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

Alewife Cove Gateway Trail

Ocean Beach Park, Neptune Avenue, New London

The nature trail is part of the 50-acre city-owned beach park. It’s a short though pleasant and easy path through dunes and along Alewife Cove to where it meets Long Island Sound. There’s an observation deck that looks out over Long Island Sound, the mouth of Thames River and Ledge Light. There are benches near the entrance and along the trail, and it is handicapped accessible. For more information, visit the Ocean Beach Park website.

Connecticut College Arboretum

Williams Street, New London, across from Connecticut College campus.

Connecticut College owns more than 100 acres that includes marked, mostly flat trails through various natural and landscaped habitats, plus collections of holly, conifers and flowering shrubs and laurel and other types. The wildflower garden is especially lovely in the springtime. There are a variety of habitats, including pond and bog areas, the Bolleswood Natural Area forest, meadows and swamps. For more information, go to the arboretum's website.