Hike #969
9/11-9/19/16 Cornwall Bridge to Farmington with Jillane Becker
Unfortunately, the original journal on this hike was again lost by facebook. It was apparently too large and somehow, despite having published it, appeared in drafts and was deleted. It sucks particularly because it was such a long one. Fortunately I can remember quite a lot.
Jillane and I had spent a lot of time backpacking in Pennsylvania. We did a lot of the Mid State Trail and other stuff, but we both wanted to have a look at something completely different.
I'd found out about the extensive Connecticut Blue Blazed Trail System which is administered through the Connecticut Parks and Forests Association rather recently.
I had been doing my series on the Appalachian Trail from New York into Connecticut, and the Mohawk Trail, a former route of the Appalachian Trail, breaks away from the current route on Breadloaf Mountain and descends to the little settlement of Cornwall Bridge. I wanted to continue from there across the entire state, and I had ideas of how this connection could be made using some of the extensive trail system.
This trail system dates back to the thirties as I understand, and some of the conservation land dates back to 1913 with the desire of Alain and May White to preserve the natural settings of central to western Connecticut.
Close to where I had last left off on my Connecticut series was a motel in Cornwall Bridge known as the Hitching Post Country Motel. I got in touch with the place and obtained permission to leave a car there over the next week as we prepared our hike.
Day 1
Jillane and I got a late start driving up on the 11th, but had enough time to wander around and explore before checking in for the night. We got our room, put our stuff down, and then headed out to walk around the Cornwall Bridge area. I wanted to connect with exactly where I had finished the previous hike.
There was once a covered bridge that crossed over the Housatonic River at this point, replaced by a giant multi arch bridge that stands today.
We walked down along the river, beside the Housatonic Railroad track, and checked out stone walls, an old school house with art all around it, and a splendid old railroad station.
We meandered up and across the current Cornwall Bridge, and then down the other side where we checked out a lovely old church. We walked the cemetery, and a path behind the stone wall that skirted it.
The cemetery was situated in an odd circular fashion closer to the church, which was unlike other churches we'd seen like that.
We wandered around the side of the bridge and back across again to the motel to turn in for the night, just as the sun was setting. There were great views of the Housatonic River from the bridge, as well as of Breadloaf Mountain to the west of us.
Day 2
I always get up early, and so I went to talk to the guy at the desk about where exactly to leave the car. He showed me a spot out of the way and told me that was going to be fine.
I had a pretty good feeling about this trip right form the start.
After all, this was a trail I'd never really done before.
The Mohawk Trail had been the official Appalachian Trail route not all that many years ago. I think it was only moved in the 90s or something to remain on the west side of the Housatonic River for a bit.
The trail had moved several times over the years, and used to cross the Housatonic I think on the South Kent Bridge, and then climbed the side of Kent Falls, which is an outstanding waterfall nearby. It then ascended to what is now Mattatuck Trail, and then Mohawk Trail. At some point, it used the current Mohawk Trail route, and then switched again.
We sat on the benches at a little eatery just up the road as we reached the Mohawk Trail route just ahead.
The road was narrow and had no lines, and eventually became abandoned closer to the top. The trail continued along the abandoned road for a time, and then crossed a pleasant little brook, where just uphill from us was the ruins of an old masonry dam.
The trail continued to climb Coltsfoot Mountain parallel with the little stream, which was one hundred percent dry. Not a drop of water could be found just about anywhere, something that would prove very problematic for us later on.
We continued a ways up, and eventually came to Echo Rock, which had a really nice overlook back toward the Housatonic Valley I think it was.
The trail beyond started to descend a bit, and it wasn't very easy. There were spots we had to use hand holds to get down and over some of the rough rocks.
Eventually we made it down to the wetlands of the Furnace Brook. This was a rather large stream, which was an uncommon sight for this trip. We crossed some puncheons and then a very nice footbridge over it. We were sweating from the climbing, but it wasn't terribly hot on this bit.
We skirted the edge of an electric fence as we headed slightly uphill along pastures. We passed some donkeys, and then another enclosure with a horse next to a lovely barn. There was a good view back the way we came of Coltsfoot Mountain that showed just how steep the peak was.
The trail came out into the little town of Cornwall on Jewell Street. There were no businesses here so we couldn't replenish anything or get food, but it was a nice little change.
I knew I would love these trails for how different things were before we ever even started them. This was exactly the type of diversity I love in a hike.
We passed by an old brick building which I found out was likely the old Marvelwood School based on old maps, and passed an old box culvert spring.
I knew I would love these trails for how different things were before we ever even started them. This was exactly the type of diversity I love in a hike.
We passed by an old brick building which I found out was likely the old Marvelwood School based on old maps, and passed an old box culvert spring.
The trail continued out of town along Valley Road, and then turned left onto Essex Hill Road.
Before the trail turned off of the road to the left, Jillane spotted straight ahead a mother Bobcat and several kittens. It was really cool to see them just walking not far in front of us.
The next bit of trail heading uphill from here was through a lovely area known as the Cathedral Pines. Many of these enormous pine trees blew down in a hurricane or something several years ago, but there were still some pretty impressive ones left, especially as we got further in.
We continued to climb Essex Hill to reach Great Hollow Road where the trail turned right.
I was looking for the blazes and couldn't quite see them for sure. I recall meeting the farmer at the turn off who assured us that the trail turned left from the road and into his farm land. He also told us about the draught that was happening, and that usually the stream at the bottom of the hill, which the trail and farm road crossed, was running strong, but was now barely a trickle.
The trail continued up the farm road, and we passed some cows in one of the pastures as we climbed Mohawk Mountain.
Further up, the farm road got to be washed out and the trail meandered a bit more on a stable footpath toward the top. We skirted some of the ski slopes of Mohawk Mountain Ski Area as we ascended, and this afforded us with some pretty nice views over the valley.
We went along some of the tops of the ski areas and reached the northern terminus of the Mattatuck Trail, which would be the next leg of our journey, but not just yet.
The Mattatuck Trail originally went from Mohawk Mountain on the Appalachian Trail (now Mohawk Trail) all the way to Tunxis Trail to the east. Our trajectory would be something like that, although today the Mattatuck Trail no longer is a through route.
There are probably more overnight shelters along the Mohawk Trail than the Mattatuck Trail, and we made use of the first one just ahead.
The Youth Conservation Corps, or YCC Shelter was just a short distance down the trail. It was starting to get dark as we passed by one overlook at Toomey Road, and then reached the shelter.
