Quinebaug Trail North Terminus

The Quinebaug Trail‘s north terminus starts just off Rt. 14A heading off on a path cut into thick overgrowth.  Right off the start is an abandoned house on the left long left to collapse now screened off by a massive pine that broke in the December 2022 windstorms.

The trail heads south between twin stonewalls in what must be an old farm before skirting a marshy area and entering an area of tall pines.  After just over a half mile you’ll cross Spaulding Road.  This stretch is lightly traveled winding through largely empty forest for close to a mile.  You’ll then start to overlap with the Pachaug State Forest Enduro Trail, very popular with dirt bikes and ATVs.  The Quinebaug Trail splits off fairly quickly jumping over some fallen trees and I found the blazing at this turn a little lacking but found the way.  The trail here is just old forest roads that work over rough gravel and dirt bike tire tracks down to Locke’s Meadow Pond after 1.5 miles.

I’ve seen reference to Locke’s Meadow Pond as Wildlife Management Area, but given their ever hazy status I’m never sure on accuracy.  I also wonder if Locke’s Meadow turned into the present day pond thanks to beaver activity first or if the rough road at the north end was a man-made dam.

The Quinebuag Trail follows the western edge of the pond but is almost always flooded so you’ll have to climb the bank and work around.  On my last hike I also had to push through the thick growth to avoid another massive puddle as I worked my way south.  Unfortunately, you once again overlap with the Enduro Trail again for a good long while for the next two miles or so until reaching the next section of trail at Hell Hollow.

The one bright spot is the flat rocks off Flat Rock Road which form a low ledge with an ok view south next to a small perched erratic.  Devil’s Den also used to exist in this area, but what remains is no longer worth seeking out.

Heading south: Hell Hollow