If you’re a nature-lover, Connecticut is pure heaven. Hiking trails and preserves crisscross the entire Nutmeg State, and the town of Weston is no exception. Lace up your hiking boots and head to this small town that’s a hiker’s paradise.

You’ll find the town of Weston in the southwestern part of Connecticut, near Bridgeport.

Doug Kerr/flickr

With fewer than 10,000 residents, it’s a sleepy little town that’s surrounded by natural beauty.

Doug Kerr/flickr

Because of its zoning laws, the town has maintained a small-town feeling. You won’t find big box stores or chain restaurants here - just a few local businesses and a hometown vibe.

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The other thing you’ll find in Weston? Devil’s Den Preserve. It encompasses 1,756 acres, and you’ll be enchanted from the moment you enter this beautiful place.

Frank Notten/Google

The preserve includes 20 miles of hiking trails that allow you to thoroughly explore the area.

Michael Gorgman/Google

The trails take you through shaded woods…

Jeff Herbele/Alltrails

…past rocky ledges…

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…along boardwalks and across bridges…

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…and into wetlands.

Jeff Herbele/Alltrails

The preserve also features the beautiful Lucius Pond. You’ll want to spend some time sitting quietly by the water, watching for wildlife and taking photos of this stunning spot.

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The preserve is home to more than 500 species of wildflowers, trees and plants, and it’s teeming with wildlife. Watch for foxes, bobcat, coyote and many bird species.

Jim Catland/Alltrails

You’ll want to arrive at Devil’s Den Preserve early in the morning so you can spend the entire day exploring all it has to offer.

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Devil’s Den Preserve is open every day from dawn to dusk.

Nick Kinling/Google

For more information about this pretty preserve and its hiking trails, visit the Nature Conservancy’s website. Have you had the opportunity to visit Devil’s Den Preserve? We’d love to see your photos and read about your adventures there!

Doug Kerr/flickr

User:Noroton/Wikimedia

Frank Notten/Google

Michael Gorgman/Google

Jeff Herbele/Alltrails

Aaron Freeman/Alltrails

Gina Lepore/Google

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Jim Catland/Alltrails

Wesley Bell/Google

Nick Kinling/Google

If you’re ready to explore more of Connecticut’s hiking trails, you’ll want to visit these 12 hiking towns.

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