At the intersection of Copse Road and Hunter's Trail is Bauer park.  Frequent nature and bird walks are sponsored here. There are 2 main trails at the park: The Woodland Trail is a 1 mile long loop. It plies through grassy meadows, wooded wetlands and past hillside cliffs and stone fences. The Pond Wetland trail is also a loop, passing by two ponds, the covered bridge, near bluebird boxes and the forested wetland boardwalk.  Picnic anyone?
 
Hammonasset State Park*
    Just one mile down the road from our inn is Hammonasset State Park, with 2 miles of beach and boardwalk for your walking pleasure.  Bring along a picnic and make it an extra special day.
 
Rockland Preserve*
    In North Madison, almost into Killingworth, is the Rockland Preserve with three trails, a red blaze, orange blaze and white blaze, of from 1 to 1.5 miles each.  There are 649 acres of rounded, rocky hills, steep gray cliffs, ledges, and lovely wooded areas, easily accessed by both walkers and hikers along abandoned ancient country roads.It's another great place to bring a picnic. The Preserve is patrolled on horseback by the Connecticut Horse Council, Inc..
 
Westwoods Trails* 
    The WestWoods trail system is the largest recreational area for hiking in nearby Guilford. Westwoods contains 39 miles of trails on 1,200 acres. It will take many visits and picnics to enjoy all of this.
 
Bluff Head Preserve*
   In North Guilford, on Rte 77, as part of the Mattabesset Trail system, is the Bluff Head Ridge trail system between Guilford and Durham.  There are three trail options, all relatively short but of varied terrain, and the views from the bluff are spectacular - both Hartford and Long Island Sound.
 
Chatfield Hollow State Park*
   On Rte 80, in nearby Killingworth, hike the trails in search of Indian caves, explore the jagged rocky ledges and recesses or relax by the cooling waters, or picnic in the soft pine woods at Chatfield Hollow State Park.
 
Gillette Castle State Park* 
   Nearby, in East Haddam, walk the grounds or follow hiking trails through the Gillette Castle State Park property for great views of the Connecticut River, and the castle itself, one of our eccentricities.  Picnic areas are provided throughout the grounds.
 
Bicycle Trails: 
    Bring your bikes and enjoy the beach roads and country roads that surround us.  If you prefer a planned bicycle trail check the link for a web site that will print out trails of varying lengths and terrain difficulty, depending on your search criteria.  Search for South Central CT and enter Madison as your starting point.  We can then direct you from the inn to any point that they begin with in Madison.
 
*Trail Etiquette
    Trails are shared by many: walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, adults, children, horseback riders, hunters, runners, skaters, snowshoers, bird watchers and nature lovers, for a start.  Share the trail.  Whether on foot, on horse, or on wheels, always stay to the right so that others can pass on the left.  Clean up after yourself and your pet or horse.  Be aware of hunting season by checking with the State of CT, and wear bright fluorescent orange to be easily seen and not mistaken for game.  For more information contact the Connecticut Horse Council, Inc. and ask for their brochure "Tips for Trail Etiquette."