New England National Scenic Trail

Also referred to as the NET, this 215-mile hiking trail route winds through 41 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts. It's comprised primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (M-M-M) Trail systems, aka the Triple-M Trail.

While hiking or biking on this trail, you're sure to run into classic landscapes New England is known for. There are hardwood forests, farmland, mountain ridges, large river valleys, wooded wetlands and more. One notable man-made feature along the trail is the 165-foot-tall Heublein Tower which offers hikers panoramic views of Hartford, Connecticut. Travel 30 miles south to East Peak in the Hanging Hills, and you'll find another man-made creation with stunning views. Castle Craig, built in 1900 out of local trap rock, is a 32-foot-high observation tower that overlooks Hubbard Park.

Those looking to thru-hike should know that it is possible to hike from Long Island Sound in Guilford, CT all the way to the New Hampshire border. However, there are a limited amount of cabins, lean-tos, and campsites available for hikers. If you need camping along the way, check out Hipcamp for both private and public campground listings.

The best time to visit the trail is in the fall when you can marvel at the vibrant autumn leaves with their rich red, yellow and orange hues. But any time of year is the perfect time to experience the natural beauty of New England.