Camping near the New England National Scenic Trail

Stretching 215 miles across Connecticut and Massachusetts, the New England Trail (NET) traces historic ridgelines, quiet forests, and classic New England countryside. Built from the Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock Trails—known together as the iconic Triple-M route—the NET offers campers everything from quick afternoon rambles to full-blown thru-hikes that run from Long Island Sound all the way to the New Hampshire border.

If you're planning to backpack or take on a longer section, know that official on-trail camping options are limited. That’s where Hipcamp comes in. You’ll find private campsites, cozy cabins, tent platforms, and farm stays all along the corridor, giving you more flexibility, quieter nights, and easier logistics between trail segments.

Along the way, expect the landscapes that make this region unforgettable: hardwood forests that glow at golden hour, rolling farmland dotted with old stone walls, misty river valleys, and rocky cliffs with sweeping views. Two of the most memorable stops include Heublein Tower, a 165-foot lookout perched high above Hartford, and Castle Craig, a stone tower with panoramic views of Hubbard Park and the surrounding hills—perfect for sunrise and sunset.

The best time to camp and hike here? Fall is unbeatable—think fiery reds, warm golds, and crunchy leaf-covered paths. But whether you’re hiking a mellow half-day stretch or chasing a multi-state adventure, the NET delivers year-round beauty, quiet, and classic New England charm.