We set up our tent inside the shelter when no one else was around and had a pretty nice fire to close the day. Jillane made up some ramen or something or other as I recall from our rashions.
Day 3
I woke up early as usual, and then wandered back to the overlook on Toomey Road, which looked pretty nice. I chatted with a guy taking pictures there as I recall, and then went back to pack up. I think one or two people walked by on the trail as we were still there, but mostly it was quiet.
We got back on the trail and headed back the way we came the night before. Pretty soon we were passing by the chairs and ski lifts at the top of the Mohawk Mountain ski area where we took a break and enjoyed the views a bit.
There was an interesting small stone tower base near the tops of the ski lifts that didn't have any cover over it, and I'm not sure what it used to be.
We headed through the woods and back to the intersection with the Mattatuck Trail and started following that to the south. The first part of it appears to be the same as it ever was, and passes by some stone ruins through the woods.
Seymour Cunningham of Litchfield bought the land atop Mohawk Mountain in 1912. He farmed sheep on site, and replanted much of the land decimated through the charcoal making. 73 acres were planted with Red and White Pine.
White Memorial Foundation, which is responsible for much Connecticut park land, acquired the Cunningham tract in 1920, and donated it to the state in 1921.
The tower today is nothing compared to what it was, but at least it’s still open to walk into. There’s a picnic bench and fireplace still inside, but there’s no way to get to the top. It’s obvious where the steps used to be that went up two stories, and there’s bracing for the floors, but nothing else is still in place today.
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We could see where the steps used to continue up to an observation area, but there's no easy or safe way to get up there now.
There was still a picnic bench inside, and metal framework, but they had obviously sabotaged it for "safety" getting to the top. There was also an old water pump out in the weeds. The area was once a nicer state park than it is today, but still not too bad.
We meandered through the woods further, and over a higher point of land known as "the Pinnacle", although there wasn't much to that.
The trail meandered through the woods parallel with the route of Mohawk Mountain Road, and then eventually came out to the unpaved road to follow it to the southern peak of Mohawk Mountain.
There were picnic benches and some great views from that top. We took a break and enjoyed the views, which featured north toward the Berkshires I think, as well as west toward Bear Mountain and the highest point in Connecticut.
There was an old fire tower on this peak, but it was converted to a microwave tower, so there was no climbing up that one.
After our break, we headed into the woods and passed some sort of a stone lined well or something, then made our way steeply down Mohawk Mountain to Washams Road, a nice dirt road. We turned right, then left off of it meandering through woods.
The trail eventually came out along the south side of Mohawk Pond, which was a great stop. It had been getting hot, and we were able to take a dip and clean off pretty well.
Already, we were running low on fluids, which I didn't think would be a huge problem. I always bring extra water, and usually have some gatorades or something filling my pack, but we went through a rather large amount.
There was another group there at the lake and they were nice enough to give us some sippy box drinks.
The trail headed away from Bear Pond on Camp Road, a nice dirt road, and then turned to the left on Great Hill Road, also pleasantly unpaved.
I understand the trail used to go straight across here, but got flooded out by beavers or something, so we had to go left on Great Hill a bit, and then cut into the woods to the right.
This was the start of the upper Shepaug River watershed, which we would be in for a while. The trail went through random woods for a while, and soon we had some open views of the wetlands to the right of us. We could even see the beaver lodge along the trail.
Eventually, the trail picked up the abandoned road that it used to follow before it was inundated with water. It was originally a through road known as Perkins Road that had been closed off.
Another section of this road that used to be part of the trail ahead is now closed, and it is now rerouted to the south a bit through rolling hills and along former pastures. We went along a lot of stone rows and then headed down slope and across a small stream. On the other side, we ascended to reach College Street.
We were starting to run low on water again, and I was going to ask at one of the houses but didn't bother just yet. I thought we might find springs yet for some reason.
We continued ahead on the road past the houses, and then the trail turned to the left on an old gravel road going into the woods to the left into Wyantenock State Forest.
The trail meandered through old pasture lands and along the sides of some really amazing, huge stone walls.
Eventually, we came out to a beautiful old cemetery rather hidden in the woods, close to Great Hollow Road No 1. We paused here to look around for a bit.
We continued south, and the trail came out at Flat Rock Road. At that point, we were about ready to head into the woods again, and we wouldn't be coming out for quite a long time. There were no road crossings at all until we got to below a couple of reservoirs on the Shepaug River.
Just as we were ready to head in, there was a family that came by on a utility vehicle, like a Polaris Ranger or Kowasaki Mule. They offered to get us water from there place so we'd have something to continue on with. This ended up being a pretty huge help. I didn't think it was going to be necessary because my understanding was that the trail was going to be along the reservoirs.
I was totally wrong about what lie ahead. The trail used to go along the edge of the West Branch of the Shepaug River and then the Upper Shepaug Reservoir, but it no longer does. Instead, it climbs the hillside to the right, and was a much tougher trail.
When we got down to the West Branch, the trail crossed, and I could see where an old stone, long and obviously placed, was probably the earlier route of the Mattatuck Trail, but our route took us away from there.
The trail was well built, cut into a hillside much of the time, and went through areas of sharp rocks. Other sections followed a woods road further up the hill. It was getting late and the terrain was rather tough. Jillane slipped in a hole and bruised up her arm a bit, but was okay.
We eventually settled on a camp spot in a rather level area along the woods road and had some more ramen or something Jillane cooked up.
Day 4
We had worked up a pretty good sweat the night before and were feeling pretty gross. The fourth day was really hot, and continuing over the rough terrain wasn't really easy. The trail left the woods road we'd been on and descended a bit into a wet area on rocks, and eventually we came to the Sanders Hill Brook. This was a great little spot because it afforded us the chance to get in the water and freshen up. The water was just deep enough to immerse ourselves and be really enjoyable.
The trail took us from there uphill and over Hardscrabble Road, which is abandoned down toward the reservoir.
We could barely ever even see the reservoir. There was Upper Shepaug Reservoir, which is the newer one I think, and the Shepaug Reservoir downstream, and it was almost never visible.
The trail passed through more woods as a footpath, and then turned into woods roads which was more pleasant walking. We had to cross over one tributary at an old bridge site.
Once again, we were running low on water because it was so hot. When we got to a spring that was flowing much better, we took the chance on filling up. I had water treatment tablets that I used on Jillane's water, and I decided not to bother with any of mine. I'd never had trouble drinking untreated water in the past, so I just went for it.
