The Rest

Selden Creek Preserve

Nature Conservancy and Lyme Land Trust Property

394 acres in Lyme, CT

Parking: Shoulder parking near 116 Mitchell Hill Road, Lyme, CT or small lot north of 345 Joshuatown Rd
Lyme, CT

Trail Map

On a bright late-spring day, I headed down the Ravine Trail starting off Mitchell Hill Rd.  The trail is a narrow gulley shaded by pines between private properties.  The trail turns at a marshy beaver pond and starts uphill.  This short climb is bordered by a faint stream coming down the rocks.  At the top of the hill you enter the ravine.  Rock walls on either side direct your course through a fairly wide fern covered climb.  While the trail maps lists this as challenging terrain it certainly leans more moderate.  The ravine gradually narrows and I grabbed the orange connector to the Blue/White trail.  The trail map also lists a blue trail to an overlook which I must have missed.  It was a quick walk either way to Joshuatown Rd.

Crossing the road leads to the Nature Conservancy section of the property.  A small parking area in front of a small field notes the start of the trail.  A kiosk and sign are set off into the woods.  Walking in on the Selden White trail seems to be well traveled and I noticed the large of amount of fallen trees.  The area must have gotten hit by rough weather a few years ago.  The trail comes close to the summit of Observatory Hill but the trail winds between hills.  I knew I was heading to a pair of overlooks and expected a short climb, instead you descend toward the river valley.  First stop was the Selden Blue overlook a narrow trail the heads quite a ways downhill to a short stone cliff with peaceful albeit lackluster views.

Second stop was the white trail’s overlook which is dedicated to Carolie Evans for her work conserving Connecticut’s land.  This overlook is much nicer with a rocky outcrop and wider views of Selden Creek, the marsh, and Selden Neck State Park.  Pines shade the area and a bench provides good seating although I chose the rocks closer to the edge.

From here I made my way back along the Selden Blue trail, crossed back over Joshuatown Rd, and took the orange connector to the purple trail.  The crossing over Whalebone Creek was dry though I’d guess this section of the purple trail is much wetter in early spring.  The trail meandered nicely back to the car for a total hike of 4.5 miles.

History:

Links:

The Nature Conservancy  – Selden Creek Preserve

Peter Marteka – Take A Hike Along Ravine Trail, Visit Selden Creek Preserve

Kristen Stodolski – The Ravine Trail a Popular Hike

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Last updated May 26, 2019

Mamacoke Island

Connecticut College Arboretum Property

40.5 acres in Waterford, CT

Parking: Small pull off near 44 Benham Ave Quaker Hill, CT

Trail Map 

There is a map of trails near Connecticut College

This bedrock knob is a “tidal island” that is connected to the mainland by an unditched tidal marsh.  Only during periods of high flooding does it become a true island.  This area is used mainly for its educational opportunities by Connecticut College and the trails here appear to be rough and sparsely maintained.  While open to the public, the Connecticut College Arboretum has specific rules regarding the use of its natural land. These guidelines include:

• NO jogging, organized sports, biking, camping, hunting, creating fires or driving vehicles within the Arboretum, as these activities are damaging to the ecology of the landscape.
• Dogs must be leashed at all times. Owners are responsible for removal and disposal of their dogs’ wastes. Bags are provided at the entrance to the Native Plant Collection on Williams Street.
• Don’t disturb or remove plant labels, they are used to educate the public and are essential for tracking specific trees throughout their lives.
• Don’t remove plant material without permission from the Arboretum office.
• Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the Arboretum.

History:

Links:

Mamacoke Island Geology Tour

CT Audobon – Mamacoke Island

Peter Marteka – Mamacoke Island In Waterford: Paradise On The Thames

Auntie Beak’s Place – Mamacoke Island

Rock Climb Mamacoke Island – do everything you can to keep Connecticut College’s indifferent opinion on climbers, picking up what you bring in and not disturbing local ecology will help this area remain open for all to enjoy

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Last updated Jan. 20, 2019

Tri State Marker West

at the Border of New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut

in Salisbury, CT

Parking: Three small pull-offs at the CT/MA border Mt Washington Rd, Salisbury, CT

Trail Map

The above hike was tracked in reverse starting at the tri-state border marker heading back towards the trailhead on Mt Washington Rd.

Please excuse the marker, the map refuses to display the proper coordinates!

