Now that the weather is finally warm, and there’s no snow on the ground, it’s time to break out the sneakers and backpacks and head out on the hiking trails.
The following are the top 5 hiking spots you can’t miss this summer, as voted by Register Citizen readers.

View Top 5 Hiking Spots in Litchfield County in a larger map

#5 - Kent Falls State Park, Cornwall Bridge
According to BerkshireHiking.org, Kent Falls has a short, but steep hiking trail up the falls. The trail is about 1/4 mile, and goes to an elevation of up to 200 feet. View a map of the park here.
Entrance to the park is free on weekdays and weekends from November 1 through Memorial Day. There is a parking fee of $9 for Connecticut vehicles and $15 for non-Connecticut vehicles on weekends from Memorial Day through October 31.

Image courtesy of Google Maps.

#4 - Burr Pond State Park, Torrington
According to a map on the Connecticut Department Environmental Protection's website, Burr Pond State Park features four trails that circle the pond, with several scenic viewpoints and picnic spots.
There are weekday parking fees of $6 for Connecticut vehicles and $10 for non-Connecticut vehicles. There are weekend parking fees of $9 for Connecticut vehicles and $15 for non-Connecticut vehicles.

Image courtesy of Google Maps.

#3 - Mohawk State Forest, Cornwall/Goshen
According to BerkshireHiking.org, Mohawk State Forest features 30 miles of trails. The trails are split into three main trail sets, and there are picnic areas, scenic vistas, and fire pits, all of which can be found on the DEP's map of the park.
There are no parking fees for Mohawk State Forest. The park is open daily from April to November.

Image courtesy of Google Maps.

#2 - Haystack Mountain, Norfolk
According to the DEP map, Haystack Mountain features three main trails and a large stone tower, which provides a 360-degree view of the mountain.
There is no parking fee for Haystack Mountain.

Image courtesy of Google Maps.

#1 - White Memorial, Litchfield
According to whitememorialcc.org, White Memorial features over 35 miles of trails, and many areas of wildlife conservation.
There are no parking fees for White Memorial.

Image courtesy of Google Maps.