Connecticut's Hiking Through History Gets Underway This Month for Sixth Year

Connecticut residents are urged to “grab your walking shoes” and participate in a series of hikes highlighting some of Connecticut’s most scenic and historic locations. The Museum of Connecticut History, located at the Connecticut State Library, kicks off its sixth year of “Hiking Through History” on Friday, May 15 with a guided tour of Dividend Pond Trails and Archaeological District in Rocky Hill.

The Hiking Through History series offers a unique opportunity to explore Connecticut on foot. Each tour is led by Museum Curator Patrick Smith, who conducts extensive research to select locations that offer a mixture of scenic beauty, interesting history, and fascinating legends and lore. The series offers monthly hikes at different locations in Connecticut May through October 2026.

In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, two of this year’s hikes will feature sites related to the American Revolution:

• The hike on June 5 will explore Fort Griswold in Groton and Fort Trumbull in New London, both of which played a big role in Connecticut’s defense of the shoreline.

• On July 24, hikers will convene in Hartford to discover the impact of the Revolution on what was then one of the state’s capital cities. This hike will also include a visit to the Museum’s Connecticut’s Revolution exhibit (opening July 4, 2026), commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Connecticut’s role in the Revolutionary War.

On August 28, hikers will convene in Norwich to explore the Norwich Heritage Walk and the newly refurbished Uncas Leap Heritage area. The series will then visit West Rock in Hamden on September 18 for fantastic overlooks and Connecticut colonial history. On October 9, the 2026 Hiking Through History series concludes with a walk through Old Furnace State Park in Killingly to discover its rich industrial past and current natural beauty.

All Hiking Through History walks begin at 10 a.m. and are approximately two hours in duration. There is no fee to participate, but registration is required. Participants may choose one, some, or all the hikes. Space is limited; first come, first served.

Upon registration, additional information will be shared about each hike. Most hikes are designed for a leisurely to moderate walking pace. Some trails are unpaved and often uneven; user discretion is advised. Appropriate walking gear is recommended. Guests are encouraged to bring water and a snack, as well as sunscreen and bug spray, if desired. (For more information or to register, please contact Patrick Smith via email at Patrick.j.smith@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 757-6534.)

 The Connecticut State Library is an independent Executive Branch agency of the State of Connecticut. Founded in 1854, it is home to the State Archives, Office of the Public Records Administrator, Museum of Connecticut History, the Division of Library Development and the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books, and three reference departments (history and genealogy; law and legislation; and government information). Through these units, the agency provides a variety of archival, public records, museum, library, information, and administrative services to the employees and officials of all three branches of state government, libraries, students, teachers, researchers, town governments, and anyone seeking information within its collections.

 The Museum of Connecticut History, a unit of the Connecticut State Library, chronicles the growth of the state and its role in the development of the nation from the Colonial era to the present. The mission of the museum is to connect the experience of residents and museum visitors to the artifacts, images, and documents of the past, increasing awareness of and pride in the state’s political, military, and industrial history and building commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural heritage.