Peter Marteka
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Editor of Glastonbury Life, East Haddam News. Exploring CT for Connecticut Magazine. Lover of everything Cape Cod. Find me via email at peterjmarteka@gmail.com.
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Articles by Peter Marteka
See the season's foliage along Connecticut's rivers, lakes and rails Original
When it comes to autumn leaf peeping, most people seek to “climb ev’ry mountain” as Maria von Trapp sang in The Sound of Music. But autumn splendors can also be found along the shoreline, kayaking on rivers, hiking on the banks of ponds and lakes and exploring rail trails across the state. There’s something about taking a hike along the shoreline with the green marsh grass turning a golden brown. Seek out Salt Meadow Park in Madison on the grounds of a former airport.
Hiking the Connecticut portion of the New England National Scenic Trail Original
Ragged Mountain Park in Berlin. Peter Marteka/For Hearst CT Media Volcanos erupting and lava flowing through central Connecticut isn’t what most of us visualize today.
Cool off this summer on Connecticut's nature trails and hikes Original
Salmon River State Forest in East Hampton and Colchester. Peter Marteka/For Hearst CT Media July is usually the hottest month of the year in Connecticut. Throw in some of that high humidity and people are looking for places to escape into the natural air conditioning like tunnels, caves, mines and quiet waterways. Here’s a look at some hikes where you can beat the summer heat.
Hiking Connecticut’s Revolutionary past: 7 historic trails
Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding, the site of Gen. Israel Putnam's 1778-79 winter encampment. This so-called officer's quarters is actually the powder magazine that was recently restored. John Burgeson/Hearst Connecticut Media Remnants of the Connecticut of the 1700s are still standing in the state's parks and hiking trails.
Hiking Connecticut’s Revolutionary past: 7 historic trails
Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding, the site of Gen. Israel Putnam's 1778-79 winter encampment. This so-called officer's quarters is actually the powder magazine that was recently restored. John Burgeson/Hearst Connecticut Media Remnants of the Connecticut of the 1700s are still standing in the state's parks and hiking trails.
Spring hikes around Connecticut to see wildflowers and waterfalls Original
The winter of 2005-26 was a long one with serious cases of cabin fever breaking out for those who don’t like to trudge through cold temperatures and a deep snowpack while hiking. It’s a good thing spring never misses her turn, and flowers still bloom after their winter hibernation. Here are a few places to enjoy a hike as spring blooms away, snow melts and showers fall.
8 Connecticut hikes near trail bridges to explore this spring Original
Trail bridges can be as simple as a fallen tree across a stream or a sturdy wooden span constructed by local Eagle Scouts or land trust volunteers. Connecticut has a number of must-see trail bridges constructed more than a century ago or built in the not-so-distant past. Red Bridge at Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail, Meriden Article continues below this ad The “Red Bridge” along the 1.3-mile-long Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail in Meriden is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Hiking through Connecticut’s history: 7 trails and parks to explore ruins Original
Many outdoor places to explore not only include fascinating natural history, but also human history. Some state parks, land trust preserves and town properties are home to abandoned factories, broken dams and lost-in-time chimneys and foundations. Here’s a look at some of the places to explore across Connecticut. This 360-acre Roxbury Land Trust preserve takes visitors around the ruins of an iron smelting complex and ghost town once known as Chalybes.
Which Connecticut parks offer the best view of a frozen waterfall? Original
It’s the dead of winter and the middle of a cold snap. The high temperatures have been in the teens and 20s with the low temperatures in the single digits for a few days and nights. A perfect time to explore the natural world, right? If you like seeing waterfalls locked in frozen beauty, it might be an ideal time to take a hike. Here are some of the best spots to check out frozen waterfalls across Connecticut. Wadsworth Falls Middletown Article continues below this ad Not a fan of the cold?
CT trails for a post-Thanksgiving stroll for hikers of all skill level Original
So, you’ve had just the right amount of turkey, green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy and you are looking for an easy hike to burn off a few calories. Or maybe you had seconds and are looking for a more moderate hike. Thirds and two desserts? A difficult hike may be in your future. So, loosen that belt and lace up your hiking shoes and head outside. Find a rail trail near you. They are nice and level with no hills.
