Fisherman’s Walk Trail / Fabyan Boat Launch
8 acres in Thompson, CT
Parking: Small lot near 622 Fabyan Rd, North Grosvenor Dale, CT
Trail Map Trails: 0.6 miles Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
The collapsed dam here was interesting to explore but the trails really are geared more towards fishing access than hiking enjoyment. I have not yet paddled this section of the Quinebaug River.
Hiking
There is certainly a 0.5 mile trail here along the river between the boat launch and Quinebaug Road. The trail offers some nice river views and in true fisherman path fashion provides many spots right along the water. The trail follows the water for nearly the entire length before fading away at the back of private property. The trail was unfortunately littered with trash (whether washed up by the river or left by fisherman) and lined with both poison ivy and barberry. While unblazed it was easy to follow with only a few small downed trees to step over.
At the portage area on the other side there are some rough fisherman’s paths as well.
Boating
The Fabyan Boat Launch is a portage spot on the Quinebaug River around the Fabyan Dam traveling 400′ and crossing Fabyan Woodstock Rd. Below the dam it is 5.8 miles of river to the West Thompson Lake.
History:
The Fabyan Dam was built in 1804 to power a carding and felting machine at the mill on site. Between 1821 and 1870, steel axes, tools, and woolen goods were produced here. The Fabyan Mill was severely damaged by the 1938 hurricane and never recovered. In March 1939, a fire destroyed the mill completely.
Links:
Quinebaug River Paddlers Guide
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Last updated September 13th, 2022
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