Hiking in Greenwich, CT

Summer in Connecticut is glorious – come to think of it, spring, autumn and winter are quite lovely, too! – and we can think of no better way to enjoy the great Greenwich outdoors than on one of our local biking, walking, and hiking trails.

Babcock Preserve

Offering 4+ miles of moderate trails that loop through 300 acres of forest, primitive wilderness, and open terrain, dog-friendly Babcock Preserve is open for hiking, jogging, picnicking, and even horseback riding (bring your own mount), as well as quiet contemplation and nature study. Many of the trails are based around natural wildlife corridors, thus increasing your chances of animal sightings.

Greenwich Audubon Center

A 295-acre bird sanctuary, the Audubon Greenwich offers not only 7 miles of trails, but also year-round nature programs and conservation-themed events. The scenic trails wend through hardwood forest and open fields, by streams and ponds, and around a lake and through habitats that house myriad wildlife. Trails are open from sunrise to sundown, 365 days a year.

Mianus River Park

Over a 391-acre swath of urban forest, Mianus River Park unrolls over dramatic and primeval landscapes that include wetlands and rock formations, tributary streams and a wildflower garden, hiking trails (including the “Mianus Maze”) and a cave. The 110-acre Mianus River and Natural Park section is located in Greenwich, and offers access to the 4.5-mile Yellow Loop and 2.6-mile Green Loop Nature Trail, which features 13 points of interest, each marked by numbered posts.

Pomerance / Montgomery Pinetum Park

Offering a 30-acre park rich with conifers, wetlands, and hardwood forest, Pomerance / Montgomery Pinetum Park debuts several excellent (and intriguingly named) hiking and walking trails, including the Rock Garden Trail, Horseshoe Trail, Skating Trail, Chimney Trail, and Hemlock Grove Trail. Many of the trails offer scenic loops and most interconnect, so whether you’re looking for an easy walk or challenging hike, here you’ll find what you’re after.

Sachem Nature Preserve

A circular nature trail winds through Sachem Nature Preserve’s nearly four acres, passing by a stream (note: runs dry in summer) and through second-growth deciduous forest, including black cherry, white ash, and red maple trees. The preserve’s terrain is generally low and flat, with just a 15-foot elevation gain on the western edge, making this an excellent spot for a leisurely walk. Note that almost a third of the preserve is designated wetland and may flood during heavy rains.

Please note, as these parks and reserves comprise private and public lands and refuges – for the enjoyment of all and the protection of our local flora and fauna – we abide by the nature-friendly motto, “take only photos and leave only footprints.” Enjoy your hike!