People all over the country are taking a walk this weekend for National Trails Day, and Connecticut is hosting its own Connecticut Trails Weekend 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.

The Pequot Trail

Route 165 and Old Jewett City Road, Preston

There’s also a trail head at the intersection of Shewville Road and Coachman Pike in Ledyard. There are no signs, but the start of the trail is marked by double blue blazes on a telephone poles.

Pequot Trail runs from Route 165 in Preston to Shewville Road in Ledyard, passing under power lines and past wetlands, rock formations and managed forest. It crosses a mixture of private and public land, and is managed by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.

Avery Preserve

Avery Hill Road, Ledyard

The preserve straddles both sides of Avery Hill and is home to several interesting features on three trails, including an old sheep-washing pen, Billings-Avery Brook, and Mill Pond Dam. The trail is recommended for hiking, birdwatching and photography. It is owned by the Avalonia Land Conservancy.

Kettlehole Trail

Avery Hill Road Ext., Ledyard

There is a dirt parking lot in front of the entrance. The Kettlehole Trail runs around the rim and into the center of a glacial kettlehole, created by a large chunk of ice that melted after the glacier retreated. Most kettleholes become bogs or ponds, which makes this dry kettlehole a rare sight. It is owned by the Town of Ledyard.

Ledyard Glacial Park

Whalehead Road, Ledyard

Glacial Park is another trail through glacial formations. It crosses a field of boulders ranging in size from beach balls to buses that were left behind when glaciers retreated across Ledyard. The main trail winds right through a moraine, so wear sturdy shoes or take an alternate loop around the boulders. It is owned by the Town of Ledyard. For more information, go to the town's Parks and Recreation website.

Pine Swamp Wildlife Corridor

Entrances are off Whalehead Road and Vinegar Hill Road, both in Ledyard.

Four marked trails pass through wetlands, shrubs and forests in an area that has been mostly undisturbed since colonial times. The property features lots of habitat for amphibians and other wildlife, so dogs must be leashed. It is owned by the Avalonia Land Conservancy.

Poquetanuck Cove Preserve

Avery Hill Road, Ledyard

Even though it’s a short drive from both casinos, Poquetanuck Cove Preserve provides a quiet place for hiking. The 1.5-mile trail passes through a mixed forest with beautiful views of Poquetanuck Cove. Kayak access to the cove is available up the road on Cider Mill Road in Preston. It is owned by the Connecticut Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.

Stoddard Hill State Park

Route 12, Gales Ferry

The unmarked driveway down to the boat launch and the trailhead is on your left, just past Stonybrook Road off Route 12. If you hit Cardinal Lane, you’ve gone too far. Stoddard Hill’s 30-minute looped trail is easy to follow and features large rock formations, views of the Thames River and an old cemetery for the Stoddard family. There’s also water access for canoes and kayaks. It is owned by the State of Connecticut. For more information, go to the state DEEP website..