What I didn't notice was that it flowed directly down stream from a large beaver pond. I didn't think much of it because there were no houses surrounding it. This would come back to bite me later. I don't think until around the end of this trip, when I got the "beaver fever". Giardia. The good news was I dropped probably about twenty pounds after that.
The trail soon came out to Valley Road where we could see a bridge across the Shepaug River. I had considered trying to get over to the old trail route, which would have been some rough terrain, especially where it goes over a couple more peaks, but instead I opted for the road walk that was more direct to the next bit of the trail. Blazes ended at this Valley Road site, and we walked the road to the south.
Along the way, Jillane and I ate some wild grapes we found, and went over an informal path to the Shepaug River where I went in for a dip. I couldn't believe Jillane didn't want to get in that time, but I certainly enjoyed it.
We checked out other Shepaug River sites along the road, along private lands and public lands, passed an old bridge site, and then made our way out to Warren Road at the south end where we turned left. This took us out to the Litchfield Turnpike where we went left across the Shepaug River.
This road becomes Bantam Road just a little further ahead, but remains US Rt 202.
We followed the old highway route, Garland Road, to the left for a bit and passed an old camp style home, then returned to Bantam Road east of Woodboro or something. Mt Tom State Park was on the right side of the highway, but we opted not ot walk into there because it would take us longer on our trajectory and we wanted to get to a hotel for the next night. I hope to do another trip up there that includes Mt Tom.
We did get a view of Mt Tom Pond on the road walk.
We continued walking the road and eventually came to Gooseboro Drive In.
I forget what kind of food I got there, but I do remember it was great. Jillane had a banana split.
The place had an old map hanging up inside that showed the complete route of the Mattatuck Trail as well.
We continued along the road into Bantam, and there was an old factory turned store to the right. The Bantam River went near to the road, but amazingly this river was almost completely dry. It was incredibly odd to see no water running through a river at all.
We went through a little garden park along the river, checked out historic buildings through the settlement and followed a nice sidewalk that stayed away from the road a bit. We also had a look at the cemetery heading through town.
We continued ahead from here along the highway, and I was looking for evidence of the former Shepaug, Litchfield, and Northern Railroad, which at some point went right along the edge of the road. I thought maybe we might try to walk some of that to get to food or something, but we ended up not.
The Butternut Brook was passing beneath the highway, and just after that there was an opening to the left that seemed to have a faded blue blaze. That would have been the old route of the Mattatuck Trail that is now closed. It would only be four miles between trail head sections. Maybe five. Maybe I'll try it one day.
We had to walk along 202 a bit more up the road in a rather boring stretch until we got to the Litchfield Inn.
This would end up being probably the most fancy hotel we had stayed in to date.
I got us a nice room and we headed to it immediately to get cleaned up, which was so terribly needed.
When we got there, it was quite the disappointment to find that there was barely any hot water at all. It almost didn't get warm.
I went back down to the front desk to let them know of the problem, and they gave us a free upgrade! The other room was in a different part of the hotel where we wouldn't have such problems with the hot water. It ended up being a really great place to stay after all of that, and I think we ended up having a fancy dinner in the restaurant inside this one as well. We really had the full experience with the place, and it was some sort of cheese thing like a chicken cordon bleu or something.
We got up in the morning and as I recall enjoyed the breakfast at the Litchfield Inn. I seem to recall getting an omelette with a lot of stuff in it and it was excellent.
Well rested, well showered, we headed out from here back down Rt 202 the way we had come the night before, to the same spot that the old railroad bed came in close to the road. We didn't follow it except for a moment. It was later part of the New Haven system. Maybe one day I'll trace that one too.
We turned on Bissel Road, into the White Memorial Conservation Area in order to get back on the blazed Mattatuck Trail.
This section was an absolute joy to walk. It was absolutely easy. The route was wide, soft ground with no rocks at all.
Water levels were still low in this area, but we walked along what was called the Duck Pond, and turned briefly onto a nice boardwalk section just to have a look, although it wasn't part of the main trail route.
We went back across Bissel Road, and saw a snake in a dry bog area. The trail followed something called Whitehall Road, a dirt road for a bit, alongside the Bantam River which had water in it at this point.
We turned left at an intersection and continued on more of what was Whitehall Road, and that took us out across the river on a nice old pony truss bridge. The trail turned left and then out to Whites Wood Road, where we crossed through more woods and skirted wetlands.
This entire section was just great. Foot path sections had the edges all mowed. Woods sections were very gentle grades and mostly old woods roads.
We crossed Webster Road and passed through woods and natural meadows, where we came close in view to Cranberry Pond.
The trail meandered through some deeper woods and got a little less wide, then went up to cross Litchfield Road. We crossed and headed uphill slightly more, and then passed by the pretty Heron Pond.
The terrain got hillier, but it was still pretty easy old woods roads. We went up a bit and then skirted a hillside with a pond below us known as Plunge Pool.
The Mattatuck Trail continued around a height of land to an outlook of Marsh Pond, but there was a way that was slightly shorter to the left on another of the White Conservation trails that went ahead to Beaver Pond possibly with a tiny bit less uphill, so Jillane decided to take that. I ran with my full pack all the way to Marsh Pond, which was negligible less distance, and then met back up with her at some sort of foundation ruins above the Beaver Pond.
I don't know why Beaver Pond was called Beaver Pond, because it had a significant dam on it made by man rather than beaver.
Well rested, well showered, we headed out from here back down Rt 202 the way we had come the night before, to the same spot that the old railroad bed came in close to the road. We didn't follow it except for a moment. It was later part of the New Haven system. Maybe one day I'll trace that one too.
We turned on Bissel Road, into the White Memorial Conservation Area in order to get back on the blazed Mattatuck Trail.
This section was an absolute joy to walk. It was absolutely easy. The route was wide, soft ground with no rocks at all.
Water levels were still low in this area, but we walked along what was called the Duck Pond, and turned briefly onto a nice boardwalk section just to have a look, although it wasn't part of the main trail route.
We went back across Bissel Road, and saw a snake in a dry bog area. The trail followed something called Whitehall Road, a dirt road for a bit, alongside the Bantam River which had water in it at this point.
We turned left at an intersection and continued on more of what was Whitehall Road, and that took us out across the river on a nice old pony truss bridge. The trail turned left and then out to Whites Wood Road, where we crossed through more woods and skirted wetlands.
This entire section was just great. Foot path sections had the edges all mowed. Woods sections were very gentle grades and mostly old woods roads.
We crossed Webster Road and passed through woods and natural meadows, where we came close in view to Cranberry Pond.
