Bolton Notch State Park - Bolton, CT
Bolton Notch State Park – A Dog-Friendly Hiking Paradise in Bolton, Connecticut
Bolton Notch State Park is a must-visit destination for pet lovers seeking pet-friendly trails and dog-friendly hiking in Bolton, Connecticut. Known for its picturesque foliage, rocky paths, and tranquil woodland scenery, this park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures with your pup. The park boasts a mixture of gravel rail trails, scenic dirt paths, and unique natural features like flag rock, cool tunnels, and a surprising sandpit. Dogs are welcome to accompany you throughout the park, making it an excellent spot for those looking for a nature-filled outing with their four-legged companions.
This family-friendly park is also wheelchair accessible, with easy-access entrances and parking. There are restrooms and benches along the paths, ensuring comfort on longer outings. The park is part of the East Coast Greenway, so you’ll find both hikers and bikers enjoying the well-maintained trails under the shade of the trees. The small parking lot accommodates about ten cars, but cycling or walking into the park is also a peaceful option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed and welcome throughout Bolton Notch State Park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entrance and parking lot are both wheelchair accessible.
- Are there restrooms available? Yes, there are restrooms and porta-potties along the route, though they may be closed in the off-season.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, much of the park’s trails are shaded by trees, providing a cool, comfortable environment for walks.
- Are there benches or seating areas? Yes, benches are available along the trails for resting.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features multiple hiking and biking trails, including a connection to the East Coast Greenway and the Airline Trail.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a small parking area for about 10 cars at the park; early arrival is suggested on busy days.
- Is the park good for families with children? Yes, the park is family-friendly and offers kid-friendly hikes.
Reviews
I started off from the park and ride commuters’ parking lot and took the blue trail. There is a little pond on the way. With the foliage and the reflection, the view is beautiful. I then took the yellow trail loop. It is rocky. With leafs falling and covering the ground, some places of the trail can be a little slippery. The signs need to be refreshed. There is no outlook view. The bushes are little overgrown.
Small parking area for about 10 cars. If you walk, run, or bike to the left, initially it’ll be very rocky but then it’ll be fine. If you go to the right from the parking lot, you’ll go through the tunnel, which is a little creepy. This is a great trail. I biked it on 8.20.22 and it was very quiet and peaceful. Note. The porta potty was closed.
Nice dog friendly area for walking, hiking and biking. Gravel rail trail connects to paved bike path. Part of the East Coast Greenway. Plenty of other trails in the park too.
Great walk. I did this as a part of the Sky’s the Limit 2022 Challenge. It’s apart of the airline trail and although it’s not paved, it’s well packed down dirt/gravel, so great for biking. Restrooms along the route. Benches to rest along the route if you need to. We walked 4 miles (2 back and fourth) and it was a nice relaxing walk with beautiful views of the woods and it was nice and shaded most of the way. The tunnels and rock formations we’re very cool. There were little fish and frogs in the streams from the water that’s trickled off the rocks on the sides of the path. Not too buggy. Very enjoyable.
This is actually such a beautiful place to go hiking there is so much to see here I started off by following a loop trail from the alltrails app. I did find the flag Rock which is not far from the parking area I also got to see the nice tunnel. I also saw a humongous sandpit which was so cool and I was not expecting to see that once you get to the top there is going to be such a beautiful view up there truly amazing I’ve never seen anything like it absolutely gorgeous I definitely recommend checking this place out you will definitely like it so much to see here.