Explore Columbia, CT
Columbia at a Glance
Part of Tolland County
If you’re looking for the best hiking trails in Columbia this is the complete guide to all the long trails, hidden caves, and mill history it has to offer.
Columbia has six hiking areas for about 8 miles of trails.
My Highlights
- The “cave” on the island in Mono Pond
- The mill ruins at Utley Hill
Hiking
Town Parks
- Island Woods –★★– 0.5 miles – Uneventful forested walk at the back of a housing development
- Columbia Recreation Park –★★– 2.75 miles – Combines with Utley Hill for varied trails and a bit of mill history
- Sunrise Drive & Ten Mile River Access – Both of these appear to have disappeared due to housing developments
- Szedga Farm –★★– 2 miles – Upper and lower trails through the small forest ridges
Land Trust
- Joshua’s Trust
- Potter Meadow –★★– 1 mile – Easy loop with views along the Willimantic River that can be wet/flooded after rains
- Utley Hill Preserve –★★– 2.75 miles – Combines with Columbia Rec Park for varied trails and a bit of mill history
- Joshua’s Trust
State Parks / Forest
- Air Line Trail State Park – 0.51 miles – Only a half mile falls within town, but connects in either direction
- Small pull off on Route 87
- Hop River Trail State Park – 0.77 miles – Same as Air Line, but connects for miles north
- No parking within town, closest parking is 249 Columbia Ave, Willimantic, CT
- Mono Pond State Park –★★– 1.6 miles – Simple loop trails along one side of the pond
- Air Line Trail State Park – 0.51 miles – Only a half mile falls within town, but connects in either direction
Blue Blaze
- None
The Rest
- None
Boating/Fishing
- Columbia Lake
- Mono Pond
- Ten Mile River
- Hearthstone Winery – Open seasonally, beautiful winery with patio
- Motta’s Pastry & Bake Shop – Open M-Sat from 8am-5pm – Great cakes, baked goods, and sandwiches
Columbia was incorporated from lands in Lebanon in May of 1804, making it the 113th oldest town in Connecticut. The name Columbia and chosen for the poetic name of the United States.