The trail meandered through some deeper woods and got a little less wide, then went up to cross Litchfield Road. We crossed and headed uphill slightly more, and then passed by the pretty Heron Pond.
The terrain got hillier, but it was still pretty easy old woods roads. We went up a bit and then skirted a hillside with a pond below us known as Plunge Pool.
The Mattatuck Trail continued around a height of land to an outlook of Marsh Pond, but there was a way that was slightly shorter to the left on another of the White Conservation trails that went ahead to Beaver Pond possibly with a tiny bit less uphill, so Jillane decided to take that. I ran with my full pack all the way to Marsh Pond, which was negligible less distance, and then met back up with her at some sort of foundation ruins above the Beaver Pond.
I don't know why Beaver Pond was called Beaver Pond, because it had a significant dam on it made by man rather than beaver.
There was a terrific rock outcrop between two segments of dam with a good deep spot in it, so I took the opportunity to take a swim. We hadn't sweat that bad since starting, but this was pretty well into the day and it made me feel quite refreshed again.
While well worn, the trail beyond Beaver Pond became more of just a foot path than woods road again.
It was a really nice section that wasn't all too terribly rocky.
The trail went up and down through a tiny valley and across Slab Meadow Road, then stayed basically along the height of the land high above the Pitch Reservoir, which I don't recall ever coming into view.
The trail continued above both the Pitch Reservoir and the Morris Reservoir.
After a while, the trail picked up some sort of weird berm. It looked almost like a canal towpath, and there was even a trench to our right that looked like a canal. The problem was, what would have been the waterway continued to descend as did the walkway berm.
I've checked all of the historic USGS maps of the area and could find nothing on this area. I could also find nothing on it on any online resources about hiking the area. It's also not mentioned in the Connecticut Walk Book.
My best guess about whatever this is, is that there was once a pond on the Slab Meadow Brook above, and that water may have been redirected onto this route to get down to some sort of mill or works. I still don't really know.
When we reached the Slab Meadow Brook, the trail turned left to follow it downhill to along Pitch Road. We could briefly see Morris Reservoir here. We came out to Pitch Road and reached Thomaston Road.
We crossed the road and then skirted the Morris Brook.
The next weird thing that came about on the next section of the trail was framed poetry. It started off with Walt Whitman's "Dalliance of the Eagles".
This segment of trail remained on the high land, here above the Wigwam Reservoir.
It was getting dark fast, and we had to figure out a spot to camp. We fortunately found a spot with a tiny bit of water near what was supposed to be a little waterfall. Nothing on it at this time though save for some collected water we could use from small pools.
It was a really nice section that wasn't all too terribly rocky.
The trail went up and down through a tiny valley and across Slab Meadow Road, then stayed basically along the height of the land high above the Pitch Reservoir, which I don't recall ever coming into view.
The trail continued above both the Pitch Reservoir and the Morris Reservoir.
After a while, the trail picked up some sort of weird berm. It looked almost like a canal towpath, and there was even a trench to our right that looked like a canal. The problem was, what would have been the waterway continued to descend as did the walkway berm.
I've checked all of the historic USGS maps of the area and could find nothing on this area. I could also find nothing on it on any online resources about hiking the area. It's also not mentioned in the Connecticut Walk Book.
My best guess about whatever this is, is that there was once a pond on the Slab Meadow Brook above, and that water may have been redirected onto this route to get down to some sort of mill or works. I still don't really know.
When we reached the Slab Meadow Brook, the trail turned left to follow it downhill to along Pitch Road. We could briefly see Morris Reservoir here. We came out to Pitch Road and reached Thomaston Road.
We crossed the road and then skirted the Morris Brook.
The next weird thing that came about on the next section of the trail was framed poetry. It started off with Walt Whitman's "Dalliance of the Eagles".
This segment of trail remained on the high land, here above the Wigwam Reservoir.
It was getting dark fast, and we had to figure out a spot to camp. We fortunately found a spot with a tiny bit of water near what was supposed to be a little waterfall. Nothing on it at this time though save for some collected water we could use from small pools.
We set up camp with enough time just before dark to have a really great little campfire. Jillane prepared for us two different types of ramen which was a treat after another long day.
Day 6
We woke up and continued on the trail down past the mostly dry waterfall, which was called Buttermilk Falls. There are far too many waterfalls by that name.
Once across the stream below, we climbed once again and reached Gilbert Road, which went by some holding ponds above the Wigwam Reservoir.
We walked the road a bit, and then cut into the woods again to the left. More framed poetry followed in the woods filled with old stone rows. Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, and Dylan Thomas followed Whitman's lead, and some had more than one submission to the trail collection.
The trail meandered through some old pastures and then descended rather steeply through some impressive rocky sections and crossed over the Fern Brook.
Once across the stream below, we climbed once again and reached Gilbert Road, which went by some holding ponds above the Wigwam Reservoir.
We walked the road a bit, and then cut into the woods again to the left. More framed poetry followed in the woods filled with old stone rows. Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, and Dylan Thomas followed Whitman's lead, and some had more than one submission to the trail collection.
The trail meandered through some old pastures and then descended rather steeply through some impressive rocky sections and crossed over the Fern Brook.
There were a couple of slight views to Wigwam Reservoir, and we descended to cross abandoned Northfield Road. On the other side, the trail ascended and had some ups and downs, over a power line, and into Black Rock State Park.
The terrain was harder than the previous day because there was so much up and down, but it was quite pretty.
Jillane didn't want to go on, and when I'd get slightly ahead she'd stop and not walk. I'd have to keep going back for her, and we were losing time really fast.
We left the Mattatuck Trail even though I really badly wanted to see Black Rock itself, and we took the red trail which leads down to an easier route into the main part of Black Rock State Park. This took us past an old quarry site and then down to Black Rock Pond. We crossed the pond on a very nice foot bridge and took a little break in the park.
From here, a branch of the Mattatuck Trail, the Branch Brook Trail, follows an old trolley line from the entrance of the park east back to the next bit of Mattatuck Trail about a mile away. I knew this would provide us with a pretty easy route to go.
Unfortunately, by going this way we would end up missing the Leatherman's Cave and another overlook I'd wanted to see, but we would have to come back and catch that on a future hike.
The terrain was harder than the previous day because there was so much up and down, but it was quite pretty.
Jillane didn't want to go on, and when I'd get slightly ahead she'd stop and not walk. I'd have to keep going back for her, and we were losing time really fast.
