Exploring Fairfield County: Five family-friendly destinations to hikeby: lily hultgren '25
Throughout elementary and middle school, I claimed to not be an "outdoors-y" person. I preferred to stay inside where I was perfectly content to spend the whole day lounging on a comfy couch watching TV. Then, lockdown happened.. My mother began forcing me and my brothers to go on hikes in an effort to get some fresh air. What surprised me was that I actually enjoyed it. I began to seek refuge in nature and found that exploring the outdoors is actually one of my favorite methods of not only relaxation, but exercise as well. As I spent more time going outside and trying new trails, my love of hiking only grew. Fairfield county has a lot to offer for explorers with its many different trails. Here, I will share five of my favorite places to hike in Fairfield County. These locations are all relatively easy and are for the whole family to enjoy.
1. Wilton Town Forest
The Wilton Town Forest has a few trails available marked by different colors that are fairly easy to follow. The trails themselves are not too difficult as they are a reasonable length and have a few minor uphills and downhills spread out throughout it.
The trail itself is a loop so if you want to switch it up you can try starting at the other end of the loop. Not only are the trails for hiking, but they are also for mountain biking as well, another great outdoor activity. Many also bring their dogs along with them for a walk.
2. Lake Mohegan
Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, Lake Mohegan is a popular destination for families who often bring their dogs with them. The trail is relatively easy and there are also many opportunities to be by water. While there are some steeper sections and even a small section where you can walk on top of large rocks, there are other paths to take where there is a flat dirt path.
The trail surrounds Lake Mohegan, providing a calming and beautiful view. Whenever I visit I always see people skipping rocks. Lake Mohegan is one of my favorite places to visit as I enjoy the feeling of being by the lake and surrounded by the greens of the trees.
3. Devil's Den
The hike at the Devil's Den Preserve starts at the parking lot where you can choose what path to take to enter the preserve. The trails provide spots to view nature and a moderate hike that isn't too difficult. The terrain is also easy to follow and it isn't too long so you could have time to explore other paths you can take.
At Devil's Den, there is a great view of the water. Along the trail, there are rocks and a few benches where you can admire the water and take a rest while you look out at the water's surface and surrounding trees.
4. Earthplace
Earthplace in Westport, Connecticut, has a sanctuary that is open to the public. The sanctuary is 62-acres, and while the trails are shorter, you can hike in a loop and go through the different trails multiple times. At Earthplace there are plenty of places to be immersed in nature such as Frog Hollow Pond (pictured above).
If you look carefully, especially by the pond, you might be able to see some interesting wildlife. Recently, when I visited I was able to see a frog (pictured above). Along with frogs, the pond is home to many different animal species such as turtles, newts and other small organisms.
5. The Connecticut Audubon Society - Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary
The Connecticut Audubon Society's Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. The trail itself is simple so it’s perfect for a nice, calming walk alone or with company or have a sociable hike with friends and family.
The hike has many different views available whether it is different ponds, bridges, open fields, towering trees and many more. At the entrance of the sanctuary there should be a place where you can find copies of the trail map which should provide assistance in navigating the area.