Six hiking spots in Connecticut for fall foliage views, from Kent to Colchester Original
For many outdoor enthusiasts, autumn is the time to get outdoors and enjoy the cool, crisp days, the mostly bug-free environment and that kaleidoscope of colorful leaves. Here’s a look at some places across the state to take in that autumn splendor. During the height of autumn explorations, parking at Talcott Mountain can be in a word, challenging. If you want to skip that aggravation, check out the Avon Land Trust’s Nod Way Trails to get to the top for a little extra adventure.
Six hiking spots in Connecticut for fall foliage views, from Kent to Colchester
For many outdoor enthusiasts, autumn is the time to get outdoors and enjoy the cool, crisp days, the mostly bug-free environment and that kaleidoscope of colorful leaves. Here’s a look at some places across the state to take in that autumn splendor. During the height of autumn explorations, parking at Talcott Mountain can be in a word, challenging. If you want to skip that aggravation, check out the Avon Land Trust’s Nod Way Trails to get to the top for a little extra adventure.
Six hiking spots in Connecticut for fall foliage views, from Kent to Colchester
The view from atop Talcott Mountain in Simsbury. Peter Marteka/For Hearst Connecticut Media For many outdoor enthusiasts, autumn is the time to get outdoors and enjoy the cool, crisp days, the mostly bug-free environment and that kaleidoscope of colorful leaves. Here’s a look at some places across the state to take in that autumn splendor. During the height of autumn explorations, parking at Talcott Mountain can be in a word, challenging.
8 Connecticut hikes for must-see views and overlooks around the state
Looking for a hike that offers beautiful overlooks in Connecticut? Read on for overlooks and trails that can't be missed in each of the Nutmeg State's counties. Fairfield County Visitors should seek out the Great Ledge at the largest of The Nature Conservancy’s preserves in Connecticut.
8 Connecticut hikes for must-see views and overlooks around the state
Looking for a hike that offers beautiful overlooks in Connecticut? Read on for overlooks and trails that can't be missed in each of the Nutmeg State's counties. Fairfield County Visitors should seek out the Great Ledge at the largest of The Nature Conservancy’s preserves in Connecticut.
8 Connecticut hikes for must-see views and overlooks around the state
At Lantern Hill in Ledyard, hikers can reach the highest point in southeastern Connecticut, which gives a unique view of Foxwoods Resort Casino. Peter Marteka/For Hearst Connecticut Media Looking for a hike that offers beautiful overlooks in Connecticut? Read on for overlooks and trails that can't be missed in each of the Nutmeg State's counties. The Saugatuck Reservoir from Redding's Great Ledge.
Seven places to hike and explore on the Connecticut shoreline from East Haven to Stonington Original
There are 618 miles of shoreline along Connecticut's coast. It's also one of the heaviest developed shorelines on the East Coast with lots of signs proclaiming, "private beach" or "members only." So here are some places you can hike or walk along the shoreline - without trespassing - and smell the salty air and see the sun shimmering off the waters of Long Island Sound. There has been some kind of summer cottage or structure on Grass Island for more than a century.
8 places to go kayaking in Connecticut, from huge lakes to calm rivers Original
There are plenty of spots to kayak across the state. From rivers to lakes to Long Island Sound, here are some kayaking spots for those who want to explore Connecticut's waterways. Falls River Preserve, Essex The Essex Land Trust's Falls River Preserve is a great place for beginners. The calm waters of Mill Pond are inviting for all ages. Mill Pond is a 59-acre impoundment of Falls River and includes the seven-acre Jean's Island. Visitors can land and explore a loop trail around the island.
9 easy family-friendly spring hikes in Connecticut Original
There is a cure for cabin fever with spring hikes outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy with the entire family. Nature preserve with views A portion of the 120-acre 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm is part of a State Park Preserve. A two-mile-long loop trail takes visitors to the top of an overlook across orchards with views north into Massachusetts and west to Talcott Mountain and the Heublein Tower poking out of the top of the traprock ridge.