We left the Mattatuck Trail even though I really badly wanted to see Black Rock itself, and we took the red trail which leads down to an easier route into the main part of Black Rock State Park. This took us past an old quarry site and then down to Black Rock Pond. We crossed the pond on a very nice foot bridge and took a little break in the park.
From here, a branch of the Mattatuck Trail, the Branch Brook Trail, follows an old trolley line from the entrance of the park east back to the next bit of Mattatuck Trail about a mile away. I knew this would provide us with a pretty easy route to go.
Unfortunately, by going this way we would end up missing the Leatherman's Cave and another overlook I'd wanted to see, but we would have to come back and catch that on a future hike.
We left the main park area and crossed over Thomaston Road to the trolley bed, which was pretty nice. It followed beside the Branch Brook, which was amazingly completely dry. We went along a shelf or through cuts along the dry creek to the east until we reached the Mattatuck Trail again. From there, we continued east and passed beneath Route 8. The trail then turned hard left to cross Branch Brook with no bridge and ascend to York Road.
After York Road, we continued north on Reynolds Bridge road to the bridge of the same name and turned right to cross the Naugatuck River. This one wasn't dry and was quite pretty.
After York Road, we continued north on Reynolds Bridge road to the bridge of the same name and turned right to cross the Naugatuck River. This one wasn't dry and was quite pretty.
Pretty soon after reaching the other side of the bridge and turning right, the trail cut off to the left, uphill above the road. I knew the trail would come back to the road once we got to West Hill Road, so I told Jillane she could stay down and walk the road if she wanted a break.
I was just above her, and the trail went very steeply up the embankment to a height of land, and then remained uphill to skirt the back of a quarry that was actively working, equipment all parked with flags flown for the recent 911, and the trail reached Hill Road and descended back to Waterbury Road.
We walked this south a little ways more, past more quarries until eventually the trail turned to the left uphill steeply once more.
There was no avoiding this one. It was rocky and rather uneven in terrain. It was steep with very little switchback about any of it. We were entering Mattatuck State Forest, and it was only a narrow swath of land they had to work with while putting the trail in, so it had to go right up.
I was just above her, and the trail went very steeply up the embankment to a height of land, and then remained uphill to skirt the back of a quarry that was actively working, equipment all parked with flags flown for the recent 911, and the trail reached Hill Road and descended back to Waterbury Road.
We walked this south a little ways more, past more quarries until eventually the trail turned to the left uphill steeply once more.
There was no avoiding this one. It was rocky and rather uneven in terrain. It was steep with very little switchback about any of it. We were entering Mattatuck State Forest, and it was only a narrow swath of land they had to work with while putting the trail in, so it had to go right up.
It was getting rather late in the day, but we had to press on. The trail descended a bit past the overlook, and meandered around some rock outcroppings, then reached an old woods road at the foundation of a former house. There were artifacts and such sitting around from the runs.
The trail continued on the abandoned road before finally emerging on Carter Road. It turned left there, and then went to the right on Wilton Road next to Wilton Pond.
We continued up on this road as the sun was just starting to go down.
The trail turned left on South Street for a bit, then to the right into more of Mattatuck State Forest above Brophy Pond.
This was a bit rougher to try to figure our way through because although the trail as blazed, there was a ton of ATV use all over through the area. Nonetheless, we continued to make our way through the woods, and then out to Todd Hollow. A side trail went right, but we had to stay on the main route to the north in order to get out to Keegan Road.
I had wanted to try to continue on the Mattatuck Trail, and then use the Town Hill Connector Trail to head north toward Terryville where we would get a motel room.
It was too dark when we got to Keegan. We had to cut off of the Mattatuck Trail there.
I had wanted to follow it all the way through, but the problem was it no longer connects with the Tunxis Trail. The Tunxis used to join at a point called the Grand Junction where many of their trails came together. I'd try to figure that out one day, but this time wasn't it, nor was it the best way to get across the state.
We turned left after crossing Todd Hollow Brook on Keegan Road, and went right uphill on Scott Road. We then turned right again on Cross Road, which led us to Town Hill Road. We turned left there.
We passed by the Terryville Fairgrounds in the dark, and eventually reached Rt 6 to the north, Main Street into Terryville. We turned right here and in a short distance came to the Plymouth Motor Lodge for the night.
We got the room with the heart shaped hot tub, which I thought would be very relaxing. It ended up being our launry machine. Jillane took down curtain rods or something to clean the clothing we'd brought in the hot tub.
We had some dinner at an Italian place close by, which I guess was Spiga Pizza unless it changed hands since then. We had some good dinners, and we could restock on other stuff we needed at the CVS next door.
Day 7
I got up early as always, and I believe I got something for breakfast for us at one of the stores close by.
We started walking from there and along the highway to the east a bit, in toward the middle of Terryville.
On the left side as we walked, we came upon the historic Eli Terry water wheel from around 1830. It is believed to be one of only two water wheels of its kind in America.
We started walking from there and along the highway to the east a bit, in toward the middle of Terryville.
On the left side as we walked, we came upon the historic Eli Terry water wheel from around 1830. It is believed to be one of only two water wheels of its kind in America.
From the 1830s until 1975, Terryville was a major manufacturer of locks. The first such business started in the 1830s when Eli Terry, a local clock maker, began producing locks. By 1845, over a half a million locks had been made in Terryville.
The wheel provided power for the mill that once stood on the site.
The wheel provided power for the mill that once stood on the site.
As we headed up the road a little bit more, there was a library and/or bookstore on the left and Jillane wanted to stop in.
We went, and it turned out to be the right time to go, because it was the four year anniversary of the place opening, and the little old ladies running the place were so happy to see us that they gave us cupcakes. I said something about being able to fit the cupcakes in my pocket, which they seemed to think was hilarious.
I ate several cupcakes, and they also gave us little miniature bottles of water to bring with us, and I think Jillane got a coffee. The place was called The Booktique.
Just ahead, we passed the Lock Museum, but it wasn't open. It had the old date stone from the actual factory reading 1889 out in front of it.
Just up the street, we walked into Baldwin Park on a corner, where there was large duck statue and signs asking people not to climb on it. The park was probably one of the least fun ever. Aside from the usual no alcoholic beverages allowed and open sunrise to sunset, signs forbade glass bottles, dogs, or ball or game playing.
We turned right on North Main Street and passed Hillside Cemetery, then crossed the Poland River before turning left on Poland Brook Road. We continued here to an entrance to St Mary's Cemetery, where we turned right and walked over the hill and through it.
We came out to Judd Road and turned right, then at the next intersection went left on East Plymouth Road.
