Though we certainly have no shortage of great places to hike in Connecticut, it can be easy to fall into the same old routines and stick to your usual routes. After all, the process of scoping out a new park, determining which trail fits your time frame and skill level, finding out the best way to get there: it can all be intimidating! Luckily, we're here to help. One underrated trail network in the Nutmeg State is the Case Mountain Recreation Area in Manchester. Don't be intimidated by the name - you won't only find steep cascades or all-day treks here. The collection of hikes has trails of varying difficulties, so there's something for everyone here, and you'll never get bored. There's a reason these are considered some of the best hiking trails in Manchester, CT.
The recreation area is over 600 acres in total, and it's perfect for exploration in any time of year, no matter your skill level.
Many of the paths wind through steep, rocky terrain, making them perfect challenges for more experienced hikers.
The most popular trail in the area is the three-mile Carriage Path. It's a white-blazed path connecting two parking lots. It's a little easier than some of the more difficult hikes in the area.
The network of trails is well-maintained and it's easy to combine different routes, making your adventure last as long as you want.
The area's name is a little misleading, as the actual summit of the trail system is the 644-foot Lookout Mountain. The peak can be reached from the pink, yellow, or white-blazed trails.
The white-blazed path will take you past Case Falls, a hybrid fall that's part natural, but enhanced by a dam. The cascade is quite pretty and drops about 25 feet in total.
This is such a lovely area and an underrated trail system in Connecticut!
Have you ever hiked or mountain biked at any of the Case Mountain hiking trails in Manchester, Ct? Share your experiences in the comments!
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