Does your ideal Mystic getaway involve exploring, experiencing nature, and utilizing the fresh air around? Luckily for you adventurous folks, Mystic has a variety of hiking and walking trails to give you just that. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites and narrowed it down to “The 5 Best Walking and Hiking Trails Around Mystic”.
1. River Road – Just over the drawbridge from the Inn
A walk, run, or bike along River Road will allow you to soak up the great views of the water and animals, while looking across to see the Mystic Seaport. While it is a shared space with cars, this great scenic route along the Mystic river will allow you to soak up the great views of the river as well as the historic tall ships located at Mystic Seaport Museum. Just steps from the Inn, be sure to ask about this picturesque location when booking your next visit.
2. Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Palmer Neck Road, Pawcatuck CT.
Located right in Pawcatuck, barn island is a set of trails that sit on more than 1,000 acres of salt and freshwater marshes, hardwood forests, and fields. The trails are moderate which are great for hiking and dog walking. With great ponds and marshes around, your furry friend will love to explore every nook and cranny of the trails. Along with great walking trails and views, there is also a boat launch with plenty of parking to allow boats easy access in and out of the water. Opening at sunrise and closing at sunset, barn island can be enjoyed all year round.
3. Coogan Farm – 162 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic CT 06355
Our next stop in Mystic is the Coogan Farm. Trails lead you through the orchard and the Giving Garden and are open from sunrise to sunset. These trails also connect to the trails of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and the Avalonia Land Conservancy property. Be sure to visit their website to check out their calendar of events. From cooking to beekeeping classes, a visit to Coogan Farm is sure to expand your love of nature.
4. Paffard Woods – N. Main Street, Stonington CT 06378
With such great trails in Mystic it’s hard to move on to other surrounding towns. However a local secret, located in neighboring Stonington, Paffard Woods is a great location with diverse terrain ranging from heavily wooded glacial valley to salt marsh on a tidal cove. Paffard Woods sits on 62 acres of land which was preserved in 2003 and has been a great location to explore and hike through the wilderness.
5. Bluff Point – 55 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340
Drawing our journey to an end is Bluff Point. The last spot on our list of “The 5 Best Walking and Hiking Trails Around Mystic”is located just a short drive from the Inn in the town Groton. Sitting on a peninsula on Long Island Sound is a great walking, biking, and salt water fishing location. A 3.6 mile walk round trip on the main loop along the sound, leads you to a great siting spot at the point which overlooks the sound. Bluff point is great for all ages and your four-legged friends as well. Don’t be surprised while if, while walking the trails, you come across a horse or two, as it’s a great spot with even terrine. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to fuel up with as you rest from your hike and soak in the views.
As there are many other locations in the surrounding area with great hiking and walking trails, here are five to get you started on your exploration around you.
About the Author: A Mystic area native, Courtney has been with The Whaler’s Inn since August of 2017. In her time away from the Inn, Courtney keeps busy while pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Be sure to ask Courtney for her favorite local recommendations during your next visit.
