Finding Nature……… At Least Here in Connecticut

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Wildlife Observation Blind, Topsmead State Park, Litchfield CT

I have been getting alot of questions from people I know about where I find the amazing places I go and shoot here in Connecticut.  I have been getting them so often especially this spring and  summer that I thought I would share with everyone here on my blog.

Most of the people asking are not photographers but just people wanting to go out and see the things I have taken pictures of over the last couple of years.

OK OK OK,  I know a few of you do take pics while they are out…..

I just hope my enthusiasm about getting out there in the woods to shoot is what got you doing it to.

Ok here we go……

Connecticut has a plethora of state parks and forests and quite a few wildlife management areas.  Off the top of my head I can name half a dozen within 15 to 20 minute drive from my house.

 Connecticut State Parks and Forests

is a list of all of the Connecticut State Parks and Forests on the Connecticut Department of Energy & Enviromental Protection.  It is a great resource for finding alot of really great spots in CT, an even better way to do that in CT is to download an app….

The Official Guide for Connecticut State Parks by Pocket Ranger

With this app on your smartphone, you have no excuse, I have been using it for over a year now and it is fantastic!!!! it lists state parks and forests  has maps and gps ….. lists events at them, its just friggin awesome.  Pocket Ranger has made these for quite a few states so if your not in CT (I am sure most of you arent) you arent left out.

 

American Redstart in a Crabapple Tree, Wigwam Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Litchfield CT
American Redstart in a Crabapple Tree, Wigwam Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Litchfield CT

 

Another place I tend to gravitate towards are Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries run by groups like

The Audubon Society of Connecticut

A resource that many hikers dont really look into, because face it…. you dont think of hiking trails when you think of the Audubon Society.  You think of a bunch of bird geeks out with binoculars.

Not all of us are out there with binoculars.

I also go to a few places that are part of The Nature Conservancy

Buttermilk Falls, Plymouth Ct
Buttermilk Falls, Plymouth Ct

there are other resources I use also to help me decide what I am going to do when I do venture out.  I have been on a waterfall kick lately so I have found a few websites that deal with them.  The ones I have been to have been great hikes with the added beauty of the cooling waters……. even if cooled off by accident lol.

 

Race Brook Falls, Sheffield MA
Race Brook Falls, Sheffield MA

 

Connecticut Waterfalls

This is my favorite one for local waterfalls.  They are separated out by county which at least for me makes it easier to decide which ones I will be going to.

New England Falls

I have been using this one alot lately for Massachusetts waterfalls.  It is a website by the auther of the book “New England Waterfalls” as a companion to his book.  alot of good information, especially if your looking to make a weekend trip out some waterfall hunting.

 

For even more hiking ideas and trails there is the Connecticut Forest and Park Association

they manage all the blue blazed trails in Connecticut and also if you check their website different activities and programs that you can take part in.

I would also recommend doing something just a tad bit different also, something I have been able to use to get my kids off the couch and out into the woods hiking with me.

Geocaching

Its like a treasure hunt, people hide these containers somewhere and list the GPS cordinates in a database online and you go and search for them.  its is fun!

 

Ok I think that is enough for now.  I realize that alot of you who read this arent going to be in Connecticut.  A lot of what I offer can be found in your respective state website….. or town website.  It doesnt hurt to do a little research before going.

 

I hope to see ya all out on the trail soon!

well I thought I was done when I wrote that but I have been thinking about it and thought I would toss in some websites for you to use to find some terrific places of your own…..

 

Hiking in Connecticut on Everytrail.com

You can also search other states here and there are descriptions and comments on alot of the trails on here.

Hiking in Connecticut on Trails.com

Morte hiking trails and also other states

White Memorial Conservation Center

one of my all time favorite places to go….. hiking, kayaking, birdwatching.  In the winter there is cross country skiing, and bird watching lol

Which brings me to mention the last site I will post on here this time…..

Visit Connecticut!

Website of the Connecticut Office of  Tourism.  So many good ideas, so many places and events….. so many.

I hope this helps as much as they have all helped me.  I have to run, researching a Dark Sky place to go and try to get some Milky Way shots….

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