From the trailhead, the trail follows the CT/MA border up Round Mountain to within sight of the summit of Mt Frissel.  Then a quick descent around the slope for a total of 1.25 miles to the CT highpoint. The high has a couple steep scrambles but is easy enough and straightforward to follow the red blazes.  The red-blazed trail is a 5.4 mile loop, but most people seem to skip the rest of it (I did since I tacked this hike on at the end of my six-day road trip to the highest summit in each New England state).

The trail can be accessed from nearby Bear Mountain.  Taking the Undermountain Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then taking the left fork at the sign marked “Trail” there should be another sign stating “Bear Mtn Rd” which is confusing but the correct direction.  This trail splits again in another .6 miles, but both lead to Mt Washington Rd.  The trail is opposite the CT/MA border granite pillar.

From the CT Highpoint it is about a quarter mile down to the tri-state marker for a total of 1.56 miles.  The area is heavily forested and there is a small rocky clearing around the stone pillar.  Both NY and MASS are marked, but CONN is not likely due to some ongoing border dispute.  The pillar is 3’9″ tall.

History:

Steve at CTMQ has a great write up of the border dispute in the link below.

Links:

Highpointers – #35 CT-MA-NY

Steve at CTMQ – CT-NY-MA Tri-Point

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Last updated Jan. 10, 2019

Tri State Marker East

at the Border of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut

in Thompson, CT

Parking: Small lot near 649 E Thompson Rd Thompson, CT

Trail Map

This eastern tri state marker (the other is west on the border with NY) is a short jaunt up the Airline Trail as it leaves the state into Massachusett’s Douglas State Forest.  From the parking lot, the trail is the standard wide sandy path now similar to nearly the entire length of the Airline.  You’ll soon pass under a decaying wooden bridge which leads to nearby Hermit Cave.  I’ll be back soon to write more about these though you can find plenty of information elsewhere.

Past the bridge you’ll cross Rocky Brook though the trail is so high here you likely won’t notice.  A trail will head off to the right and this can be taken to reach the marker albeit with a steeper uphill climb.  Instead continue down the trail to the with Mass. and there will be a sign indicating the access trail to the tri-point.  Just in the woods is a border marker for CT/MA.  The narrow trail is hilly and rocky which is welcome (for me at least) after the flat Airline.  A small gravel clearing holds the pillar for the three states RI, MA, and CT are marked on their respective sides.  However, there is a border dispute that continues to the present day.

History:

Links:

Peter Marteka – A Journey To A Place Where Three States Meet

Steve at CTMQ – CT-MA-RI Tri Point

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Last updated Jan. 9, 2019

Ragged Mountain Preserve

620 acres in Berlin, CT

Parking: Shoulder parking near 437 West Ln, Berlin, CT

Trail Map

How does one cover a place as popular as Ragged Mountain?  First, we cover the highlights:  Rugged (and ragged) trails over rock formations, ridgeline overlooks, rich rock climbing history, and two miles of the New England Trail.

Ragged Mountain is one of the places I see recommended over and over as a great hiking spot in Connecticut.  I’ve been twice.  Once in early winter chill and once in late winter snow.  The first time I attempted to do the full blue/red loop but was quickly thwarted by a river bulging with snowmelt and no way to cross.  So instead I’ve hiked the blue/orange trail up to the Metacomet and then south to the overlooks.  The trail descends through gaps in rock outcrops, passes “vernal” pools, and then roughly follows the ridgeline near Wassel Reservoir.

I am to update this section with a more complete write up of the geologic makeup of the Metacomet Ridge, but for now, the overlooks are a visual appeal with views over Southington and the Hanging Hills of Meridan.

The return trip has some of the most dramatic sections of trail with narrow ledge bypasses and steep descents.  Where the Metacomet splits off with the blue/red trail there is a popular climbing spot and memorial for Darin Jensen a climber who died on the nearby face.  Rock climbing here is maintained by the Ragged Mountain Foundation who’s dedicated work keeps the area open for climbers and hikers alike.  In this section, you’ll often see climbers carrying their crash pads over to one of the popular rock faces.

History:

Ragged Mountain has been a hiking location since at least the early 1900s.  A plaque dedicates the Preserve to the late Maurice Stanley, who “enjoyed the quiet of these hills.”

