Litchfield Community Park, Litchfield

This park and trail network are wonderful assets to the town of Litchfield — but everyone is welcome, according to a large sign at the trailhead. You can start at the town office or just up the road at the Community Park entrance, and go for a walk through young and old forest habitats, open areas, and around small ponds. I gather that while you can swim in the ponds — perhaps in Crystal Pond — beware of leeches! The small ponds are picturesque but a bit reedy.

The trails are all marked with color-coded blazes (the lilac on the Pit Trail was particularly pretty, especially when painted on stones), and there are trail signs at most intersections. There’s also a red slide at a children’s play area, a fairy house “construction zone,” and picnic tables.

Some of landscape here is quite sandy and arid, offering shade only in the forested sections of trail.

Directions: If you park at the town office, at 2400 Hallowell Road, look for the trailhead sign on the side of the building farthest from the road. The trail crosses a field and then veers left into the woods. At about 0.2 miles, behind some industrial-looking buildings, you’ll see a sign for “walking trails entrance” on your right. You can also start your walk at the large parking area at the park entrance just up the road at 2318 Hallowell Road. When the gate is open, you can park inside the park. Otherwise, park at the gate and walk in — it’s a short driveway.