Open Space Catalogue
Welcome to the wonderful world of Ridgefield Open Spaces.
Ridgefield is privileged to have a variety of beautiful open spaces just waiting to be explored. From easy flat walks to strenuous uphill climbs, there is something for every level of fitness and hiking ability. This Open Space Catalog lists hiking areas under Town, state, or other management. You will find here a description of the open space with trails along with appropriate maps that you can download and print.
To assist you in exploring Ridgefield's open spaces with trails, the Conservation Commission has compiled the Ridgefield Walk Book © 2024. This book provides a complete description of each open space area along with a color map of the trails. It is available for purchase at the Ridgefield Conservation Commission office, at Town Hall Information Desk, at the Parks and Recreation Center and other locations in town (namely Books on the Common and the Ridgefield Running Club).
We blaze all our trails per Appalachian Trail Guidelines.
How to best use this catalogue.
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Step 1: Review the Ridgefield Open Space Map below to find locations of open spaces with trails. You can find the area of Town where you wish to hike and get directions to these properties.
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Step 2: Consult the listings below to find a more detailed description and map of the particular open space you wish to visit.
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Step 3: Print out the map, get on your hiking gear, and start hiking!
To maximize your enjoyment and safety of Ridgefield’s open space, please observe the following:
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Follow the open space rules and guidelines when using our open spaces, as presented here.
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Be aware of wildlife and follow tips for safe hiking, as presented here.
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Camping permits are available for certain open spaces. For information and to apply for a camping permit contact Parks and Recreation.
Ridgefield Open Space with Trails
As of June 2024, there were close to 5,700 acres of designated open space and parks in the Town of Ridgefield, of which nearly 3,000 acres are owned by the town. Below are maps of those town properties that contain trails:
Ridgefield Open Space without Trails
As shown in the Town Open Space Inventory, there are over 50 named and numbered open space properties in Ridgefield. They represent some of the oldest and largest such properties in Town. Roughly half of these have trails and are described in the Open Space Catalogue and the Ridgefield Walk Book.
The remainder have no trails, but it is useful to identify them because of their proximity to development in Town and related enforcement actions. The links below will take you to downloadable PDF maps of nearly 30 properties:
Ridgefield and State Parks with Trails
Several Ridgefield and State of Connecticut-owned parks in the town offer wonderful hiking opportunities. Such parks include:
Other Open Space Areas/Trails
There are additional open spaces and trails throughout Ridgefield that do not fall into the categories of town-owned open spaces or parks but rather are properties managed by other entities and individuals. These locations are:
If you love to hike and you love the natural beauty of our open spaces, consider signing up as a Conservation Ranger to assist with the tasks required to keep our trails well-maintained and our open spaces natural and undamaged for future generations to enjoy. To receive a copy of our online newsletter, please email us at conservation@ridgefieldct.gov
This is a full-page map of the Hemlock Hills Open Space. Click here to view and print out for yourself.
This is a 8.5x11 map of the Ridgefield Open Space. Revised January 2025. Click here to view and print out for yourself.
This is a full-page map of the Pine Mountain Open Space. Click here to view and print out for yourself.
This is a 11x17 map of the Ridgefield Open Space. Revised January 2025. Click here to view and print out for yourself.
This map shows Hemlock Hills and Pine Mountain Trails in larger detail.
Click here to view and print it out for yourself.
This is a 24x36 map of the Ridgefield Open Space. Revised January 2025. Click here to view and print out for yourself.
RCC maps are now available for use with the Avenza Map App, click on the logo to see which open spaces currently have Avenza-compatible maps!
