This Connecticut City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
Located about 25 miles northwest of Hartford, Connecticut鈥檚 capital, is the small town of New Hartford, home to just 6,700 residents. While this town may seem rather unassuming at first sight, those who spend a day or two here will quickly discover the town's hidden beauty. Whitewater tubing along the Farmington River, hiking through the lush Nepaug State Forest, and even hot air ballooning above the Litchfield Hills are just a few of the wild attractions that await those who venture out. If you are looking for a quiet escape into nature for your 2025 travels, you will love what New Hartford has in store.
Hiking And Walking Trails
Nepaug State Forest, situated about 15 minutes south of New Hartford, features over 3,000 acres of diverse terrain, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Some of the trails to consider exploring include the Valley Outlook Trail and Tunxis Trail, which pass through a mix of babbling brooks, open fields, dense forests, rolling hills, and green woodlands. In the fall months, these trails are great spots to appreciate fall foliage as well. Depending on the time of year, these trails may be suitable for cross-country skiing as well. Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area neighbors Nepaug State Forest, and although it is more popular for water recreation, there are several short hiking trails that visitors can explore near the Farmington River.
Water-Based Recreation
While visiting Satan's Kingdom, be sure to take some time to tube down the Farmington River, a favorite local pastime. The tube ride stretches about two and a half miles, offering a mix of calm waters and exhilarating rapids, including Class I, II, and III whitewater. The intensity varies depending on recent rainfall and river levels. Travelers can rent a tube from Farmington River Tubing, which provides equipment and access to the river for $30 per person. If you bring your own tube, however, you can access the river for free!
Snow-Based Recreation
If you are visiting New Hartford between early December and late March, you may have the chance to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding. Ski Sundown offers 70 skiable acres and 17 trails, 16 of which are illuminated for night skiing. With terrain suited for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, it is a great spot for both new and more experienced skiers. If you are looking to learn how to ski or simply refine your skills, the resort鈥檚 school is an excellent starting point. The Ski Sundown Snowsports School offers private and group lessons for children and adults, led by expert instructors. The resort also features a rental and repair shop, a modern lodge with two food courts, a 10,000-square-foot scenic mountain-view patio, and an apr猫s-ski lounge. Beyond the slopes, Ski Sundown hosts a variety of winter events, including winter fests, ski-a-thon charity events, Christmas celebrations, and brew fests, so be sure to check the event calendar before booking your trip!
Wildlife And Birdwatching
The New Hartford area has been protecting its wildlife for decades. The McLean Game Refuge, located just 20 minutes from New Hartford, has been a cherished refuge in the community since 1932. This wildlife sanctuary spans multiple towns, covering 4,400 acres in total. Its diverse ecosystems include open meadows, various forest types, trap rock ridges, and cold water streams. The refuge is home to more than 60 tree species and 100 bird species, including locally threatened birds like the American kestrel and northern harrier. Visitors may also spot mammals such as fishers, black bears, coyotes, and deer, while the area's wetlands, bogs, and kettle ponds provide the ideal habitat for a variety of amphibians, fish, and reptiles.
To see some of the area鈥檚 native species up close, travelers can spend an afternoon at the Roaring Brook Nature Center. This nature center has a wildlife clinic that rehabilitates injured or ill animals from the area with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Some of the animals that visitors might be able to spot in the refuge include red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, eastern screech owls, barred owls, possums, turtles, and snakes.
Parks And Green Spaces
Brodie Park, the most prominent community park in New Hartford, is located just eight minutes west of downtown. This beautiful park covers approximately 200 acres and is home to West Hill Lake. Visitors can explore 50 acres of fields and woods along the lakeside, as well as enjoy two tennis courts, a 4-hoop basketball court, a sand volleyball court, a 5,000-square-foot skate park, and a large playground. Many community events, including kids' summer camps and summer concert series, take place in Berkshire Hall, located behind the basketball and tennis courts, making the park an important gathering spot.
On the opposite side of New Hartford, in the southeast along Route 44, visitors will find the cozy Chapin Park, shaded with picturesque oak, maple, and ash trees. Though small, this park plays an important role in the community, hosting ceremonies each Memorial Day and Veterans鈥� Day to honor war heroes and veterans. In winter, it also features a seasonal ice skating rink, creating the perfect traditional New England town green atmosphere!
Hot Air Balloon Excursions
You've hiked, biked, and tubed your way through New Hartford, so what's next? Maybe taking in the town from above on a hot air balloon! Berkshire Balloons, based in New Hartford, offers travelers a chance to see the Litchfield Hills and Farmington Valley from above. As one of Connecticut's oldest ballooning companies, it provides rides with veteran pilots who have been flying for over 36 years, ensuring travelers a safe and expert-led experience. Flights typically take off shortly after sunrise when winds are calmer. Once in the air, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views from 50 to 100 miles above the terrain, sometimes even spotting three or four states at once!
Final Thoughts
Travelers who enjoy discovering lesser-known attractions will find New Hartford to be well worth the trip. Not only does it have beautiful forests and rivers, but it also offers the added benefit of fewer crowds, even during peak travel months. Whether you are seeking an adventurous hot air balloon ride in the clouds or a peaceful afternoon at Brodie Park, you are sure to feel connected to nature in New Hartford.
