Fly & Drive guide
Fly into BDL, drive to Appalachian Trail - CT
Your route
BDL
Bradley International Airport
Appalachian Trail - CT
About 1 h 31 min · 48 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to BDL
Compare fares into Bradley International Airport.
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02Car at BDL
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Appalachian Trail - CT. Compare rental companies in one search.
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03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
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04 · First night near Appalachian Trail - CT
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Appalachian Trail - CT
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
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04Cabins & homes near Appalachian Trail - CT
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Trail Shelter and Litchfield Hills Lodging Check
No permits are required for day hiking or using the primitive AT shelters, which operate on a first-come basis. However, boutique inns in Kent and Salisbury require booking months in advance for the October foliage peak. Check the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for seasonal shelter closures or maintenance alerts before starting a multi-day hike.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – June, September – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Appalachian Trail - CT?
Bradley International Airport (BDL) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from BDL to Appalachian Trail - CT?
Roughly 1 h 31 min (about 48 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Appalachian Trail - CT?
No permits are required for day hiking or using the primitive AT shelters, which operate on a first-come basis. However, boutique inns in Kent and Salisbury require booking months in advance for the October foliage peak. Check the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for seasonal shelter closures or maintenance alerts before starting a multi-day hike.