Links:

Ragged Mountain Foundation – Conservation Crew

Harry White – The Traprock Wilderness Recovery Strategy

Peter Marteka – Ragged Mountain Way

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Last updated Jan. 6, 2019

Buckingham Reservoir

Manchester Water Department Passive Recreation

Unknown acres in Glastonbury, CT

Parking: Small lot near 1 Coop Rd, Glastonbury, CT

Trail Map

Buckingham Reservoir is not to be confused with nearby Buckingham Park though the two are not at all similar.

The reservoir is a dizzying network of trails.  The main loop, which starts at the end of Coop Rd, is fairly easy to follow as it is the widest trail option and does a five-mile loop.  The main viewpoint of the reservoir is the dam along the southwestern side.  The reservoir is on the small side at about 30 acres and is surrounded by pine forest.  The main loop is only within view of the reservoir at this section along the dam the rest traverses varied environments around it.  The remains of bridges cross Roaring Brook and another unnamed stream which requires careful balance on the iron cross beams.  The rest is fairly easy (though sometimes wet) hiking.

There are many mountain bike singletrack trails (I’m not sure they’re specifically permitted) that spiderweb across the property.  Most are unmarked but easy enough to follow.  Hikers do complain that the lack of marks makes route finding difficult and on my own recent trail run, at the far end of the loop I was unsure which trail was the best route back towards the parking area.  But, several ‘best guesses’ later brought me back.

Many trails head north through the Edmund Gorman Open Space to Case Mountain.  This means that hikes of 10+ miles are easy to create here as well as shorter explorations to the water and back.

History:

It has been a water department property since at least the early 1950s, but I’m not sure when it was opened to recreation.  Coop Rd which ran through the property was open through the early 1980s, but has long since been abandoned.

Links:

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Last updated Jan. 2, 2019

Westfield Falls

Middletown Property

3.3 acres in Middletown, CT

Parking: Shoulder parking near 344 Miner St Middletown, CT

Trail Map

Nature and civilization clash at Westfield Falls.  What should be a secluded gem is bordered by I-91, a manufacturing plant, and a golf course.  The trap rock surroundings are riddled with graffiti and the paths are littered with trash.

Thankfully all it takes is a bit of narrowed focus to appreciate this waterfall.  Split into two (or sometimes 3) sections Fall Brook descends at strange angles to a horsetail on the left and a plunge on the right.  The two rejoin downstream which creates a great area to wander and explore.  The established paths are to the top and bottom of the falls, which seems to be enough for most.

There isn’t a lot of hope for what should be a charming gorge.  It is drowned out by traffic and hemmed in on all sides.  Despite this, it’s still highly recommended by everyone who visits, but I think all would agree we haven’t done it justice.

History:

Turn of the century view of Westfield Falls and Gorge from the Connecticut Quarterly Vol. I 1895 pg. 318

Links:

Waterfalls of New England – Westfield Falls

Steve at CTMQ – Westfield Falls

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Last updated Dec. 4, 2018

Connecticut’s Highest Point

State High Point

in Salisbury, CT

Parking: Three small pull-offs at the CT/MA border Mt Washington Rd, Salisbury, CT

Trail Map

The above hike was tracked in reverse starting at the tri-state border marker heading back towards the trailhead on Mt Washington Rd.

Much written about and often visited, Connecticut’s highest point is a patch of rock on the southern slope of Mt. Frissel.  Below are the points listed on just about every information page:

• 2,380 feet above sea level
• Bear Mtn is only the highest summit in the state, but falsely marked as the highest ground
• It is one of two state highpoints that isn’t a summit (the other is in Nevada)
• Nice views from Round Mountain
• No signs at the trailhead other than “AMC Parking”
• The trail is overgrown in spots

From the trailhead, the trail follows the CT/MA border up Round Mountain to within sight of the summit of Mt Frissel.  Then a quick descent around the slope for a total of 1.25 miles to the CT highpoint.  The trail has a couple steep scrambles but is easy enough and straightforward to follow the red blazes.  The red-blazed trail is a 5.4 mile loop, but most people seem to skip the rest of it (I did since I tacked this hike on at the end of my six-day road trip to the highest summit in each New England state).

The trail can be accessed from nearby Bear Mountain.  Taking the Undermountain Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then taking the left fork at the sign marked “Trail” there should be another sign stating “Bear Mtn Rd” which is confusing but the correct direction.  This trail splits again in another .6 miles, but both lead to Mt Washington Rd.  The trail is opposite the CT/MA border granite pillar.

