As autumn sweeps through Granby, Connecticut, the McLean Game Refuge awakens with a fiery display of fall foliage. Hiking here is an immersive journey where the forest does more than change color—it challenges and embraces you. This 4,000-acre reserve offers 40 miles of trails that thread through hardwood forests, wetland edges, and rocky ledges, all set against a backdrop of fiercely alive nature. Your boots crunch on leaf-strewn paths as the wind alters its tune, rustling the red maples and oaks that dare you to look closer.

Starting at the main entrance off Simsbury Road, the trail choices vary from gentle loops to steeper ascents topping 650 feet of elevation. One of the more rewarding routes is the 5-mile loop around Ragged Mountain, where the incline draws you into the heart of the refuge’s rugged personality. Reaching the summit, you’re met with broad vistas—rolling hills painted in amber, crimson, and gold. These views don’t simply await your gaze; they command it, the landscape’s vastness pushing outward like a living canvas.

Terrain here is a mix of dirt, leaf-covered rocks, and lean exposed roots, requiring good footwear with strong grip. The refuge’s wildness is palpable; natural streams dare you across wooden footbridges, while the crisp fall air keeps you alert and grounded. Timing your hike mid-morning to early afternoon maximizes light on the foliage and helps avoid the afternoon chill.

Bring at least two liters of water, snacks for energy, and layered clothing—the forest microclimate can shift fast. Cell service is spotty, emphasizing self-reliance and respect for this landscape’s fiercely independent spirit. Whether you’re a day hiker or looking for a serene retreat, McLean Game Refuge in fall offers vivid scenery paired with the practical challenge of real wilderness. This hike isn’t just a walk; it’s an engagement with a season and a wild place that demands attention, preparation, and an adventurous heart.