This road took us north to the East Plymouth Cemetery, which we took some time to stop and check out.
Adjacent to the cemetery was the old St Matthew's Church, an Episcopal Church completed in 1792. It is the third oldest extant episcopalian structure in Connecticut, although today it is just a private residence and somewhat altered. It still retains the historic character.
We went, and it turned out to be the right time to go, because it was the four year anniversary of the place opening, and the little old ladies running the place were so happy to see us that they gave us cupcakes. I said something about being able to fit the cupcakes in my pocket, which they seemed to think was hilarious.
I ate several cupcakes, and they also gave us little miniature bottles of water to bring with us, and I think Jillane got a coffee. The place was called The Booktique.
Just ahead, we passed the Lock Museum, but it wasn't open. It had the old date stone from the actual factory reading 1889 out in front of it.
Just up the street, we walked into Baldwin Park on a corner, where there was large duck statue and signs asking people not to climb on it. The park was probably one of the least fun ever. Aside from the usual no alcoholic beverages allowed and open sunrise to sunset, signs forbade glass bottles, dogs, or ball or game playing.
We turned right on North Main Street and passed Hillside Cemetery, then crossed the Poland River before turning left on Poland Brook Road. We continued here to an entrance to St Mary's Cemetery, where we turned right and walked over the hill and through it.
We came out to Judd Road and turned right, then at the next intersection went left on East Plymouth Road.
This road took us north to the East Plymouth Cemetery, which we took some time to stop and check out.
Adjacent to the cemetery was the old St Matthew's Church, an Episcopal Church completed in 1792. It is the third oldest extant episcopalian structure in Connecticut, although today it is just a private residence and somewhat altered. It still retains the historic character.
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We continued past the old church, and then turned right briefly on Marsh Road to the edge of Old Marsh Pond, a large reservoir. Here, the Tunxis Trail turns left into the woods along the waterfront.
Tunxis used to continue further south, to the previously mentioned former terminus of the Mattatuck Trail, but for some reason sections were closed. It would be fun to see if I could trace it anyway some time. I'd imagine it is doable.
We continued past the old church, and then turned right briefly on Marsh Road to the edge of Old Marsh Pond, a large reservoir. Here, the Tunxis Trail turns left into the woods along the waterfront.
Tunxis used to continue further south, to the previously mentioned former terminus of the Mattatuck Trail, but for some reason sections were closed. It would be fun to see if I could trace it anyway some time. I'd imagine it is doable.
We continued along the shore with some nice waterfront views, as well as some sorts of stone ruins. The trail was very easy at first, basically just a woods road along the west side of the lake.
We made our way further from the water, and there was another access point off to the left (there was no parking where we went in). As we made our way further we eventually came to the intersection with the Tunxis Yellow Dot Trail which leads off to the right. The 9.4 mile spur of the Tunxis Trail goes over the Mile of Ledges, a popular rock scramble section I wasn't quite prepared for. We opted to go this route, but first we put our packs down to head north just a little bit on the main Tunxis Trail to check out the Tory Den, which was a Revolutionary War era hideaway in rocks.
We made our way further from the water, and there was another access point off to the left (there was no parking where we went in). As we made our way further we eventually came to the intersection with the Tunxis Yellow Dot Trail which leads off to the right. The 9.4 mile spur of the Tunxis Trail goes over the Mile of Ledges, a popular rock scramble section I wasn't quite prepared for. We opted to go this route, but first we put our packs down to head north just a little bit on the main Tunxis Trail to check out the Tory Den, which was a Revolutionary War era hideaway in rocks.
It wasn't as impressive as I thought it might be, but it was a pretty cool side trip anyway.
We returned to our packs and started following the Tunxis Yellow Dot. It wasn't that hard at first, but soon turned into a lot of up and down over terrain just as it described: mile of ledges.
This was really super rocky and required a lot of hand holds. Up and down over rocks, and through rocky clefts just didn't seem to end.
Eventually things got easier, and we reached Country Pond in the Martha Brower Sanctuary, which was much more pleasant.
The trail took us out to Greer Road; thre were a lot of other people hiking this area. We saw more as we got further into the mile of ledges, and more yet when we neared the road.
We turned right on Greer Road to reach the intersection with West Chippens Hill Road. From there, I couldn't figure out what to do.
We walked back and forth up and down the road, and didn't see where the trail was suppose to go across.
I didn't have the guide at the time, and I figured that this section might have been abandoned or something.
Fortunately, a guy came out of his house, and asked "Are you guys looking for the trail? Right down my driveway!".
This was exactly why I love trails like this. It went right down his driveway, past his goats in a fenced area, past a pond, and through his mowed yard before entering the woods once more.
After this easy grass and some fine foot path, we almost expected it to get easier. How could it continue to be as hard as it was after the mile of ledges?
This was really super rocky and required a lot of hand holds. Up and down over rocks, and through rocky clefts just didn't seem to end.
Eventually things got easier, and we reached Country Pond in the Martha Brower Sanctuary, which was much more pleasant.
The trail took us out to Greer Road; thre were a lot of other people hiking this area. We saw more as we got further into the mile of ledges, and more yet when we neared the road.
We turned right on Greer Road to reach the intersection with West Chippens Hill Road. From there, I couldn't figure out what to do.
We walked back and forth up and down the road, and didn't see where the trail was suppose to go across.
I didn't have the guide at the time, and I figured that this section might have been abandoned or something.
Fortunately, a guy came out of his house, and asked "Are you guys looking for the trail? Right down my driveway!".
This was exactly why I love trails like this. It went right down his driveway, past his goats in a fenced area, past a pond, and through his mowed yard before entering the woods once more.
After this easy grass and some fine foot path, we almost expected it to get easier. How could it continue to be as hard as it was after the mile of ledges?
The next bit we came across was actually quite dangerous on the east end. We went up easy on the west end of Chippens Hill, but coming down the east we had to remove our packs to get around one spot. A fall would mean injury or death for sure. I helped Jillane pass hers around the rough spot, but the trail utilized a natural rock cleft to overcome a very steep rock section. It was actually really cool.
The next road crossing was East Chippens Hill Road.
We crossed and entered Sessions Woods Preserve, and went over a lot of puncheons and board walk areas. The trail cut to the north with a short connector going toward a visitor center.
We continued on the main trail which cut to the north and skirted wetlands. We stayed that way until around the intersection with the Tunxis Orange Dot Trail. At that point, it was getting late and we were almost out of daylight. We needed to figure out a place to camp.
We found a pretty nice spot in a flat area on top of mound of land just enough distance off of the trail that it wouldn't be a problem. It was pretty well hidden behind some of the fast changing foliage of maple.
We set up and Jillane prepared more food. I think this was some other kind of package food we got, but I don't quite recall what it was. We had another nice camp fire before getting to sleep. This was the fourth camp fire of this trip, and we were fortunate to be able to have them each night out.
The next road crossing was East Chippens Hill Road.
We crossed and entered Sessions Woods Preserve, and went over a lot of puncheons and board walk areas. The trail cut to the north with a short connector going toward a visitor center.
We continued on the main trail which cut to the north and skirted wetlands. We stayed that way until around the intersection with the Tunxis Orange Dot Trail. At that point, it was getting late and we were almost out of daylight. We needed to figure out a place to camp.
We found a pretty nice spot in a flat area on top of mound of land just enough distance off of the trail that it wouldn't be a problem. It was pretty well hidden behind some of the fast changing foliage of maple.
We set up and Jillane prepared more food. I think this was some other kind of package food we got, but I don't quite recall what it was. We had another nice camp fire before getting to sleep. This was the fourth camp fire of this trip, and we were fortunate to be able to have them each night out.
Day 8
We woke up and packed up, knowing we probably shouldn't have been camping where we were. This was the edge of Sessions Woods, but we didn't have anywhere else to go so late.
We started back on the Tunxis Yellow Dot, and reached the intersection with the orange dot where I talked to a guy associated with the Connecticut Parks and Forests Association, very impressed at what we had been working on. I wish I could remember his name.
We started back on the Tunxis Yellow Dot, and reached the intersection with the orange dot where I talked to a guy associated with the Connecticut Parks and Forests Association, very impressed at what we had been working on. I wish I could remember his name.
The trail led us through more woods as just a foot path and eventually came out to one of the more manicured trails of Sessions Woods. This was a nice crushed stone path that led us out toward their visitor center.
A lot of people were walking the trail in this area, since there is of course very close parking.
We made our way across this area, over Milford Street and Reservoir Road to where the trail became a more simple footpath again. We then turned to the right and crossed Whigville Brook on stones.
We followed the brook, went over an old dam site, and turned onto a wide old road kept open wide by ATVs. At this point, we were in Nassahegan State Forest.
We crossed a four way intersection with the orange dot trail, which is super wide and rutted from ATV use. Everything was like an ATV highway for a bit.
The trail came out and touched the corner of development at a house at the end of Cornwall Road. I figure the route the trail takes through the state forest is the abandoned former route of it.
I lost the trail for a bit here and I remember wandering up and down the road looking for where it cut back in. Eventually we found it and were going up and down over some more rocks again.
It didn't last all that long, and we were descending to an area of descent.
We made our way down and soon came out on Stone Road, a nice dirt road through the state forest.
A lot of people were walking the trail in this area, since there is of course very close parking.
We made our way across this area, over Milford Street and Reservoir Road to where the trail became a more simple footpath again. We then turned to the right and crossed Whigville Brook on stones.
We followed the brook, went over an old dam site, and turned onto a wide old road kept open wide by ATVs. At this point, we were in Nassahegan State Forest.
We crossed a four way intersection with the orange dot trail, which is super wide and rutted from ATV use. Everything was like an ATV highway for a bit.
The trail came out and touched the corner of development at a house at the end of Cornwall Road. I figure the route the trail takes through the state forest is the abandoned former route of it.
I lost the trail for a bit here and I remember wandering up and down the road looking for where it cut back in. Eventually we found it and were going up and down over some more rocks again.
It didn't last all that long, and we were descending to an area of descent.
We made our way down and soon came out on Stone Road, a nice dirt road through the state forest.
Along the road section, there was an old stone ruin to the left with bars in a window. It was like sort sort of jail.
I found out later that it was in fact that. Nassahegan State Forest is one of those parks where people like to apparently claim that they had Civilian Conservation Corps working, when in fact it was really a different Works Progress Administration (WPA) group, the Transient program.
Transient workers would come in and do similar to other WPA groups, but there were stories of the trouble they would get into, such as spending all of their pay on booze, and behing found laying inebriated in the middle of the street. The jail had to be built to haul particularly problematic ones.
I found out later that it was in fact that. Nassahegan State Forest is one of those parks where people like to apparently claim that they had Civilian Conservation Corps working, when in fact it was really a different Works Progress Administration (WPA) group, the Transient program.
Transient workers would come in and do similar to other WPA groups, but there were stories of the trouble they would get into, such as spending all of their pay on booze, and behing found laying inebriated in the middle of the street. The jail had to be built to haul particularly problematic ones.
The trail continued down Stone Road just a bit more, and then turned to the left. There were other trails in the area including the Red Dot, but we'd continue on the yellow dot just a bit more, along a washed out area, past the end of George Washington Turnpike, and then to the intersection with the Punch Brook Trail.
This ended up being a particularly pretty section heading to the north along the brook. We followed it north a bit and turned to the right when Punch Brook went left, onto the Tunxis Red Dot Trail. It continued on the brook for a bit and then emerged on a road called Ryan's Way. It followed the road out to Punch Brook Road, and then went up into the woods to the east.
That trail is supposed to eventually go through, but encroaching development is a problem.
We turned left on Punch Brook Road to the north from here.
There were some pretty old homes and well kept properties out that way. When we got to Rt 4 at the north end we turned right, and for a short time we followed a rather level grade parallel with it that I thought might have been a railroad spur, but I can find no maps supporting this. Just below here along the Farmington River (which was originally called Tunxis River because that was the native name for it), was the site of the Burlington Station on the former New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad. That right of way is now the Farmington River Trail, and would be the next leg of our journey.
This ended up being a particularly pretty section heading to the north along the brook. We followed it north a bit and turned to the right when Punch Brook went left, onto the Tunxis Red Dot Trail. It continued on the brook for a bit and then emerged on a road called Ryan's Way. It followed the road out to Punch Brook Road, and then went up into the woods to the east.
That trail is supposed to eventually go through, but encroaching development is a problem.
We turned left on Punch Brook Road to the north from here.
There were some pretty old homes and well kept properties out that way. When we got to Rt 4 at the north end we turned right, and for a short time we followed a rather level grade parallel with it that I thought might have been a railroad spur, but I can find no maps supporting this. Just below here along the Farmington River (which was originally called Tunxis River because that was the native name for it), was the site of the Burlington Station on the former New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad. That right of way is now the Farmington River Trail, and would be the next leg of our journey.
We reached the right of way and took a break, then began following it south.
