Hubbard Park & Tower Montpelier
Historic stone observation tower offering panoramic views atop Castle Craig in Meriden, CT.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Hubbard Park & Tower Montpelier
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic stone observation tower offering panoramic views atop Castle Craig in Meriden, CT.
"Climb the tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape!"
🚗 Drive or Hike to the Top
You can drive to Castle Craig (May-Oct) or hike the trails year-round. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Vistas
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic photos from the tower and summit. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hubbard Park Observation Tower
Castle Craig Summit
Climb the historic stone tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Castle Craig Summit
Hubbard Park
The peak offering access to the tower, with scenic overlooks and picnic spots.
Hubbard Park Trails
Throughout the park
Explore diverse walking paths through woodlands and open spaces, perfect for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Accessibility and Hiking Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Hike to the Top
You can drive to Castle Craig (May-Oct) or hike the trails year-round. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Vistas
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic photos from the tower and summit. :camerawithflash:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the many scenic spots in Hubbard Park. :forkandknife:
🍂 Fall Colors are Spectacular
Autumn brings vibrant foliage, making it a prime time for a visit. :fallen_leaf:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Hike to the Top
You can drive to Castle Craig (May-Oct) or hike the trails year-round. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Vistas
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic photos from the tower and summit. :camerawithflash:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the many scenic spots in Hubbard Park. :forkandknife:
🍂 Fall Colors are Spectacular
Autumn brings vibrant foliage, making it a prime time for a visit. :fallen_leaf:
Check Tower Hours
Confirm tower opening times, especially outside of summer months. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hubbard Park for its breathtaking panoramic views from the observation tower and the scenic beauty of Castle Craig. The park's well-maintained trails and the vibrant fall foliage are frequently highlighted as major attractions. While generally well-loved, some visitors note that the tower's opening hours can be limited outside of peak season.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hubbard Park is located in Meriden, Connecticut, not Montpelier. You can reach it by car via I-91 North or South, taking exit 15 for CT-68 West. The park has ample parking available. For those using public transport, local bus routes may serve the Meriden area, but direct access to the park's summit might require a taxi or rideshare from the nearest stop.
Yes, Hubbard Park offers parking facilities, especially at the base of Castle Craig, allowing visitors to drive up to the summit during operational hours. Additional parking is available throughout the park for those who wish to explore the trails.
You can drive to the top of Castle Craig from May to October. Outside of these months, access to the summit is primarily by hiking the trails. :car: :hiking_boot:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hubbard Park is a public park and generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for accessing the park grounds or hiking trails. :ticket:
Climbing the Hubbard Park Observation Tower is typically free of charge. However, it's always a good idea to check the official park website or local listings for any seasonal hours or potential access restrictions. :ticket:
Hubbard Park is generally open from dawn to dusk daily. The road to Castle Craig has specific operating hours, typically from May to October. It's best to verify these hours before your visit, especially if you plan to drive to the summit. :clock1:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Hubbard Park offers a variety of activities including hiking trails, picnicking areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, and the iconic observation tower at Castle Craig. It's a great spot for nature walks and enjoying scenic views. :hikingboot: :camerawith_flash:
Climbing the stairs to the top of the Hubbard Park Tower usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your pace. The effort is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. :runner:
Restroom facilities are available within Hubbard Park, typically located near the main parking areas and picnic spots. :toilet:
Absolutely! Hubbard Park is very family-friendly, with playgrounds, open spaces for running around, and the exciting prospect of climbing the tower. It's a wonderful place for a family outing. :family_child:
From the Hubbard Park Tower, you can expect expansive 360-degree views of Meriden, the surrounding Connecticut landscape, and on clear days, you might even see distant landmarks. It's a truly breathtaking panorama. :earth_americas:
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the Hubbard Park Tower offers unparalleled panoramic shots. The scenic overlooks along the drive to Castle Craig and various points along the hiking trails also provide excellent photo opportunities, especially during fall foliage. :camerawithflash:
Yes, Hubbard Park is exceptionally beautiful for fall photography. The vibrant autumn leaves create a stunning backdrop for the tower and the natural landscape. :fallen_leaf:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities can be limited, especially on the trails. The drive up to Castle Craig is also an enjoyable part of the experience, with opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. Many families find it to be a perfect spot for a day trip, combining outdoor activity with a memorable landmark. :family_child:
+1🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The ultimate hiking reward is reaching the summit of Castle Craig and the observation tower. The trails leading to the top offer a more strenuous but highly satisfying journey, with beautiful scenery unfolding as you ascend. Many hikers share their routes and experiences on platforms like AllTrails, offering valuable insights for planning your trek. :mountain_cableway:
+2📸 Photographers and View Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Hubbard Park's Natural Beauty
One of the park's most celebrated features is Castle Craig, a stone observation tower perched atop a hill. Built between 1915 and 1930, the tower offers a rewarding climb via its internal staircase, leading to spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Meriden and the surrounding Connecticut countryside. On exceptionally clear days, the vista can extend for miles, providing a breathtaking perspective of the region. The drive up to Castle Craig is also scenic, with pull-offs offering glimpses of the landscape. :earth_americas:
During the fall foliage season, Hubbard Park transforms into a vibrant spectacle of color. The mix of deciduous trees creates a stunning display of reds, oranges, and yellows, attracting photographers and leaf-peepers alike. Instagram reels and TikTok videos frequently showcase the park's autumnal beauty, highlighting the tower against a backdrop of colorful leaves. It's a popular spot for day trips and weekend excursions, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with the outdoors. :fallen_leaf:
+2The Iconic Hubbard Park Tower
Access to the tower is typically via the road leading to Castle Craig, which is open seasonally (usually May through October). Outside of these months, or for those seeking a more active experience, hiking trails provide access to the summit. The climb, while not overly strenuous, offers a sense of accomplishment before you even reach the top. Many visitors share their experiences and the rewarding views on social media, often recommending the climb for its unique perspective. :climbing_woman:
When planning your visit, it's wise to check the operating hours for the road to Castle Craig, as this can affect direct access. However, the park itself remains accessible for hiking, ensuring that the tower and its magnificent views can be enjoyed year-round, weather permitting. The tower is a focal point for many visitors, making it a must-see attraction within Hubbard Park. :star2:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit