The Top 9 Hiking Spots Near Candlewood Lake
When you call Candlewood Isle home, you’re not just embracing lakeside living; you’re also in close proximity to a wealth of natural treasures. Hiking enthusiasts, both beginners and experienced trekkers, are in for a treat as we unveil the top 10 hiking spots near Candlewood Isle, each offering a unique attraction and ready for exploration all year round.
- Squantz Pond State Park
- Distance: Approx. 2 miles
- Attraction: Hike around the stunning Squantz Pond or take the Squantz Pond Trail to enjoy breathtaking lake views. This park is an all-year-round hiking destination.
- Address: 178 Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812
- Website: Squantz Pond State Park
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Head southeast on Candlewood Isle towards Lakeside Trail, turn left onto Squantz Pond Road, and you’ll find the park on your left.
- Ball Pond State Park
- Distance: Approx. 2.5 miles
- Attraction: This tranquil park offers a lovely hike around Ball Pond, ideal for birdwatching and nature appreciation. It’s a great all-year-round spot.
- Address: 129 East Chestnut Land Road, New Milford, CT 06776
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Head northwest on Candlewood Isle towards Candlewood Springs, continue onto Candlewood Springs, and you’ll find the park to your right.
- Putnam Memorial State Park
- Distance: Approx. 3 miles
- Attraction: Explore the park’s extensive trail system, taking you through historical and picturesque landscapes. Open year-round for hiking and history enthusiasts.
- Address: 499 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding, CT 06896
- Website: Putnam Memorial State Park
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Take Candlewood Isle towards Long Hill Road, then take Route 39 North. Follow the signs to the park entrance on your right.
- Mountain Pond Preserve
- Distance: Approx. 4 miles
- Attraction: Experience a peaceful escape as you hike the serene trails around Mountain Pond. The preserve is accessible all year.
- Address: 280 Chestnut Land Road, New Milford, CT 06776
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Head northwest on Candlewood Isle, turn right onto East Chestnut Land Road, and you’ll find the preserve to your left.
- Pine Mountain Reserve
- Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
- Attraction: Explore the pristine woods, meadows, and wetlands of Pine Mountain Reserve. It’s open year-round, offering a wide array of trails for hiking.
- Address: Pine Mountain Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812
- Website: Pine Mountain Reserve
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Take Candlewood Isle towards Long Hill Road, then take a left onto Route 37 South. Continue onto Pine Mountain Road until you reach the reserve.
- Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
- Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles
- Attraction: Head into New York for this nature escape. The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation features miles of trails and is accessible throughout the year.
- Address: 6 Reservation Road, Cross River, NY 10518
- Website: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Take Candlewood Isle towards Long Hill Road and head southeast. After crossing into New York, follow the signs to the reservation.
- Bear Mountain Reservation
- Distance: Approx. 3 miles
- Attraction: Bear Mountain, known for its challenging hikes and stunning vistas. Open year-round.
- Address: Bear Mountain Reservation, 17 Bear Mountain Road Danbury
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Turn left on RT-39 when exiting the Isle for 1.2 miles then turn left onto Saw mill road for 500ft turn left onto Wood Creek Road for .06 miles then turn right onto Bear Mountain Road for .09 miles
- 8. Pawling Nature Reserve
- Distance: Approx. 5 miles
- Attraction: Cross the border to New York and explore the Pawling Nature Reserve with its various hiking trails. It’s a year-round destination.
- Address: West Dover Road, Pawling, NY 12564
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Take Candlewood Isle towards Long Hill Road and head southeast. After crossing into New York, follow the signs to the reserve.
- Deer Pond Farm
- Distance: Approx. 5 miles
- Attraction: The Deer Pond Farm offers an enchanting experience with its diverse trails. This reserve is open for hiking year-round.
- Address: 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784
- Website: Deer Pond Farm
- Getting There from Candlewood Isle: Head north on Candlewood Isle
