Are you looking for a great way to enjoy Connecticut’s beautiful spring air? Let me tell you about a beautiful, hidden treasure in the woods of Middlefield, Connecticut.

With the days getting longer and warmer, my husband and I just want to be outside. We love the outdoors and the chance to emotionally connect after a long day’s work. A few days ago, we stumbled upon the Wadsworth Falls State Park and decided to take advantage of the fresh spring air and go for a walk.

From the park entrance on Connecticut Route 157, there are seven trails varying in length, leading to both big and little water falls. We took the orange path, a 1.5 mile main trail to the big falls. The path was very wide and for the most part clear of debris. The big falls were much more beautiful than I expected. With all the rain we had been getting, abundant water cascaded down the rocks to a peaceful creek. Remember to take a picnic to enjoy at the falls or at least a camera to capture the magnificent scenery. On the way back to our car, we swung by the little falls via the blue trail. They, too, were beautiful.

As spring turns to summer we hope to return for a barbecue in the picnicking section of the park. There are tables and grills in a variety of shady, grassy, and rustic locations. Along with a picnic, we plan to take a leisurely swim in the fresh water swimming pond located near the park entrance. Having lots to offer and a beautiful view, I rate Wadsworth Falls 5 stars for a great Connecticut date location for couples and families alike!

Helpful Hints for Hike Dates

Hikes are great for fostering lively discussion. Think of interesting topics ahead of time. Prepare a battery of open-ended questions to keep the conversation going. Stories are always a great way to go. Tell stories from your childhood or of your expectations about the future. Invite your date to do the same. Good conversation always makes a hike go faster.

Be prepared. There is nothing more date-sapping than little bugs eating you for dinner, feeling famished, dehydration, an injury or worse. Depending on the trail length and challenging characteristics, be sure to bring the necessities along with you. Here’s a list for starters: Water, a snack, a first aid kit, bug spray, hair tie, and sunglasses.

When you’re walking together make sure to keep in step. If you happen to be a fast walker and your date lags behind, be courteous and slow down. Keeping in step with the slower walker makes carrying a conversation easier. No one likes talking to someone’s back. If your date is walking too fast encourage him/her to slow down by holding their hand. Usually, this helps keep a consistent pace.

Out of breath? How embarrassing that can be, to be in the middle of the woods on a path that is harder than you imagined or find you are not in as good of shape as you thought. So, one suggestion when you find it hard to walk and talk, find a scenic overview or a bench and stop for something. Good options that seem to work are: “I need to re-tie my shoe,” or “let’s stop for a drink of water,” or even an abrupt stop for a kiss. Whatever the excuse, be sure to be honest about your condition if it comes up. Sharing vulnerability is part of what it takes to grow a relationship. If he or she can’t deal with the reality of your little flaws now, what is there but heartache down the road?

Time it right. Make sure you account for the sunset if you go hiking in the late afternoon so you don’t get stuck in the woods at dusk, when most parks close. Generally, it takes a person that is in average shape about an hour to go four miles. Most state parks have maps with the mileage written out for you. Remember to account for there and back when your configuring.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 8:00 am and is filed under Date Night. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.