Connecticut's Poquetanuck Cove Preserve tidal estuary is home to waterfowl and bald eagles Original
Native Americans named the woods along the rivers southeast Connecticut "Poquetanuck" meaning "land broken up." But when Desire Parker purchased a 234-acre portion of Poquetanuck in the 1950s, she made a promise to the local farmer she bought the land from to never break it up. That promise became an ironclad agreement in 1988 when Parker donated her beloved land to The Nature Conservancy. It's a promise that now benefits everyone who navigate the wilds of Poquetanuck Cove Preserve in Ledyard.
Climb the obersavation tower at Orenaug Park for a bird's-eye view of Woodbury
A view close to the top of the observation tower at Orenaug Park in Woodbury. Peter Marteka/For Hearst Connecticut Media If you’ve ever wanted to visit the 50 states, just head to 78-acre Orenaug Park in Woodbury. There, at least you can visit a pair of stone pillars containing rocks from each of the 50 states. It’s one of those Connecticut “Did you know?” trivia things – nuggets of unique places in the Constitution State.
Here are 9 CT hiking destinations where you can avoid crowds during the coronavirus outbreak
This article originally appeared in Connecticut Magazine. You can subscribe here, or find the current issue on sale here. Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest and greatest content from Connecticut Magazine delivered right to your inbox. On Facebook and Instagram @connecticutmagazine and Twitter @connecticutmag. (Note: At the time of this writing, all parks and trails included here were open.
Explore the pines of Highlawn Forest near the Middletown/Middlefield border
Songwriter Bobby Troup wrote the song “Get Your Kicks On Route 66,” urging travelers to see the sights and cities along the 2,400-mile route from the farm fields of Illinois to Los Angeles. Connecticut’s version of the highway runs from Meriden to Willimantic and I urge travelers to stop at Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s headquarters in Middlefield and explore the trails of the 256-acre Highlawn Forest.
Explore the pines of Highlawn Forest near the Middletown/Middlefield border Original
Songwriter Bobby Troup wrote the song “Get Your Kicks On Route 66,” urging travelers to see the sights and cities along the 2,400-mile route from the farm fields of Illinois to Los Angeles. Connecticut’s version of the highway runs from Meriden to Willimantic and I urge travelers to stop at Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s headquarters in Middlefield and explore the trails of the 256-acre Highlawn Forest.
See glacial boulders while exploring Granby's Old Messenger Road Preserves Original
Charlie Katan and Joan Ensor once called their home at the end of Strong Road “Happy Horse Hollow.” Today, it could easily be called “Happy Hiking Hollow” because the property they left to the Granby Land Trust, now known as the Katan-Ensor Preserve, serves as a trailhead for the Old Messenger Road Preserves. And after hiking and exploring the more than three miles of trails, visitors will definitely leave happy.
More than 400 miles of trails and a 'gnome hunt' to explore in Lyme's 'River to Ridgetop Preserves' Original
Article continues below this ad 90 Lyme St., Old Lyme An arts center which was once home to the Lyme Art Colony of American Impressionists.
More than 400 miles of trails and a 'gnome hunt' to explore in Lyme's 'River to Ridgetop Preserves'
A mown path cuts through a field at Pleasant Valley Preserve in Lyme, photographed June 2024. Peter Marteka/ For Hearst Connecticut Media Some seek the tallest peaks around the world. Others are quite content in seeking out the highest points in towns across the state you live in. That’s me. Sometimes those high points are mountains or hills. Other times they are just rises in the middle of the woods.
Hike along Prospect Mountain to see where nickel was once mined in CT Original
55 Duck Pond Road, Litchfield Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy allows bird-lovers to see more than 400 birds including more than 80 species in their natural habitats.
Explore the peaks and trails at Meriden's Giuffrida Park
Standing along the peaceful banks of Crescent Lake under the boughs of huge white pines, hikers look up at the craggy cliffs of Chauncey Peak. Standing high on the edge of the traprock cliffs of Chauncey Peak, hikers look out over Crescent Lake and across a swath of white pines swaying in the wind. It’s hard to choose which is the better view. Luckily, visitors to Giuffrida Park, a 598-acre natural area in the far northeastern part of Meriden, don’t have to.
