8 Areas In Connecticut Where Tick Reports Are Especially High This Summer
Tick season feels more serious this year, but that does not mean Connecticut’s trails and beaches need to come off the summer list. A little preparation can keep the focus on fresh air, quiet paths, and the outdoor breaks that make warm days feel worthwhile.
Ever finished a hike and wondered if one tiny hitchhiker came home with you? Wear long sleeves, use insect repellent, and stay especially alert in wooded areas, tall grass, and brush near the shoreline.
The best parks and preserves remain open, inviting, and worth exploring. Stick to marked trails, avoid brushing against thick vegetation, and keep pets protected too.
Finish every outing with a careful tick check before settling back into the car. Five cautious minutes can protect the rest of the day, so plan smart, check twice, and enjoy the adventure without letting a small pest control the whole summer.
1. Greenwich
Greenwich has earned a reputation as one of Connecticut’s most scenic towns, but this summer it also comes with a serious tick advisory. Fairfield County is projected to see tick populations rise by roughly 25% compared to last year, and Greenwich is right at the center of it.
Reports from local residents and pest control companies noted a surge in ticks as early as March 2025, with invasive species like the Lone Star and Asian longhorned tick now spotted in local parks and backyards.
Still, that should not stop you from experiencing what this town has to offer outdoors. Babcock Preserve is a great place to start.
Spanning over 297 acres with 11 miles of trails, it is the largest of Greenwich’s parks and one of the most rewarding hikes in Fairfield County.
The Greenwich Audubon Center adds another 295 acres of trails through hardwood forests, streams, and vernal ponds. Its visitor center is typically open Thursday through Sunday, so check hours before heading out.
For coastal views, Greenwich Point Park stretches across a 147-acre peninsula with sandy beaches and salt marshes overlooking Long Island Sound.
Mianus River Park, shared with Stamford, offers 220 acres of riverside trails that feel far removed from city life. Wear long sleeves, use repellent, and do a thorough tick check when you return.
Greenwich is worth the visit. Find Babcock Preserve at 201 North St., Greenwich, CT.
2. Branford
Branford sits quietly along the New Haven County shoreline, and most visitors come for its coastal charm and relaxed pace. But this summer, there is something else to be aware of before you lace up your hiking boots.
New Haven County consistently ranks among the highest in Connecticut for tickborne disease cases, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most active tick seasons the state has seen in years.
That said, Branford’s outdoor spaces are genuinely worth exploring. The Branford Supply Ponds Preserve covers around 350 acres of open water and forested land, with well-marked trails perfect for a long morning walk.
Stony Creek Quarry Preserve, combined with the Van Wie and Kelley Preserves, adds over 480 acres of rocky terrain and fascinating geological history to your options.
Branford Point, also known as Parker Memorial Park, gives you direct access to the coast with picnic areas and restrooms right on the water. The Shoreline Greenway Trail runs along the coastline with stunning views of Long Island Sound, ideal for walking, jogging, or a casual bike ride.
Smaller spots like Todds Hill Wet Meadow Preserve and Young’s Pond Park round out the town’s recreational offerings nicely.
If you want a longer adventure, the Branford Trail stretches 30 miles through the entire town, linking preserves and natural areas. Tick check afterward is a must.
Parker Memorial Park is at the 100 block of Parker Memorial Park Rd, Branford, CT 06405.
3. Weston
Weston is the kind of town where the forest seems to go on forever. With 77% of its land covered by trees, this rural Fairfield County community is a dream for hikers and nature lovers.
It is also, frankly, prime tick territory. Historically, Weston reports higher Lyme disease case rates than more densely developed coastal towns, and 2026 is expected to push that trend further.
Nymph-stage blacklegged ticks hit their peak here from late May through July, so timing and preparation matter.
The centerpiece of outdoor Weston is the Lucius Pond Ordway, better known as Devil’s Den Preserve. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, this is the largest contiguous nature preserve in southwestern Connecticut, covering up to 1,800 acres of woodlands, wetlands, dramatic rock ledges, and rugged ridges.
Around 20 miles of trails wind through this wild landscape, including views of Godfrey Pond and the impressive Ambler Gorge. Dogs, bikes, and motorized vehicles are not permitted, which keeps the experience wonderfully quiet.
Find it at 33 Pent Road, Weston, CT 06883.
The Aspetuck Land Trust manages several other beautiful spots in town. Trout Brook Valley Preserve spans over 1,000 acres across Weston and Easton, with 14 miles of trails through orchards, wildflower meadows, and scenic overlooks.
The Benjamin Wildflower Preserve at 30 Old Stage Coach Road showcases over 50 varieties of ferns and native wildflowers in a setting that feels almost otherworldly in spring and early summer.
Lachat Town Farm at 106 Godfrey Road West adds a charming agricultural twist to your Weston visit. Do a full tick check before heading home.
4. Old Lyme
Old Lyme has a unique place in tick history. This is the town where Lyme disease was first identified back in 1975, and that legacy is not just a fun fact.
It is a genuine reminder to stay alert whenever you step outside here. Situated in New London County, one of Connecticut’s highest-risk regions for tickborne illness, Old Lyme sees consistent surveillance from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
In April 2025, researchers were actively collecting ticks in town, and 2026 is expected to bring even higher activity statewide.
Even with that in mind, Old Lyme pulls you in with its artistic soul and gorgeous natural scenery. The Florence Griswold Museum, known as the home of American Impressionism, sits along the Lieutenant River.
Its Robert F. Schumann Artists’ Trail is a half-mile, ADA-accessible path that winds through history and nature at once.
The trail is free to the public most of the year, located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371.
Ferry Landing State Park delivers sweeping Connecticut River views, a boardwalk, an observation deck, and a kayak launch on Ferry Road. Hartman Park offers over 300 acres of forested trails off Gungy Road for those craving a longer hike.
