Ten family-friendly hikes in New England
Jeff Romano for The Boston Globe
Penwood State Park
With long wooded ridges, a secluded mountain pond, and quaint viewpoints, this Connecticut park is an 800-acre oasis minutes from downtown Hartford. With an occasional steep ascent, the changing terrain lures all to discover the next showy wildflower or melodious songbird around the bend.
Hike: After a brief stint north along the paved road, bear left up the Metacomet Trail. Hike past Lake Louise to a scenic pinnacle overlook. Retrace your steps and pick up the yellow-blazed trail leading south from the lake’s outlet stream. The 4-mile loop winds past quiet vistas before concluding.
Trailhead: Located at park entrance, off Route 185 in Bloomfield. Use first parking lot on right.
With long wooded ridges, a secluded mountain pond, and quaint viewpoints, this Connecticut park is an 800-acre oasis minutes from downtown Hartford. With an occasional steep ascent, the changing terrain lures all to discover the next showy wildflower or melodious songbird around the bend.
Hike: After a brief stint north along the paved road, bear left up the Metacomet Trail. Hike past Lake Louise to a scenic pinnacle overlook. Retrace your steps and pick up the yellow-blazed trail leading south from the lake’s outlet stream. The 4-mile loop winds past quiet vistas before concluding.
Trailhead: Located at park entrance, off Route 185 in Bloomfield. Use first parking lot on right.
Jeffrey Romano, author of ‘‘100 Classic Hikes in New England’’ (2010) and ‘‘Best Loop Hikes: From New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the Maine Coast’’ (2006), can be reached at www.jeffreyromano.com