History:

Links:

Steve at CTMQ – Connecticut: Mt. Frissel

Highpointer’s Club

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Last updated Oct. 8, 2018

Will Warren’s Den

Connecticut Historical Landmark

Off the Metacomet Trail in Farmington, CT

Parking: Closest official parking is near 168 Colt Hwy, Farmington, CT

Trail Map

Just over a mile from Rt. 6 heading south on the Metacomet is Will Warren’s Den.  The hike in is relatively easy though it heads uphill most of the way.  The trails runs right into the lower entrance to the cave and a small bronze plaque that dedicates the site reads, “Will Warren’s Den Given to the town of Farmington by William Steele Wadsworth. Lifetime Resident of Farmington. June 1987”  The cave is formed by massive traprock boulders that piled together creating the den within.

Though there are many personal accounts of people belly-climbing into the cave’s lower entrance it seemed much too filled in to attempt.  Instead, I walked around the backside of the boulders and climbed down into the cave.  A narrow gap between the boulders drops about 15ft and a thick branch has been wedged in place to aid those adventurous enough to use it.  The cave is largely empty with a chamber that narrows down to the lower entrance.  Right behind the entrance branch is a large column that can be crouched around.  A geocache of sorts is lying on the ground and there are a few broken bottles of old glass.

History:

The legend is best told by Jennifer Lawton Schloat:

The tale usually begins with Will Warren breaking the Sabbath by fishing in the Farmington River on a Sunday. For this offense, he was tied to the Farmington whipping post and scourged. In retaliation, Warren set fire to a barn and then fled the scene headed towards New Britain. The men of Farmington pursued him, assisted by bloodhounds. As night fell, Will Warren became lost in the woods and ended-up running in circles. With the rising of the sun, he found himself on a high hill, looking down on the village of Farmington. He saw the angry citizens gathered below. Next Will heard the howl of the dogs. As he fled the dogs and Congregationalists he met two “squaws”. He told these Indian women his story. “One of the squaws seized him in her arms and ran, and never stopped until she had deposited him in his cave.” Thus the bloodhounds came to a standstill where Warren’s scent was lost. The men gave-up their search and allowed Will Warren to live-out the remainder of his life on Rattlesnake Mountain as a hermit, possibly with a Native American wife. For years after Warren fled his hunters, the citizens of the town would say, “blame it on Will Warren,” whenever sheep were lost in Farmington. The reason for Warren’s presence in Farmington is still shrouded in mystery.

Links:

Peter Marteka – There’s History, Legend At Will Warren’s Den

Steve at CTMQ – Will Warren’s Den

Digital Farmington Blog – Hiking to Connecticut’s Historic Hermit Havens

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.

Wyllys Falls

Connecticut Waterfall

in Manchester, CT

Parking: Shoulder parking near 569 Spring St Manchester, CT

Trail Map

Wyllys Falls can be accessed through the half-acre lot donated to the Manchester Land Trust by Hayden Griswold Jr in 1985.  There is a winding overgrown path to a steep slope to Birch Mountain Brook.  The edges of the brook are overgrown as well, but crossing to other side presents a clear path.  A fallen tree over the brook worked as my bridge.  From there it’s an easy walk upstream to the falls.  Along the way you’ll likely see concrete and iron objects that likely washed down from the dam that once stood above the falls, but burst in the 1980s.

The falls were running strong after two weeks of intermittent rain.  The waterfall splits right from the top with a wider fan on the left and a narrow horsetail on the right.  The base is a shallow pool that is ringed with fallen trees and accumulated ruffage.  Modern accounts put the height of the falls at 40ft, but a great description from the early 1800s says,

“Here the stream falls sixty-five feet over the rocks into the valley below, grass covered, and enclosed for some distance by wooded bluffs – a miniature Yosemite- admired by all observers.”

The falls do seem to fall within property owned by those who lease to First Student and Highland Manufacturing so always practice Leave No Trace and in fact pick, up some of the trash that the brook washes down!

History:

The falls are named for Ephraim Wyllys who owned the property and the Manchester Copper Mine in the early 1800s.

Links:

Waterfalls of New England – Wyllys Falls

Jacobson, Charles E. (1968), Wyllys Copper Mine. Privately published.

Peter Marteka – Secluded Waterfall One Of State’s Largest

Steve at CTMQ – Wyllys Falls

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.