People all over the country are taking to the trails this weekend for National Trails Day, and Connecticut is hosting its own Connecticut Trails Weekend, listing hundreds of hiking options across the state. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association has listed hundreds of options, from leisurely strolls, to walks through historical sites, to expert level hikes up steep terrain. Locally, many organizations are hosting events and hanging out welcome signs. For more hikes in the region, visit the hiking guide. For events specific to Trails Day, see our Trails Day calendar or visit www.ctwoodlands.org.

Beebe Pond Park

Noank and Fishtown roads, Mystic

There is a small dirt parking area at the entrance off Route 215.

Beebe Pond Park is owned by the Town of Groton and encompasses 97 acres of woodlands with a salt pond, remnants of an old mill, stone walls, swamps and streams. Trails are easy to moderate. There are many rock outcrops, ledges and large glacial boulders throughout property. Stay on the marked blue, red and yellow trails and avoid the unmarked trails. For more information, visit the Groton Parks and Recreation website.

Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve

55 Depot Road, Groton

There is ample parking in dirt lot at the trailhead.

Bluff Point, which is owned and managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection, is 800 acres of coastal forest, salt marsh, rocky shoreline and tidal areas on Long Island Sound. There are about four miles of marked trails. Saltwater fishing and shellfishing with a permit is also allowed. The foundation of the Winthrop House is located at a marked site off the main trail. The main trail leads to a rocky promontory with scenic views of Fishers Island Sound. Bushy Point beach has nesting areas for piping plovers, terns and oystercatchers.

Haley Farm State Park

Haley Farm Lane, Groton

There are about 15 spots are available at the entrance to the farm.

This 267-acre park is popular among bicyclists and dog walkers alike. Bicyclists can take advantage of both the 0.8-mile bike trail on the property or take the bridge over the railroad tracks to get to Bluff Point State Park. Hikers will find an open grassy area by the parking lot where old farm buildings once stood. A handful of trails branch off from this area; they’re unmarked but easy to follow. The park is known for its stone walls, which according to the DEEP, were built by past owner and farmer Caleb Haley. For more information, go to the state DEEP website or the Groton Open Space Association.

Mortimer Wright Nature Preserve

360 Groton Long Point Rd, Groton

There is room for a few cars along the driveway before the trailhead.

This 88-acre property is owned by the Town of Groton. The wide, unmarked trail is a former road, leading to a horse farm on private property. The flat trail is about a quarter mile each way and would be an easy walk for children. There are woodlands, wetlands and Eccleston Brook. Maps are available on the Town of Groton website.

Pequot Woods

Sandy Hollow Road, Mystic

Sandy Hollow Road is off Allyn Street near Exit 89. The entrance to Pequot Woods is about a quarter mile down the road. There is a small dirt parking lot at the entrance.

Pequot Woods, which is owned by the Town of Groton, encompasses 140 acres, with more than two miles of marked trails through woodlands and wetlands. Visitors will pass stone walls, streams and a pond with beaver dams and lodge. Several benches are located along the trails.

Groton Open Space Association’s Sheep Farm

245 Hazelnut Hill Road, Groton

There is a designated parking lot marked by a “Sheep Farm” sign.

This 63-acre tract features approximately two miles of trails through a diverse terrain. The farm includes remnants of agricultural and industrial operations, including an early 18th century gristmill along Fort Hill Brook and the Samuel Edgecomb House. Edgecomb’s son became famous for his efforts to fight off British troops during the Revolutionary War by throwing 18-pound shots over the walls of Fort Griswold. For more information, go to the Groton Open Space Association website.