I enjoy the outdoors. Much to my chagrin, other folks do too. There are times when the enjoyment of taking a nature walk, a hike, or simply a stroll is to find a slice of solitude. (Granted if I have my kids with me, I’m unsure if solitude is the best word.) Even on a recent hiking day trip to western Connecticut, on each hike, we ran into others on the trail. Living in the crowded Northeast, it’s hard to find an open space for yourself. In the following list of hikes are places that are often sparsely populated. There is a wide range too; some are quick paths in the woods, while others are much more involved. Let’s take a hike on these quiet trails.
The Plymouth Few
I spend much of my time in Plymouth. And as much as I love the town, it’s difficult to find a completely quiet trail. These three stops are among the less traveled in town.
West Recreation Walking Path – Plymouth, MA
This is just for little legs as this only traces the edge of a recreational space. The park consists of a baseball field, an expansive field, and a playground. Around the perimeter is a trail. Only a few feet into the woods, this is a perfect easy nature walk for the younger set. At one, my youngest enjoys following the trail while his brother is playing baseball nearby.
Halfway Pond Conservation Area – Plymouth, MA
Plymouth has lots of hiking options. Many are found in Myles Standish State Forest. This isn’t in the forest but in the land that abuts it. Follow Mast Road from Long Pond Road until you reach the parking lot, which is on the right-hand side. Enjoy a peaceful walk through pine barrens with views of the namesake pond. In the summer, you’ll see people enjoying the pond but won’t find many alongside you on the trail.
Center Hill Preserve – Plymouth, MA
Located on Center Hill Road, this walk is perfect for young children. There are two sections of this preserve, crossed by the road. The western portion is a loop walk through the forest, whereas the eastern section’s path travels through shady woodlands but soon exits onto a beach. The beachside walk is the best for children since it is very short. Young children will feel a sense of accomplishment in making the journey, whereas older ones may want more of a challenge.
The path dips under a canopy of deciduous and coniferous trees and rises again to meet the rugged terrain of the beach. This rocky and sandy outcropping is serene and a lovely change from crowded, more popular beaches. Typically, Center Hill is sparsely populated, even in the height of summer. The swath of beach accessible from the preserve is expansive. Look for basking seals at Center Hill’s beach.
South Elementary School Nature Trail – Hingham, MA
The trailhead for this walk is at the field adjacent to South Elementary School in Hingham. It dips into the woods and over wetlands which are ripe for exploration. Not a long walk, it’s another that will give younger children a sense of accomplishment for finishing it. The trail winds itself behind the popular Liberty Pole neighborhood.
White Mountains
Time to climb the Whites! Washington? Madison? Jefferson? Not quite, but still a hike… and with no people!
Rocky Brook Branch Trail – Bartlett, NH
Although Bartlett is the location of the ever-popular Story Land, this trail is far from it. Located at the end of a loooong dead end, this trail used to be a lot shorter but was rerouted due to an impasse. The trailhead is at the dead end of Jericho Road, located a ways off of Route 302 in Bartlett. It skirts along the Rocky Branch Brook, eventually emptying out along Route 16 at the northern trailhead in Jackson. Hike a little on either side and come back or try the whole 22 miles, up to you.
Mount Washington Valley Recreation Path – North Conway, NH
This is the antithesis of the Rocky Brook Branch Trail. Well, for one, it’s paved. I like to start this trail near the Cranmore Resort. Similar to Stowe’s (VT) Rec Path, this well-marked trail is suitable for biking, walking, or running. Different though is its direction. Its route is just outside of town instead of being a major two-wheeled thoroughfare. Although less accessible to the necessary stops in town, the plus is that it’s not very crowded.
Into Connecticut
We leave the Whites of New Hampshire to traverse the little-known gems of the Nutmeg State. These trails are not scaling mountains but instead, a few woodland jaunts that are sure to be deemed “quiet trails.”
Altschul Preserve – Stamford, CT
This green space is the antithesis of metropolitan Stamford. Hidden even to many Stamford lifers, it is a perfect place to take a quiet walk. Descend a hill and follow the path through a classic New England woodland. This is a perfect place for serene contemplation up and over hills dotted with stone walls. You’re likely to see few others here, so find yourself a fallen tree and take some time to enjoy the solitude and the wind rustling through the timbers. It’s located on Dundee Road in Stamford.
Colonial Heights – Ridgefield, CT
This small slice of a preserve is easy to miss. Ridgefield’s Colonial Heights is truly hidden. Located off of Pumping Station Road in Ridgefield, go a little farther and you’re in New York. The off-the-road lot has room for about one and a half vehicles and is marked by a small wooden sign. This narrow preserve cuts in between private lots but features a stream and a splice of natural New England habitat. Enjoy it!
Lowthorpe Meadow – Norwich, CT
Hidden in plain sight? Yes. Just off the main thoroughfares in Norwichtown is Lowthorpe Meadow. This meadow in Norwich, Connecticut, is a definite hidden gem, as even many residents are not familiar with it. Lowthorpe Meadow has paths that meander to and fro. There are brooks, a pond, and plenty of vegetation and wildlife to gaze upon. It’s a perfect bit of solitude to find that quiet trail that you’ve been waiting for.
Ellis Ruley State Park – Norwich, CT
On the other side of Norwich is Ellis Ruley State Park. Ellis Ruley was an outsider artist from Norwich who met an untimely and very questionable demise. His primitive art is now heralded and can be found in such far-reaching places as the Smithsonian, the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, and the Slater Museum in Norwich. The Ellis Ruley State Park is on the Norwich Freedom Trail. Visit the former home site of Ruley, on the East Side of town. The walk is guided with signs, and on most visits, you’ll be the only one there. It is located at 28 Hammond Avenue
Into Vermont
Sunset Rock – Stowe, VT
Stowe is by far the most touristy town in the state. So why then is the quiet trail recommendation in Stowe? For many Vermont visitors, Stowe is the location to visit. It’s hard to find a slice of solitude on the Rec Path, Bingham Falls or even on Mt. Mansfield. Sunset Rock, which is easily accessible from the village off of Sunset Road or from Tabor Hill Road, is one of these such quiet trails even though it’s close to the action. A steep climb affords the hiker gorgeous views of the village below and the surrounding landscape.
Over the Border
We were almost in New York a few trails ago, so let’s head there now.
Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area – Red Hook, NY
For this stop on our quiet trails, we’re heading to Red Hook. No, not the section of Brooklyn, but a small town in the Catskills. Located in the middle of the gorgeous Route 199 is the Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area. Pull into the lot alongside the road and start the hike. It’s gorgeous, with woods and a pond. This scenic hike provides a quick walk or a longer exploration. It’s up to you.
For these quiet trails, we’ve scoured four states finding the best and quietest trails for you to enjoy!