Explore the peaks and trails at Meriden's Giuffrida Park
Standing along the peaceful banks of Crescent Lake under the boughs of huge white pines, hikers look up at the craggy cliffs of Chauncey Peak. Standing high on the edge of the traprock cliffs of Chauncey Peak, hikers look out over Crescent Lake and across a swath of white pines swaying in the wind. It’s hard to choose which is the better view. Luckily, visitors to Giuffrida Park, a 598-acre natural area in the far northeastern part of Meriden, don’t have to.
Hiking Connecticut's Trolley Trail offers views of the Thimble Islands Original
There’s something about the scent of salt water in the air that rejuvenates you and puts an extra bounce in your hiking boots. And a great place to visit and take deep breaths, no matter what the season, is the Trolley Trail and Vedder and Goss preserves in the Stony Creek section of Branford. The Trolley Trail is part of the 30-mile-long Branford Trail that wraps around the town through paths in the woods and along roads.
Stroll along industrial ruins at Glastonbury's Cotton Hollow Preserve
There aren’t too many towns in Connecticut where you can hike through the incubator of its industrial history. Glastonbury’s Cotton Hollow is one of those places. The 90-acre Cotton Hollow Preserve runs along the banks of the energetic and powerful Roaring Brook where several mills once stood proudly manufacturing everything from flour, gunpowder, anchor forges and cotton products. The trails through the preserve are broken up into a western and eastern portion.
A hike through bucolic Mary Moore Preserve in Sharon Original
Mary Moore Preserve in Sharon makes it clear this is no ordinary open space as soon as visitors pull into the parking area. Dairy cows grazing on the hillside keep a wary eye on you as a sign on the gate to the field warns: “Keep gate closed. Don’t let the cows out. No matter what they tell you.” Then the trail immediately climbs uphill with an electric fence on your left and a homeowner’s side and backyard on your right. Not exactly your normal entry into a preserve. But then you get to the view.
George Dudley Seymour State Park in Haddam, Hurd State Park in East Hampton offer pheasant-filled grasslands and top-notch overlooks
Paths run along the Connecticut River in George Dudley Seymour State Park. Peter Marteka Connecticut doesn’t officially have a “father of the state park system,” but if it did I would nominate George Dudley Seymour for his vision of land preservation. In addition to his namesake — George Dudley Seymour State Park in the Haddam Neck section of Haddam — he personally and through his foundation helped to acquire seven state parks and a state forest.
A hike up Mount Misery takes you through CT's Pachaug State Forest
The statue is dedicated to the memory of Edward Piontkowski, who served at Camp Lonergan, Company 179 in the Pachaug State Forest. The forest, at 26,477 acres in the towns of Voluntown, Sterling, Plainfield, Griswold, North Stonington and Preston, is the largest in Connecticut. Pachaug comes from the Native American language meaning “turning point of water” with the Pachaug River taking numerous twists and turns before reaching the Quinebaug River.
A hike up Mount Misery takes you through CT's Pachaug State Forest
Driving along Park Road through the Voluntown section of the Pachaug State Forest, visitors pass by a statue of a shirtless man with an ax by his side and his hat brim pulled back. He is smiling widely with a sense of accomplishment. “This statue honors the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps,” reads a plaque at the bottom of the statue, “who from 1933 to 1942, through the construction of trails, roads, bridges and buildings helped create access to our state parks and forests.
A hike up Mount Misery takes you through CT's Pachaug State Forest Original
The rocky outcrop and view at the top of Mount Misery at Pachaug State Forest in eastern Connecticut.. Peter Marteka / Contributed Driving along Park Road through the Voluntown section of the Pachaug State Forest, visitors pass by a statue of a shirtless man with an ax by his side and his hat brim pulled back. He is smiling widely with a sense of accomplishment.
See the legendary Leatherman's Cave when you take a hike through Black Rock State Park in CT's Litchfield County
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 7 1of7 A wood-and-iron bridge crosses a portion of Black Rock Pond. Peter MartekaShow MoreShow Less 2of7 A view from the top of Crane’s Lookout. Peter MartekaShow MoreShow Less 3of7 The trail to the top of the overlook at Black Rock State Park. Peter MartekaShow MoreShow Less 4of7 A view to the top of the craggy overlook at Black Rock State Park.
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