Spending all day out on the trail is a blast, and there are so many great hikes in Connecticut to enjoy. We often cover lengthy trails that take hours to get through and require peak physical fitness levels. However, we also like to sprinkle in a few family-friendly trails sometimes. After all, not everyone is in athlete-level condition, and many of us go out with young children who simply can’t handle the difficulty of an all-day hike. The trail we’re featuring today is maybe the best hike in Hartford, CT: the Bushnell Park Loop. This easy trail is relatively short, paved for accessibility, and has stunning views of the capital city. What more could you want?!

Bushnell Park was founded in 1850, making it the oldest publicly funded park in the country. It spans 50 acres and welcomes more than a million visitors each year.
H Beg/Alltrails
There are several miles of walkways at the park, and the Bushnell Park Loop that encircles the green space spans about 1.6 miles.
Nelson Bennett/Alltrails
This easy trek takes most about half an hour or so to complete, and it gives you a great overview of the park.
Shelly Zamudio/Alltrails

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You'll get to see some fascinating architecture, plus wonderful views of the Hartford landscape.
Amy Thompson/Alltrails
The pond here is home to plenty of waterfowl and provides a lovely backdrop as you explore the area.
H Beg/Alltrails
Concerts, festivals, and other events are held here frequently.
Marc Pelletier/Alltrails
From the fountain to the carousel and Capitol building, there's a surprising amount of beautiful scenery at this city park!
Amy Thompson/Alltrails

For more information about this great hike in Hartford, CT, check out the Bushnell Park Conservancy website. You can also see an overview of the trail on Alltrails. If you’re an avid explorer, consider a free trial of Alltrails+. You’ll get to enjoy all the benefits of a free Alltrails account, plus added features like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions so you never get lost.

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Bushnell Park, Downtown, Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT 06103, USA