From an abandoned 20th Century amusement park to bubbling waterfalls, Connecticut boasts many gorgeous and interesting hikes beyond the most popular destinations that become crowded every spring.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is urging hikers to be “bear aware” as the state’s black bear population emerges from a long winter slumber. Learn more here.

Former Courant nature columnist Peter Marteka visited many of the best hiking trails in the state. Here’s a look back at his columns to give you some ideas for getting outdoors.

Suburban Park, Unionville

A replica of an old sign that once greeted visitors to Suburban Park, a Unionville amusement park in the early 20th century. (Hartford Courant)

Along the 4 miles of trails you’ll find the remnants of an abandoned 20th Century amusement park, glacial kettle holes and the scenic Roaring Brook. Read more here.

American Legion State Forest, Barkhamsted

The remains of a footbridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that once connected American Legion State Forest with Peoples State Forest across the West Branch of the Farmington River in Barkhamsted. (Peter Marteka / Hartford Courant)

There are a pair of trails in American Legion State Forest - Henry Buck and Turkey Vulture Ledges. The Henry Buck trail is a 2.3-mile loop while the Turkey Vulture is a mile-long out and back path. Read more.

Black Rock State Park, Watertown

A bridge crosses over to the island beach at Black Rock. (Peter Marteka)

The 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers beautiful overlooks. The main hiking trail – the Connecticut Forest and Park Association’s blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail – is approximately a half-mile from an iron bridge at the northern end of the pond. It’s a half mile uphill and will give visitors a workout. Read more.

Horse Guard State Park, Avon

The view from Horse Guard State Park in Avon. (marteka/Peter Marteka)

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Horse Guard State Park Scenic Reserve doesn’t have elaborate trail systems, vast parking lots, websites and detailed maps and facilities. But, it does offer one of the best views in Avon and a respite from large crowds. Read more here.

Sunnybrook State Park, Torrington

An abandoned road cuts through the heart of Sunny Brook State Park. There are numerous abandoned bridges that cross the East Branch of the Naugatuck River. Photograph by Peter Marteka. (Hartford Courant)

Nestled in Torrington, Sunnybrook State Park includes trails that run along the banks of the East Branch of the Naugatuck River. You can read more about the hidden gem in northwest Connecticut here.

Scantic River State Park, Enfield/East Windsor/Somers

Trails through the park run right along the edge of the Scantic River. (Peter Marteka)

The Scantic River State Park encompasses more than 780 acres spread across three towns, but for the purposes of this list, we look specifically at Enfield, where, Scantic River Linear Park West features scenic views of the river, a farm, a forest filled with huge white pines. Read more.

Sprague Land Preserve, Sprague

One of four waterfalls at Sprague Land Preserve. (Peter Marteka/Hartford Courant) (Hartford Courant)

There are 11-12 miles of trails available in the sprawling Sprague Land Preserve in the eastern part of Connecticut. Read more about this relatively secret patch of land here.

Derby Greenway Trail, Derby

The Naugatuck River Trail, also known as the Derby Greenway Trail, winds along the Naugatuck River on top of dikes protecting the town from flooding. (Peter Marteka / HANDOUT)

A 1.7-mile paved multiuse path runs along the top of dikes high above the Naugatuck River and Housatonic River. Read more about the path that runs through “Connecticut’s Smallest City” here.

Stoney Lonesome Trail, Norfolk

A rock cut known as "Stoney Lonesome" along the abandoned New England Railway in Norfolk. (Hartford Courant)

What better way to avoid crowds than to head to the “Stoney Lonesome” trail high above Norfolk into East Canaan. Read more about a hike through this abandoned railroad bed.

Kensington Orchards Preserve, Berlin

A view of the surrounding hills from the top of Kensington Orchards Preserve in Berlin. (Hartford Courant)

A hike through the Kensington Orchards Preserve in Berlin offers some spectacular views. It also provides the opportunity to hook up with miles of trails in the Chotkowski Conservation Area and Camp Meribrite. Read more here.

10 of the best lesser-known places to hike in Connecticut

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