farm in Southbury, Connecticut, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally a family-owned farm where crops were grown and animals were raised. Over the years, the farm has been preserved and maintained, keeping its historical charm and significance alive for the community.

There are walking trails that wind through the farm’s beautiful landscape, including fields, forests, and 2,000 feet of frontage along the Pomperaug River. Owned and managed by the Southbury Land Trust this 109.8-acre preserve was purchased from Willis and Lillian Platt in 2000. There is a 1.8 mile loop within Platt Farm Reserve.

• Farm Features: A 109.8 acre preserve with vistas, meadows, a traprock ridge, and 2,000 feet of frontage along the Pomperaug River
• Hike Options: Platt Farm Preserve Blue Loop, 1.8 miles loop but you can make this a LONGER walk since there are other trails connecting here
• Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Getting Here: click to navigate to 41.46609, -73.23537

That’s it, friends!

I hope you enjoyed this list of the most beautiful farm walking trails in Connecticut!

Be sure to save this post for later and I will keep adding to it. And comment below if there are farm trails or preserves in CT that you love walking on! Let’s discover the best trails Connecticut has to offer!