Great views and multiple trail options abound at Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve.

This traprock ridge, which includes the 760-foot Ragged Mountain, is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination. We like coming here because there are great views pretty early on into the hike, and the multitude of trails makes it easy to combine sections to make loops of varying lengths (i.e., you can bail if little legs decide they are done!).

The main trailhead is located at 437 West Lane in Berlin, CT. For a really quick out and back with beautiful views, take the Red and Blue blazed trail out to a cliff face overlooking Lower Hart Pond. Altogether, this is a little over half a mile. The entire Red/Blue-blazed loop is 5.6 miles, and is a great option if you’ve got a few hours. Watch the little ones as there are ledges and drop-offs.

Other short options include the Red loop at 2.2 miles, and the Cliff Trail at 2.4 miles. While there is a large posted map at the trailhead, it does not show all your trail options - use an app such as All Trails to navigate. The 62-mile Metacomet trail runs through the park and jumping on it can shorten or lengthen your hike. Parking can get tricky on weekends - it’s mostly shoulder parking, and this is a popular area. 

Nearby, check out Rogers Orchards for apples, delicious donuts and other baked goods. 

Bradley Mountain Farm is a must for goat-lovers. Book a goat yoga or goat cuddle session to end your day!