Connecticut's Underrated State Park Hosts An Impressive Structure To See The Heartland With A Unique Birds-Eye View

Of the six New England states, Connecticut probably isn't the first to come to mind as a prime destination for outdoor activities. Not that Connecticut is devoid of any worthwhile attractions, as the state's lengthy history and rich culture imbue it with charming spots like the boutique-rich village of Bethel and the underrated walkable college town of Storrs. Still, outdoor lovers visiting Connecticut may want something more than beautiful historic towns and Colonial-era sites. Fortunately, though it lacks the epic mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire, or the seaside splendor of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Connecticut does have plenty of underrated areas to delight any nature lover. One of the state's best destinations to explore its underappreciated natural resources is the impressive Mount Tom State Park.

Mount Tom State Park sits in northwestern Connecticut's scenic Litchfield Hills, about an hour's drive west of Bradley International Airport, and about two hours north of New York City. Connecticut is not known for having mountains, but the word "mount" in the park's name should indicate that you'll find at least some high-elevation views during your visit. Though Mount Tom State Park's namesake summit is not the highest point in Connecticut, its ideal location in the heart of the Litchfield region provides it with some incredible long-distance scenery. Even better, the Mount Tom summit features one of the state's most eye-catching historic buildings, one that further enhances the view from the top. And with gorgeous forest trails, a lovely pond, and plenty of fun activities, Mount Tom State Park is the perfect place for a fun day trip that makes the most of Connecticut's overlooked natural beauty. 

Mount Tom State Park unsurprisingly centers around the splendid Mount Tom. Reaching an elevation of 1,325 feet above sea level, Mount Tom isn't exactly breaking any records (even within a state like Connecticut). Yet Mount Tom occupies something of a perfect "Goldilocks zone" — high enough to provide exceptional views, but low enough to be manageable for most hikers. Its summit offers amazing vistas of distant landmarks, including Massachusetts' Mount Everett, the Catskills, and even the Long Island Sound. 

More than just being a terrific natural observation deck, Mount Tom is also notable for its unique geological makeup. The mountain contains large quantities of distinctive types of metamorphic rock like gneiss and schist, plus crystallized minerals like quartz, garnet, and hornblende. The multicolored marbling of gneiss and schist, combined with the intricate patterns of crystallized minerals, often creates remarkable geological decorations along the park's trails. And if you're a geology fan, you might also be intrigued to know that many of these minerals were left on the mountain by retreating glaciers during the Ice Age!

Superb views and unique geology aren't the only treasures awaiting you at Mount Tom's summit. The park is most famous for its historic Mount Tom Tower at the top. Much like the fairytale castle in Connecticut's Gillette Castle State Park, the Mount Tom Tower is a peculiar historic gem in a beautiful natural setting. Built in 1921 of the same eye-catching dark gneiss found on the mountain, the 34-foot Mount Tom Tower provides both perfect social media shots and panoramic views from the top. Below the hill, Mount Tom Pond is an equally lovely freshwater jewel tucked away in an enchanting circumference of trees.

The main hike to the Mount Tom summit (and tower) is a brief, 1.3-mile jaunt past stunning viewpoints and fascinating geological wonders. While getting to the summit does require some unavoidable uphill climbs, the complete hike only involves around 393 feet in total elevation gain. Most hikers should find the trail to be of easy to moderate difficulty levels, with ample views to make up for any sweat lost. If you're hiking at an average pace, you can likely get to the summit and back down again in less than an hour (assuming you don't spend additional time in the tower taking in the magnificent scenery).

If you want to cool down after your hike to the Mount Tom Summit (or if hiking just isn't for you to begin with), you can take a dip in the spring-fed waters of Mount Tom Pond thanks to the park's excellent beach. The shoreline is the perfect place to relax in the sun, while the pond's clean waters are excellent for family-friendly water activities. Next to the swimming area is a boat launch that's perfect for peaceful canoeing or kayaking excursions out on the water. Mount Tom Pond is also a great place for fishing, with healthy populations of bluegill, largemouth bass, and pickerel, among others. Plus, the park has a cozy picnic area next to the pond with great views of the water and the mountain. At the time of writing, parking at Mount Tom State Park is free for vehicles with Connecticut license plates, and $10 for out-of-state vehicles ($15 on weekends and holidays). Nearby, the tranquil town of Litchfield is a dreamy New England getaway with everything from luxury hotels to pristine campsites to more unique stays.