The trail was paved, but it was nice enough. This first section was right along the Farmington River in a particularly pretty section. We went down fro a break on it after a little bit of time, and there was even a nice rope swing. We both enjoyed the water a bit, of which there had not been nearly enough on this trip.
The trail went under Collinsville Road, and had some really nice murals. A bit north of Unionville the railroad bed and trail deviated because it would have crossed at an odd angle that isn't quite amenable to pedestrians today. This trail was really done up with specifics.
When we got to Unionville, there were to handsome station buildings. I assume one freight and one passenger. We took a little break there, and I headed down toward some stores to get us some snacks and drinks.
I picked up a box of "Krispy Krunchy" fried chicken, and we pigged out on that while sitting on the pavement by the old depot building.
Jillane had been a vegetariant from when she was way young until somewhat recently, and this was one of the earliest memories of her actually devouring anything meat without apprehension.
We crossed Oak Ridge Road, followed by Coppermine Road past a parking area, and on to Rock Oak Hill Road. There used to be a junction between this branch and the former New Haven and Northampton Railroad, which later became part of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford, and started off as the Farmington Canal. It is now the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, but it's a minsomer in this area because the canal was actually nowhere near it at this point.
There are points where the Farmington Canal Trail was actually built on the towpath or actually in the old Farmington Canal route, but in many places they deviate quite a lot. Never more do they do so than from probably from Simsbury to Milldale. Almost the entire part of the trail they refer to as "Farmington Canal Heritage Trail" was never a canal at all. None of it in the town of Farmington at all touches the canal, and people will argue it to no end.
We headed away from the rail beds on Red Oak Hill Road which has a pedestrian path along it, out to Meadow Road where it continues. There were some nice farm scenes in this stretch, and we could see the rail trail to the south of that point was under construction, not yet opened.
I wasn't familiar with what I was seeing at the time, because had I known, we'd have been off road where a trail skirts the river itself just to the north. The Meadow Road Path wasn't bad though.
We took a break when we got to the Pequabuck River crossing to the east, and at this point was where the Farmington Canal used to pass beneath the road, parallel with the river.
The trail was paved, but it was nice enough. This first section was right along the Farmington River in a particularly pretty section. We went down fro a break on it after a little bit of time, and there was even a nice rope swing. We both enjoyed the water a bit, of which there had not been nearly enough on this trip.
The trail went under Collinsville Road, and had some really nice murals. A bit north of Unionville the railroad bed and trail deviated because it would have crossed at an odd angle that isn't quite amenable to pedestrians today. This trail was really done up with specifics.
When we got to Unionville, there were to handsome station buildings. I assume one freight and one passenger. We took a little break there, and I headed down toward some stores to get us some snacks and drinks.
I picked up a box of "Krispy Krunchy" fried chicken, and we pigged out on that while sitting on the pavement by the old depot building.
Jillane had been a vegetariant from when she was way young until somewhat recently, and this was one of the earliest memories of her actually devouring anything meat without apprehension.
We crossed Oak Ridge Road, followed by Coppermine Road past a parking area, and on to Rock Oak Hill Road. There used to be a junction between this branch and the former New Haven and Northampton Railroad, which later became part of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford, and started off as the Farmington Canal. It is now the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, but it's a minsomer in this area because the canal was actually nowhere near it at this point.
There are points where the Farmington Canal Trail was actually built on the towpath or actually in the old Farmington Canal route, but in many places they deviate quite a lot. Never more do they do so than from probably from Simsbury to Milldale. Almost the entire part of the trail they refer to as "Farmington Canal Heritage Trail" was never a canal at all. None of it in the town of Farmington at all touches the canal, and people will argue it to no end.
We headed away from the rail beds on Red Oak Hill Road which has a pedestrian path along it, out to Meadow Road where it continues. There were some nice farm scenes in this stretch, and we could see the rail trail to the south of that point was under construction, not yet opened.
I wasn't familiar with what I was seeing at the time, because had I known, we'd have been off road where a trail skirts the river itself just to the north. The Meadow Road Path wasn't bad though.
We took a break when we got to the Pequabuck River crossing to the east, and at this point was where the Farmington Canal used to pass beneath the road, parallel with the river.
We turned left on Garden Street, and I'd hoped to get closer to the river. I figured the canal must be over there somehow, but didn't know what to look for.
It was pretty late at this point, and just about dark, so we weren't going to go and venture into the cemetery or anything, which has a level area where the canal used to be in it.
At the end of Garden Street was Farmington Inn and Suites. This would be our last stay in Connecticut for this trip, another rather upscale and very nice establishment.
It was pretty late at this point, and just about dark, so we weren't going to go and venture into the cemetery or anything, which has a level area where the canal used to be in it.
At the end of Garden Street was Farmington Inn and Suites. This would be our last stay in Connecticut for this trip, another rather upscale and very nice establishment.
Day 9
This wasn't much of anything, except maybe a coda to the rest of it. An afterthought, but also a look ahead at what was to come.
I left the room and wandered out to the river. It was raining, and I'd found more about the Farmington Canal and confirmed it was right there somewhere.
I checked the river looking for any signs of slack water navigation or a canal prism next to it somewhere. I later found out that the lower end of the Farmington Inn, right where we were staying, and its parking lot is in fact built on part of the old canal route. This was of course my first experience with the Farmington Canal or New Haven and Northampton Greenway, so I was learning and obsessing as I tend to do, and I'd certainly be back to do a lot more of it.
No one ever loves these hikes more than I do, but I think trips like this are are really special. In retrospect, I think that maybe I've been doing so many cool long trails that it's really hard to compare many others to them. It's been so cool that others will seem pale in comparison.
Everything is unique an amazing in its own way though. It's just a matter of being open to noticing.
I left the room and wandered out to the river. It was raining, and I'd found more about the Farmington Canal and confirmed it was right there somewhere.
I checked the river looking for any signs of slack water navigation or a canal prism next to it somewhere. I later found out that the lower end of the Farmington Inn, right where we were staying, and its parking lot is in fact built on part of the old canal route. This was of course my first experience with the Farmington Canal or New Haven and Northampton Greenway, so I was learning and obsessing as I tend to do, and I'd certainly be back to do a lot more of it.
No one ever loves these hikes more than I do, but I think trips like this are are really special. In retrospect, I think that maybe I've been doing so many cool long trails that it's really hard to compare many others to them. It's been so cool that others will seem pale in comparison.
Everything is unique an amazing in its own way though. It's just a matter of being open to noticing.
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