4 Best Hiking Trails Around UConn

Are you looking to get a break from the semester-end studying? Looking to escape the constant rush of people around campus? Well you’re in luck! We’ve assembled a list of the four best, easily accessible hiking trails and land preserves within walking distance of Storrs, CT.

1. UConn Forest is the closest hiking area to the Storrs Campus. It has several trailheads behind Horsebarn Hill, leading to a network of trails interwoven with the Fenton River. Connecticut’s 34 mile Nipmuck Trail runs through the UConn forest, blazed in blue, but UConn’s own Forestry Club maintains other, smaller trails linking it to Horsebarn Hill. This trail system is definitely the longest near UConn, offers fishing and hiking and a number of old structures slowly being reclaimed by nature. Of particular interest are the ruins of the “Husky Hill” ski area, opened in 1967. The lift towers for the two rope-tows and a hand-warming hut still persevere.
2. Eagleville Preserve is a small park adjacent to the Eagleville Pond and Willimantic River. The pond has a large dam which can be particularly impressive after a strong rainfall. The trails themselves are pretty short, but there are areas for picnics north of the bridge, and secret wrought-iron benches hidden along the bends of the river, south of the bridge.
3. The River Park is located at the northern end of Eagleville Pond, and offers fishing and canoeing spots in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. There is also a picnic area and free parking. The park is ideal for water-related activities as the hiking trails only stretch about half a mile.
4. Shelter Falls Park is a small park located between Depot Campus and the main campus. It features 1.7 miles of hiking trails through wetlands along the Nelson Brook and culminates at an abandoned mill on Bonemill Road. It can be accessed through trailheads off of Hunting Lodge Road, at Mansfield’s Four Corners or from Bone Mill Road. It features some good picnic spots, fishing, and it is one of the few trails around UConn where biking—motor or mountain—is permitted.