Article Summary: Connecticut National Parks
Connecticut National Parks! We’ve got five incredible national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Constitution State.
I grew up in the northeast and Connecticut is one of my absolute favorite states to visit. While Connecticut does not have many national park sites, each one is beautiful and worth a visit if you’re in the area.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
To be clear, these are national park sites (as in managed by the National Park Service) but they are not capital letter National Parks. There are only 63 of those (so far). To learn the difference check out our article which explains it.
If you’re planning a trip to the Constitution State then one book that I highly recommend is: Connecticut Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit!
We’re going to give you five reasons why you’ll want to make Connecticut your next vacation destination.
Table Of Contents: National Parks In Connecticut
Connecticut National Parks
1. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Connecticut National Parks includes the longest hiking trail in the world.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) is a 2,190-mile long hiking trail that runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
It was first conceptualized by Benton MacKaye in 1921, and was officially completed in 1937 after more than a decade of work by volunteers and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The trail was designated as the first National Scenic Trail by the National Trails System Act of 1968, and has since become one of the most popular and well-known long-distance hiking trails in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Over the years, the AT has been maintained and protected by various organizations, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which was established in 1925.
The Appalachian Trail In Connecticut
The Appalachian Trail in Connecticut is maintained by the Connecticut Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
The Connecticut section of the trail extends from Sherman at the New York state line to the brook crossing at Sage’s Ravine, just north of the Massachusetts state line at Salisbury.
CHECK OUT: 18 BEAUTIFUL Massachusetts National Parks
2. Coltsville National Historical Park
For someone who taught history for almost thirty years and who remains lifelong history buff, one of my favorite Connecticut National Parks is the Coltsville National Historical Park.
Coltsville National Historical Park is dedicated to preserving the legacy of industrialist and inventor Samuel Colt, and the story of the city’s transformation into a major center of innovation and industry.
Here’s a brief overview of its history:
- 1836-1860s: Samuel Colt established a firearms manufacturing empire in Hartford, and the city became a hub of innovation and industry.
- 20th century: The Colt Manufacturing Company remained a major employer in the city, but by the mid-20th century, the company had moved its operations elsewhere and the area fell into decline.
- 2008: The area was designated as a National Historical Park, with the goal of preserving and interpreting the story of Samuel Colt and the city’s industrial heritage.
Today, Coltsville National Historical Park is a unique and fascinating destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of industrialization and innovation, and the story of one of the most influential entrepreneurs in American history.
The park includes the restored Colt Armory, the Colt Gateway, and several other historic buildings, as well as hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and educational programs.
CHECK OUT: 25 EPIC New York State National Parks To Visit
More Connecticut National Parks
3. New England National Scenic Trail
The Connecticut National Parks feature not one, but two amazing scenic trails.
The New England National Scenic Trail is a 215-mile long trail that runs through the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The trail passes through some of the most beautiful and historically rich areas of New England, offering outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers an opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Here’s a brief overview of its history and features:
- Designation: The New England National Scenic Trail was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 2009, becoming the newest addition to the National Scenic Trail system.
- Route: The trail runs from Long Island Sound in Connecticut to the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, passing through rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic farmland along the way.
- Recreational opportunities: The trail offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and bird-watching.
- Conservation: The trail passes through several important natural areas, including state forests, wildlife refuges, and state parks, and is an important tool for the conservation of New England’s natural heritage.
CHECK OUT: These EPIC New Hampshire National Parks Are Worth Visiting
4. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
Our next Connecticut National Park commemorates an important alliance during the American Revolution.
The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail is a network of roads and routes that trace the journey of General Washington and the French General Rochambeau during the American Revolution.
Here’s a brief overview of its history:
- 1781: In the summer of 1781, General Washington and General Rochambeau, along with their respective armies, traveled from Newport, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia to participate in the decisive battle of the American Revolution.
- 1991: The trail was established as a National Historic Trail, becoming the first to commemorate the important role that the French played in the American Revolution.
- 2000s: Efforts have been underway to further preserve and interpret the trail, including the creation of interpretive centers, the marking of trail segments, and the promotion of educational programs.
Today, the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail is a popular destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and other f
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Revolutionary War Sites In America
Still More Connecticut National Parks
5. Weir Farm National Historical Park
The final site on our list of Connecticut National Parks celebrates art for arts sake.
Weir Farm National Historical Park is dedicated to preserving the legacy of American Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir and the rich artistic heritage of the farm and surrounding area.
Here’s a brief overview of its history:
- Late 1800s-early 1900s: J. Alden Weir purchased the farm in 1882 and transformed it into an artists’ colony, attracting a vibrant community of artists, writers, and musicians.
- 1960s: The farm was purchased by the National Park Service with the goal of preserving its artistic and cultural heritage.
- Today: Weir Farm National Historical Park is a popular destination for art lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscape and rich cultural history of the area. The park includes the restored Weir House, studio, and other historic structures, as well as hiking and picnicking areas.
Weir Farm National Historical Park is an important part of the nation’s cultural heritage, and is widely recognized for its contributions to the development of American art and culture.
The park offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America’s most influential artists, and the story of the artists’ colony that he created on the farm.
CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)
Check Out Our Acadia National Park Film
MTJP | Acadia is the culmination of several weeks spent exploring Acadia National Park during peak fall color. This film is, in part, a celebration of Acadia’s upcoming centennial. It is dedicated to George Dorr.
Sculpted by Glaciers and landscaped by beavers, Acadia is full of wonderfully unique features. Rounded mountains, tranquil ponds, rocky coastline, & some of the most beautiful trails in the world comprise this marvelous wonder.
This film was shot entirely in 4K. Acadia National Park is unlike any other in the system sitting on Mt. Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula of Maine.
We chose to film the park during Autumn due to it’s reputation as one of the best places to see fall foliage in the world. What we witnessed and captured did not disappoint. Acadia is a quieter National Park that features one of the most beautiful road systems of any of the National Parks and boasts the first point in the United States the sun touches each morning.
Some of the locations we captured include: Jordan Pond, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Otter Cliffs, Cadillac Mountain, Beaver Ponds, Schoodic Peninsula, and more.
Connecticut National Parks FAQ
Connecticut ranks among the nation’s top states for quality of life. Great public schools, scenic suburbs, a low crime rate, vibrant yet manageable cities, access to exceptional healthcare, and a diverse array of recreational options are just a few of the reasons why so many enjoy living here.
The following is a list of must-see historic sites in Connecticut:
Mystic Seaport Museum
Weir Farm National Historical Park
Mark Twain House
Coltsville National Historical Park
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
New England National Scenic Trail
Submarine Force Museum
Nathan Hale Homestead
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
Fort Trumbull
Nathan Hale’s Schoolhouse
Harkness Mansion & Park
Putnam Cottage
Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden
Why Trust Us About Connecticut National Parks?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
Map Of Connecticut National Parks
List Of Connecticut National Parks
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- Coltsville National Historical Park
- New England National Scenic Trail
- Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
- Weir Farm National Historical Park
We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then sign up below!
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