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Cross country skiing in Connecticut is abundant in state parks

Connecticut > State > Winter Activities > Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

The hilly state forests and state parks of Connecticut offer lots of places to get out on cross country skis and snowshoes. At least one downhill (Alpine) ski area offers groomed trails and equipment for Nordic skiing. Many Connecticut state parks and forests allow Nordic skiing and snowshoeing on their multi-purpose trails, but don’t count on finding supports like equipment rental, lodges and warming huts, or food. Bring your own gear.

Find more winter trails in CT's State & Local Parks

Cross Country (Nordic) Skiing & Snowshoeing in Connecticut
Cross Country Skiiing Trail - James L. Goodwin Forest - Hampton, CT - Photo Credit Erv Piela
James L. Goodwin Forest

23 Potter Road - Off US Route 6 Hampton, CT, 06247 Phone: 860-424-3200

Cross country skiers are welcome on the very extensive trail system of this forest. One trail, along an old railroad bed, is level and particularly well suited to XC skiing (not groomed). Trail maps are available at the nature center on the property. - Trail Map
XC Ski Trail - American Legion & Peoples State Forest - Barkhamsted, CT - Photo Credit Kevin Keane
American Legion & Peoples State Forests

Between Center Hill Road (CT Route 181) and East River Road Barkhamsted, CT, 06063 Phone: 860-379-2469

These two adjacent state forests are located along the west branch of the Farmington River, named a wild and scenic river by the National Park Service. Cross country skiing is done in the snowy seasons. - Cross Country Skiing Map (PDF)
Winding Trails Cross Country Skiing - Farmington, CT
Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center

50 Winding Trails Drive Farmington, CT, 06032 Phone: 860-677-8458

Family-friendly Nordic ski area offers 20 kilometers of groomed trails in woodlands. Trails for all levels of skill. Snowshoeing not permitted on trails. Equipment rentals and retails sales. Center also rents pulk sleds for children and tubes for snow tubing. Tubing and sledding allowed on summertime soccer and softball fields. It is a 150-foot hill with a slope of 20 degrees. Bring your own sled; tubes available for rent.
Cross Country Skiing - White Memorial Conservation Center and Museum - Litchfield, CT - Photo Credit Lukas Hyder
White Memorial Conservation Center and Museum

80 Whitehall Road Litchfield, CT, 06759 Phone: 860-567-0857

This conservation area has 35 miles of trails open year-round for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Good assistance from a color-coded trail map. Guided tours of the woodlands are offered on occasion throughout the winter. For skiers, there is no trail grooming, lodge, or rentals. Bring you own equipment.