How long is the walk?
You can decide what combination of trails you want to take. A park map is HERE. There are paved roads throughout the park, so this is also a great stroller walking spot.
Some notes from my family's experience:
We loved the boardwalk and exploring the caves! We also did the short Nature Trail (yellow blazes).
My boys loved the boardwalk through the swamp so much that we did it a few times! They liked being able to run ahead, and I knew they were safe and contained. We saw evidence of beavers here, and I have heard that some people have been able to watch the beavers at work! (December 2020 update: the boardwalk is narrow and is currently closed due to lack of space to distance from other hikers)
The yellow blazed Nature Trail had some fun rocky areas to climb. The caves (green trail, close to the parking lot) were both amazing and included some serious rock climbing in a few spots that required using hands (and the 10 year old dog needed a boost!). Wear good hiking shoes and be ready to help young children or old dogs.
December 2020 update: We went back recently and did a different trail and saw some new parts of the park. THIS route on the All Trails app is 3.5 miles long and took us past the water wheel and covered bridge and along the sandy lake shore. About half of it is on the paved park road (the right side, if you do the loop counter clockwise, which I would recommend). At the turnaround point on the loop, you enter the woods onto the orange trail and follow it almost all the way back. On the way back to the car we took a right onto the short section of the green trail that goes past the caves and includes some fun rock climbing! Including some exploring and the green trail addition, this was a 4 mile hike for us that took about 2.5 hours. There are a few rocky climbs on the orange and green trails that go near steep drop offs so be prepared to have a hand on small children in those spots - you'll know when you have reached them!
This is a popular spot year round, and even more so in fall leaf season, so visiting on a weekday or early in the day on a weekend may be best to avoid the park at a busy time.
More Information:
From Only In Your State, HERE.
Address: 381 Route 80, Killingworth, CT, 06419
