While Fairfield County is known for its historic towns and coastal beauty and southern Litchfield County for its rolling hills and rural charm, both regions hold under-the-radar natural gems perfect for spontaneous adventure. These nearby escapes invite you to explore with fresh eyes—and remind you that wonder doesn’t require a suitcase.

Fairfield County Gems

1. Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens – Gardens and forest trails across 91 peaceful acres. Best for: Tree ID, garden walks, quiet exploration. 151 Brookdale Rd., Stamford; BartlettArboretum.org.

2. Brett Woods Open Space – Peaceful 180-acre woodland with diverse birdlife and quiet trails. Best for: Forest bathing, dog walks, solitude. 465 Congress St., Fairfield; FairfieldCT.org.

3. Devil’s Den Preserve – A vast forest with 20+ miles of trails and wooden footbridges. Best for: Longer hikes, photography, solitude. 33 Pent Rd., Weston; AspetuckLandTrust.org.

4. Lake Mohegan & Cascades – Forest trails, a lake for swimming and a small hidden waterfall. Best for: Waterfall photo ops, kid-friendly hikes, summer dips. 960 Morehouse Hwy., Fairfield; FairfieldCT.org.

5. Mianus River Gorge Preserve – Old-growth forest and a scenic river valley. Best for: Deep nature immersion, birding, weekend hikes. 167 Mianus River Rd., Bedford; Mianus.org.

6. New Canaan Nature Center – Trails through woods and around a pond with family programming. Best for: Nature journaling, family outings, solo walks. 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan; NewCanaanNature.org.

7. Pine Creek Boardwalk – A short boardwalk trail across peaceful marshlands. Best for: Sunset strolls, casual birding, family outings. Old Dam Rd., Fairfield; FairfieldCT.org.

8. Sasco Creek Preserve – Salt marshes and coastal forest along quiet walking paths. Best for: Birdwatching, sunrise reflection, peaceful walks. Green Farms Rd., Westport; AspetuckLandTrust.org.

9. Sherwood Island State Park – Beachfront trails, tidal marshes and sweeping Sound views. Best for: Coastal walks, birding, picnics. Sherwood Island Connector, Westport; CT.gov/DEEP.

10. Trout Brook Valley Preserve – Meadows, wooded hills and over 1,000 acres of trails. Best for: Wildlife spotting, scenic views, forest bathing. Trout Brook Dr., Easton; AspetuckLandTrust.org.

Southern Litchfield County Gems

11. Bull’s Bridge – One of Connecticut’s last historic covered bridges with scenic Housatonic River views and a short trail loop. Best for: Historic charm, waterfall views, peaceful drives. Bulls Bridge Rd., Kent; CT.gov/DEEP.

12. Hidden Valley Preserve – Home to the iconic Thoreau Bridge and riverside paths. Best for: Scenic bridges, easy hikes, quiet moments. 198 Bee Brook Rd., Washington Depot; SteepRockAssoc.org.

13. Kent Falls State Park – A tiered waterfall plunges 250 feet through rocky terrain. Best for: Waterfall views, short hikes, family outings. 462 Kent Cornwall Rd., Kent; CT.gov/DEEP.

14. Lovers Leap State Park – A dramatic bridge with sweeping views of the Housatonic Gorge. Best for: Romantic walks, photography, river views. 178 Short Woods Rd., New Milford; CT.gov/DEEP.

15. Macricostas Preserve – Panoramic views from Waramaug’s Rock and peaceful field trails. Best for: Summit views, meadow hikes, photo-worthy vistas. 124 Christian St., New Preston; Weantinoge.org.

16. Mount Tom State Park – A stone lookout tower tops this short summit hike. Best for: Leaf peeping, tower-top views, quick adventures. 435 Mount Tom Rd., Litchfield; CT.gov/DEEP.

17. Mine Hill Preserve – Historic ruins meet nature on interpretive forest trails. Best for: Hiking with history, geology lovers, quiet walks. Mine Hill Rd., Roxbury; RoxburyLandTrust.org.

18. Sunny Valley Preserve – Forests and farmland on 1,800 acres of lightly traveled trails. Best for: Quiet hikes, reflection, rural scenery. 8 Sunny Valley Ln., New Milford; Nature.org.

19. Steep Rock Preserve – Hemlock forests, tunnels, high ridges and riverside trails. Best for: Full-day hikes, photo ops, peaceful immersion. 2 Tunnel Rd., Washington Depot; SteepRockAssoc.org.

20. White Memorial Conservation Center – Boardwalks, meadows and miles of multi-habitat trails. Best for: Nature education, wildlife watching, varied terrain. 80 Whitehall Rd., Litchfield; WhiteMemorialCC.org.

Whether you’re in coastal Fairfield or hilly Litchfield County, there are countless places to experience awe, wonder and peace—without the need for airfare or days off. Try one of these spots this week and see how a microadventure close to home can change your whole outlook.

Erica Mills is the publisher of two Natural Awakenings editions: Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess as well as Fairfield and Southern Litchfield counties.