Hubbard Park: Castle Craig

Hubbard Park: Castle Craig

Meriden Town Park

1,800 acres in Meriden, CT

Parking: Year round lot near 999 W Main St, Meriden, CT or drive up to the tower May 1st through October 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m at Peak Dr, Meriden, CT

Trail Map          Mobile Trail Map       Trails: 10 miles     Rating: ★★★★★

Among the Hanging Hills of Meridan sits Hubbard Park and atop its ridge sits Castle Craig.  This park has impressive views, miles of trails, and one of Connecticut’s stone observation towers.

Hiking

All my hikes have begun from the small lot next to Mirror Lake taking the red trail, crossing the 691 overpass, and climbing up to the tower.  The shortest route is about 1.2 miles up to the tower and although there is a good amount of elevation gain with a steep loose rock slope in one stretch but the reward of the tower view is worth it.  Of course you could drive up to the tower May 1st through October 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m for the easiest option.

The park has a 3 mile section of the Metacomet Trail.

Other highlights include the white trail down to Halfway House (also known as the Fairview Observatory), Merrimere Reservoir with its Mine Island, and the overlooks from East and West Peak.

What’s Nearby:

• Kinsmen Brewing
• Ted’s Restaurant (Original steamed hamburgers)
• Cheshire Coffee

History:

Preserved in 1900. The best version is currently on the town’s website here.

Links:

• Peter Marteka – A Meriden Peak With A Giant Autumn View Of Three States (2012)
• Peter Marteka – Ditch The Car; Hike To Castle Craig (2009)
• CTMQ – Castle Craig (2007)
• Scenes From the Trail – Castle Craig Loop – Hubbard Park

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Last updated August 14th, 2022