Watch Rock Preserve on Joel Road is quieter, with easy flat paths and peaceful water views where the Lieutenant and Connecticut Rivers meet.
Griswold Preserve at 30 Boston Post Road rounds things out beautifully, with osprey, beavers, and migratory birds making it feel like a true wildlife retreat.
5. Westport
Westport has a way of making you feel like you stumbled onto something special. Its tree-lined streets, beautiful shoreline, and vibrant parks make it one of Fairfield County’s most inviting destinations.
But with 77% of the town covered in forest, it also provides near-perfect habitat for ticks. This summer, nymph-stage blacklegged ticks are at peak activity, and Fairfield County is projected to be among the hardest-hit areas in the state.
Around 52 Lyme disease cases per 100,000 people are reported annually in this county alone.
Sherwood Island State Park is the crown outdoor destination here. Connecticut’s very first state park spans over 230 acres of beaches, wetlands, and woodlands along Long Island Sound.
You can swim, hike, birdwatch, or simply spread out on the sand. An environmental education center on site makes it a great stop for curious minds of all ages.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset at the Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880.
Earthplace at 10 Woodside Lane offers two miles of trails through forests, ponds, and open fields on 62 acres, plus a fascinating Birds of Prey exhibit. Compo Beach and Park at 260 Compo Beach Rd is a local favorite, with a sandy shoreline, skate park, and pickleball courts all in one place.
If you prefer something quieter, the Newman-Poses Preserve off Bayberry Lane winds along the Aspetuck River through peaceful woodlands. Pack your repellent and get out there.
Westport genuinely rewards the effort.
6. New Canaan
New Canaan feels like a town that takes its green spaces seriously, and for good reason. With extensive woodlands and preserved open land throughout, it is one of the most naturally beautiful towns in Fairfield County.
It is also one of the highest-risk areas for Lyme disease in the region. In 2025 alone, 34 out of 104 ticks submitted from New Canaan tested positive for the bacteria.
By March 2026, three out of 13 submitted ticks were already positive, signaling an early and aggressive season ahead.
Waveny Park is the town’s outdoor centerpiece. This sweeping 250-acre estate features walking and jogging trails, open lawns, and historic Waveny House at its heart.
Athletic fields, paddle courts, and a seasonal pool make it a full-day destination. Dogs on leash are welcome, which makes it a hit with families.
You can find it at 677 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT 06840.
The New Canaan Nature Center at 144 Oenoke Ridge adds 40 acres of botanical gardens, wetlands, and woodland trails, plus a Children’s Play Garden with a boxwood maze that kids absolutely love. Grace Farms at 365 Lukes Wood Road offers 80 stunning acres of meadows and ponds, with free admission and a thoughtful mix of arts and nature programming.
The New Canaan Land Trust preserves another 400 acres across town, including the Watson-Symington Woodlands on Wellesley Drive and Still Pond Preserve on Cedar Lane. Both reward hikers with peaceful, wildlife-rich trails.
Always check for ticks after any outing here.
7. Stamford
Stamford is a city that moves fast, but its outdoor spaces invite you to slow down completely. This summer, though, slowing down near tall grass or wooded edges comes with a caveat.
Fairfield County is on track for one of the worst tick seasons on record in 2026, with tick populations climbing roughly 25% above last year’s numbers. Adult blacklegged ticks are already active on warm days along coastal towns like Stamford, and invasive species including the Lone Star and longhorned tick have been spotted in local parks.
The good news is that Stamford has an impressive lineup of outdoor destinations that make the trip absolutely worthwhile. Cove Island Park on Cove Road is a standout, offering dual sandy beaches, a one-mile walking and cycling path, salt marshes, and mudflats.
It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching.
Mianus River Park, accessible from 71 Merriebrook Lane, stretches nearly 400 acres along the Mianus River with trails ranging from easy strolls to rugged climbs. The Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens at 151 Brookdale Road offers over seven miles of trails through wetlands, meadows, and woodlands across 93 beautifully maintained acres.
For something more community-oriented, Mill River Park at 17 W Park Place serves as Stamford’s green heart, complete with the Whittingham Discovery Center. Cove Island Park is located at 1125 Cove Rd, Stamford, CT 06902.
Tick repellent is your best travel companion here.
8. Guilford
Guilford is one of those shoreline towns that surprises you at every turn. Its historic town green, coastal marshes, and sprawling natural preserves make it a genuinely exciting destination along the Connecticut shoreline.
But this summer, it also sits in one of the state’s highest-risk zones for tick activity. New Haven County recorded the highest Lyme disease infection rates in nymphs across all of Connecticut in 2025, at 32%.
With 2026 projected to be even more active statewide, Guilford visitors should come prepared.
The East River Preserve and Eastwoods is the town’s largest conservation area, offering miles of marked trails including a section of the New England National Scenic Trail. Parking is available on Clapboard Hill Road across from the riding stables, or at the main entrance near 16 Sullivan Drive, Guilford, CT 06437.
The trails range from easy walks to moderate hikes through rich, wildlife-filled ecosystems.
Lake Quonnipaug at 4240 Durham Road offers 99 acres of freshwater fun, with swimming, kayaking, and paddleboat rentals available seasonally. Jacobs Beach on Seaside Avenue is Guilford’s primary public sandy beach, complete with a boardwalk, volleyball court, and picnic shelters overlooking Long Island Sound.
Bittner Park on Route 77 is a local favorite for disc golf, pickleball, and mountain biking, all packed into 130 active acres. For something quieter, the Audubon Guilford Salt Meadow Sanctuary on Meadowlands Road offers 200 acres of tidal wetlands and a peaceful one-mile trail perfect for birdwatching.
Tick repellent is non-negotiable here.